We talk a lot about being in covenant, but what does that actually mean in practice? Covenant means that we promise one another to be in the kind of relationship where we practice clear communication, work through our differences, and be willing to resolve misunderstandings and conflicts with grace, vulnerability, and accountability.
In February we are offering a 3-part “Skill-Up” series (in place of our Theme-based reflection circles) to explore the “A-B-Cs” of covenant: Awareness of our interpersonal dynamics, healthy Boundaries around each other and the community as a whole, and skills for better Communication to help us develop more trusting and deeper relationships.
Each 45 minute session (starting at 10:00 am in Hobbs Hall — coffee will be available!) will include a 15-minute “Skill-Up” followed by a half hour of discussion/practice in small groups. We will end promptly at 10:45 so that people can attend the 11:00am service. We encourage you to attend as many sessions as possible (as they build on one another) but we want you to attend as many as you can!
Please pre-register so we can plan for handouts and materials: https://forms.gle/w1KB5gHWHui2YpN58
February 2: Personal Awareness, Boundaries, and Communication
This Session focuses on our personal reactions, feelings and needs when we are in difficult situations such as disagreement, disappointment and conflict. We will try out tools and practices that will give us an important foundation for setting and respecting boundaries, both our own and those of others and the community.
February 9: Awareness, Boundaries, and Communication in Relationships
This Session focuses on ways to respond when our feelings are hurt, we feel disrespected, taken for granted, or other interpersonal areas that lead to conflict.
February 16: Awareness, Boundaries, and Communication in Covenantal Community
This Session focuses on how we live in Covenant, the shared boundaries that we create and respect as a community in order to live our congregations mission and vision in the world. This session is especially important for active members who volunteer, serve on a committee, or in leadership. It is designed to give us tools to work through disagreements, disappointments, and conflicts before they get too big.
Based on the book Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab (we’ll have a few lending copies available) which is highly recommended but not required to participate.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Rev. Renee at [email protected]