 How has the group changed
the lives of group members?
In general, we have a deeper faith and greater understanding of how our faith is relevant in our daily lives. As a result, it influences our decisions and interactions with others on a daily basis. We are more comfortable asking questions of ourselves and one another about our faith, beliefs, and understanding of Scripture. We have a stronger connection to our church, as evidenced by our level of involvement.
We have developed strong, familial type bonds with one another. We enjoy our time together each week and genuinely care for and love one another. We celebrate our group's anniversary each year with Communion and dinner at a local restaurant.
In seven years, we have been through a lot together. We have comforted and supported one another during sad and difficult times: stressful situations at
work; illnesses of our own or of loved ones; changes and difficulties in our personal lives or families; deaths of loved ones. We have also celebrated the joys we have experienced: graduations of children from high school and college; engagements and weddings of children; accomplishments of a personal goal; births and baptisms of children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Through all of these things, we draw love, support, encouragement, comfort, strength, faith, and confidence from the other members of our group.
Following are personal statements from each member
of our group.
Covenant Discipleship has provided for me a group in which I can share my personal faith struggles and find sympathy, support, and encouragement. Often the suggestions that the group has given me have helped me grow in faith and in the practice of Christian discipleship. In particular, I have grown in my understanding of the power of praying for enemies. — Jenny
It is a transformation that is not complete. The Covenant Discipleship Group presses me to grow in areas of discipleship I wouldn't have thought much about. — Jim
My decision to go to UCC Wisconsin Conference Lay Academy was because of this group. I would not have done it if not for these people. — Joan
The Covenant Discipleship Group has helped me grow in ways I would not have imagined. I have a deeper understanding of the relevance my faith has in my daily life and the responsibilities that go along with being a follower of Christ. This growth led me to participate in a two-week reverse mission trip to Haiti. That trip also changed my life in surprising ways. One was my decision to have children — now my husband and I are blessed to have two wonderful little boys. — Lori
Covenant Discipleship helps me examine my faith and look at what I was taught. It helps me to deepen my faith. — Kari
Covenant Disciples makes me look at my faith more closely on a daily basis. — Roy
Read "A Covenant from Saron United Church of Christ, Sheboygan Falls, WI."
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