Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church

Small Group Covenant

Welcome to Rising at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church. Congratulations on your desire to grow deeper in your relationship with God through this weekly study and the relationships that will begin in this Rising Group.

As a member of this group, you will be asked to enter into a covenant with the other members to make this Rising Group a priority. To be a part of the group, you are asked to make the following commitments:

1. I will make this group a priority by attending each week, keeping up with my assignments and

participating openly in group discussion.

2. I will regularly attend Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church services and contribute to the ministry

of the church through my attendance, giving, service, and inviting of others.

3. I will strive to build authentic relationships with those in this group by showing care, providing encouragement and praying for their needs.

4. I will serve together with my group once during the semester and will play together with my

group at least once.

5. I will explore honestly my next steps for spiritual growth.

Confidentiality:

Rising is an effort to help people with real issues they face that include their personal and

spiritual information. Confidentiality in small groups must be maintained because it makes honest and open sharing possible.

I acknowledge that keeping confidentiality means that group members promise not to pass on personal or private information, whether is it shared during or between group meetings, without the permission of the person who shared the information.

I recognize the fact that I may hear sensitive stories dealing with serious issues of a personal nature. I also understand this confidentiality is for my benefit as well so that I can feel safe enough to be authentic with those around me.

By signing, I agree to keep all information heard at Rising Groups meetings completely confidential. I fully recognize the only exceptions to breaking confidentiality would be if I have reason to believe someone is in danger of committing suicide, or abusing or harming another person, or information is necessary for church management. I pledge to alert the police, my group leader, rector, and possibly other authorities should the need arise.