Community and right relationships are an integral part of life here at UUCT.  Last month I spoke on how service heightens our sense of community.  This month I want to touch on the topic of covenant and what it does for our communal experience.  I think as a group we do very well with following our covenant, and that is a large part of why we function so well together and have such a good sense of community.

Our covenant explains how we are to act toward each other.  We are to treat each other with kindness, and support and care for each other.  We are to welcome others with hospitality, both those who are similar to us and those who might be different in some way. We are to do this as we work and play together to make this a joyful community. Threats, finger pointing, blaming are not part of right relationships here at UUCT.  Poor communication leads to hurt, anger, resentment and division, all toxic to a loving community.

One thing not included in our church covenant, but which I have seen on some committee covenants, is to go directly to someone with whom we have a problem or issue, rather than talking about the issue with someone else.  When we use calm, nonthreatening attitudes and conversations to discuss differences, we can solve issues, or at least "agree to disagree." And having the honesty to discuss a problem can actually deepen your understanding and relationship with another person.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had extended family and community covenants outside our UUCT sphere?  I encourage you to take our covenant with you wherever you go.  Make our world just a little more like the wonderful community we have here.

Peace to you all,

September - Faith, the practice of devotion to the possible

October - Gratitude, the practice of having enough

November - Memory, the practice of keeping time

December - Silence, the practice of listening

Circles in the Woods CUUPS 

 

 Small Group Ministry Corner

 

Turn out for the past Buildings and Grounds Day (Saturday, August 13, 2016) produced an enthusiastic lot of volunteers.  Kathy Reddy (our coffee hour maven) worked inside organizing, arranging and sprucing up the little Dome for our Sunday coffee hour.  David Reddy worked outside removing small trees that were encroaching on our parking lots and trimming our planting beds.  Rodolfo, always present to help, pressure washed our handicapped parking area near the sanctuary.  Many, many thanks to these three who give up their time on a hot, steamy August day to help maintain our property.
     A special thanks, too, to those of you who continue to contribute money on Sundays to help out our main grounds volunteer, Rodolfo.  As you may know, Rodolfo volunteers many hours of his time throughout the week (not just B&G Day) working on our grounds on a volunteer basis.  Your continued support of his work through your donations are greatly appreciated.  
Ed Benedict, Buildings & Grounds Committee Chair