SCUU Covenant - 5/19/05

Purpose
To provide principles and practices(guidance) of how we wish to treat one another.

Principles
We, the Sugarloaf Congregation, in the spirit of community, covenant to create a joyful community founded in love and caring, accepting of who we are while supporting each other’s growth, and in which each member feels as secure and as free as possible to be engaged, honest and vulnerable.

To this end we are responsible for:

Respecting and appreciating each others

• inherent worth and dignity
  
• beliefs, opinions and viewpoints
  
• abilities, limits and needs
  
• time, privacy and feelings

Acting in ways to promote

• joy, hope and healing;
  
• integrity and trust; ensuring respectful resolutions to disputes or complaints
  
• honest and productive communications in a kind and sharing environment
  
• appreciation of all efforts – big or small
  
• opportunities for growth

Honoring and Valuing

• the congregation and its children
  
• UU principles and practices
  
• differing opinions, ideas and their open examination
  
• our diversity and commitments
  
• the serious and the humorous (fun and CHOCOLATE)

Guidance - Through

• practicing conscious gentleness in all physical and verbal interactions
  
• honoring our time together by being present for the start of meetings, using careful listening techniques and the democratic process as we strive for consensus
  
• honoring our time apart by ending meetings on time, and when giving and fulfilling requests for information or action
  
• communicating our feelings with “I” statements
  
• respecting others by challenging ideas not people
  
• respecting each other’s confidentialities, emotional and physical boundaries and freedom to choose steps in their personal or spiritual journey
  
• settling differences directly with the person involved, while staying in relationship, assuming good intentions and keeping an open heart
  
• working together to keep our children safe
  
• following this covenant in times of turmoil and tranquility
  
• stretching our boundaries of forgiveness
  
• celebrating and sharing our life experiences
  
• supporting one another in times of need
  
• welcoming all, especially visitors and guests