Reflections on the acting Covenant of Right Relations
After studying all 4 draft covenants, I really favor the 4th one. I like the fact that it emphasizes listening, that we all have "frailties", and that we need to interact with humor. - David Weigel
I like the 4th I Covenant statement but would change the words, "to create" to "toward creating" to acknowledge that it is an on-going process that will never be completed (created) but requires continuous effort.
I'm confused about what I see under the We Covenant to... The fine print looks like a laundry list of vague ideas, many of which I don't understand how to apply. It seems to me that the We Covenant and We Covenant Together could be the 4th I covenant statement with a mere change of pronouns. The larger print elaborates on who the "We" applies to and I have no problems with the list but haven't figured out how to grammatically tie it in with the covenant statement. - Edna Weigel
I'm confused about what I see under the We Covenant to... The fine print looks like a laundry list of vague ideas, many of which I don't understand how to apply. It seems to me that the We Covenant and We Covenant Together could be the 4th I covenant statement with a mere change of pronouns. The larger print elaborates on who the "We" applies to and I have no problems with the list but haven't figured out how to grammatically tie it in with the covenant statement. - Edna Weigel
I think the fourth covenant covers the values I believe are most important in a congregation's working life. The idea of "frailties" was not discussed much in our two classes, but it is an important topic when people attempt to work together toward some goal. We all have personality characteristics that may be difficult for others to adjust to or even be willing to work with, and this causes tension, and heightened negative emotions between people. Just acknowledging this reality exists is a good beginning step, and then comes an inner covenant with ourselves to still treat everyone with respectful communication which fosters acceptance and also bring in a bit of humor which fosters an openness and friendliness as we continue to work together as a sacred community. - Loraine Groberg
Sounds good to me. I was out of town for the first two meetings but probably won't be to next meeting if it is Saturday Morning during my exercise class. I guess the Covenant might include something like "Take care of myself." - Gary Rulapaugh
I prefer the 3rd one. I think that it is really important that we speak only for ourselves, and listen respectfully to everyone else. It is important to treat everyone as we want to be treated, and to realize that no one is more important than anyone else. - Ellen Taylor
Seven Inspiring Words
hope
community energize cooperation empathy non-judgement forgiveness love vision harmony fun caring stewardship |
balance
commitment covenant volunteer acceptance responsible trust faith respect flexibility civility wisdom humility |
open mind
compassion leadership courage tolerance thankfulness gratitude patience recognition humor direction fellowship fluidity |
accountability
creativity reflection peace pause dance risk relationship kindness optimism vulerablity |
From these fifty words generated by congregation participants, the seven in bold emerged as mutually affirmed. Choices from many individual participants can be seen below.
John Carrol Jenkins (Jay)
faith, loyalty, love, fellowship, leadership, accountability,
commitment, reflection Haresh Bakshi
Wisdom, Courage, Love, Responsible, Forgiveness,
Humility, Gratitude, Add: Humanity, Justice, Temperance, Spirituality Teresa Rene Longmore
Hope, harmony, acceptance, trust, respect, wisdom and courage
Jim HoweCovenant, Love, Compassion, Volunteer, Trust,
Commitment, Harmony Sharon Travis
relationship, kindness, hope, caring, civility, cooperation,
non-judgement Tricia Gerrodettecommunity, commitment, patience, love, compassion,
forgiveness, volunteer Edna Weigelrespect, flexibility, tolerance, empathy, acceptance, cooperation, harmony
Charles Rileycommunity [fellowship; civility; respect], fun [humor],
balance [stewardship; accountability; commitment; direction; trust], tolerance [non-judgment; open mind acceptance; patience], gratitude [thankfulness], kindness [empathy; caring; compassion], flexibility Morris Farrfun, energize, stewardship, patience, humor,
fellowship, dance Suzanne StoffolanoCooperation, humility, gratitude, volunteer, fellowship, civility, optimism, Add : right conduct /non violent communication
Jan BealeTolerance, Respect, Patience, Courage, Forgiveness, Kindness and Flexibility
Jim HortonFun, Open Mind, Courage, Humor, Optimism,
Accountability Howard DumontHarmony, Compassion, Direction, Forgiveness, Peace,
Love, Hope Amy CarterLOVE, compassion (kindness), hope (faith), vulnerability (trust/trustworthiness), relationship (community, cooperation, commitment & stewardship), harmony (peace/tranquility) & reflection (contemplation).
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David Weigel
cooperation, love, caring, acceptance, respect, civility,
compassion, add: understanding Tiffany Rose
Non-judgement, acceptance, trust, open mind, compassion, courage, tolerance, dance, kindness, vulnerability, love. (It's more than 7, but I couldn't decide.)
Diane E Davis
Compassion, Kindness, Fellowship, Acceptance, Gratitude
Love, Harmony Alan R Dumont-Bole
hope, forgiveness, harmony, patience, acceptance,
caring, accountability Karen Horton
cooperation, humor, accountability, respect, harmony,
acceptance, compassion Heather Bormanhope, empathy, forgiveness, balance, acceptance, flexibility, reflection
David Carlstromcooperation, love, forgiveness, fellowship, covenant,
community, tolerance Jean MacKeenrespect, civility, trust, acceptance, forgiveness, patience, commitment
Ellen Tayloracceptance, cooperation, commitment, gratitude,
patience, kindness, tolerance, Spirituality Judith Vistykindness, civility, flexibility, caring, gratitude, acceptance,
trust Jerry BealeCommunity, Empathy, Hope, Humor, Love, Stewardship,
Vision Patricia Burrcommitment, covenant, compassion, humility, gratitude, civility, community
Sue MitchellCivility, Acceptance, Forgiveness, Open minded, Respect,
Courage, Volunteer Wendy Burke-RyanHumor/fun, Stewardship, Flexibility, Courage, Vision,
Tolerance, Progress/change |