The Summer 2001 issue of CDQ described the Service of Communion and Recognition for CD Groups at Wesley Theological Seminary. Cheryl Mercer, who gave the message, describes below how discovering their differences and similarities enabled them to write their covenant and watch over each other in love.

It was an experience for which I was not prepared. We were a group of individuals who appeared to have very little in common; different denominations, different ages, married, single, divorced, male, female, parents, some not parents, part-time students, full-time students, white, black, some who were on the ministerial staff of their respective churches, and some who have never preached a sermon. "Didn't our professors know that we all had those real heavy courses we were required to take?" I wondered. Didn't they know that I don't like talking to people in small circles and telling my business?

As the weeks went by, we discovered some very identifiable traits that would personify us as a group, and it would be those traits that consistently brought us through discussing and sharing some very personal views and convictions.

1. We found humor in so much of our shared life experiences.
2. Vulnerability . . . we found that each of us had places that were untouchable. We exposed ourselves.
3. We prayed and fasted collectively for God's intercession in the life of our brothers and sisters, as we were able to speak about our stumbling blocks.
4. We shared gifts and talents in the arts. Some were dancers, singers, artists, dramatists, and storytellers.
5. We shared a concern for social justice and righteousness. Using Amos 5:21-27, we decided to become aware of and act on certain injustices inflicted on the elderly, women, youth, the indigent, and minorities.

Following is the covenant written and signed by the group:

Believing that we are called by God, who sends us to be his servants, we enter into covenant with one another to dedicate our lives to doing the will of God. Our group shall exist for the purposes of support, communal prayer, the upkeep of our temples (body, mind, and spirit), obedience to the Word of God, and holding one another accountable in love.

We offer our time, gifts, and talents, and whatever resources we have, to the building up of the kingdom of God. We endeavor to be faithful, steadfast, and humble disciples, acknowledging our love and dependence upon God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. We seek to dedicate ourselves to a life that exemplifies Jesus Christ.

With that same spirit, we covenant to do the following:

• Strive to increase our service to others and graciously acknowledge others' service to us;
• Practice listening to other persons as a ministry of grace;
• Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in fasting and prayer;
• Schedule time each week for retreat, reflection, renewal and/or fun, in order to care for our individual wholeness in body, mind, and spirit.
• As we become more aware of social situations, we will pray for God's will for justice in this world.
• We will be faithful in attendance and participation in worship each Sunday.

Conclusion

Trusting in God's grace for discipline, courage, strength, and discernment, we commit to keeping this covenant through faith, love, and devotion in Jesus Christ. Amen.