Connection Circles (also known as covenant groups) comprise 6-12 people who covenant (have written, agreed-upon guidelines for how the group will work) to meet regularly over a three-month period in order to build relationships, grow spiritually, and provide service to the congregation and the community.  The covenant provides a framework for the organization of the group; how members will interact with one another, what the commitment means, and the basic logistics of the meeting.  Groups meet for 1 ½ hours.  Each group follows a similar format including: an opening, check-in, content (experiencing, learning, discussion, planning, action, reflection), check-out, and closing.  Groups are facilitated by trained leaders.