Covenant of Congregation

 

 

We covenant with the Lord . . .

·   By invoking Jesus’ presence at each meeting, ministry, and gathering

·   By recognizing that we are doing the Lord’s business

·   By praying individually and collectively

·   By remembering that each one is a child of God

·   By honoring the commandments to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves

 

And with each other  . . .

·   By worshiping together

·   By building fellowship with one another

·   By guaranteeing each person has a voice

·   By respecting our differences

 

To walk together  . . .

·   By recognizing and celebrating the contribution of each member of the congregation

·   By making positive investments in each others’ lives

·   By acknowledging that the Church is the congregation, not the building, nor any particular group

·   By treating all with love and respect and accepting that nobody is perfect

·   By encouraging participation in the life of the Church in a variety of ways

·   By being patient with one another

·   By acknowledging that each church member is working for the good of the Church

 

In all ways divinely revealed to us;

·   By admitting when we are wrong

·   By seeking the truth from everyone’s point of view

·   By striving to create a safe atmosphere for openly expressing our own opinions, questions, and feelings

 

To take up our Christian mission around the world,

·   By fulfilling our Mission Plan

·   By presenting ideas honestly and openly

·   By supporting the final decision when it is made, whether it reflects our view or not

·   By believing that there is a purpose larger than ourselves

·   By being careful stewards of our Church’s resources

 

Searching for justice and peace;

·   By embracing diversity

·   By seeking deeper understanding of God’s purpose

·   By trying to arrive at solutions rather than insisting on our way

·   By standing up and protecting those who are being treated unfairly

 

To care for our brothers and sisters,

·   By warmly welcoming and sharing fellowship with those who choose to worship with us

·   By refraining from gossip, the spread of rumors, telling untruths or half-truths, inciting or backbiting

·   By valuing all individuals equally and honoring each others’ feelings

 

Reconciling ourselves to each other in love.

·   By treating all as we would like to be treated

·   By speaking directly to those with whom we have a conflict or disagreement, rather than complaining to third parties

·   By agreeing to disagree

·   By inviting all people to bring forth questions and concerns before they become huge issues

·   By letting others finish before we start speaking

·   By presenting ideas honestly and openly, listening with open minds, and allowing disagreement without personal prejudice

·   By focusing on the positives and minimizing the negatives