The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland (UUCC) is pleased to introduce the new Tending Covenant Team, an initiative designed to support the congregation in navigating conflicts and fostering open communication. This team was formed based on recommendations from the congregation, reflecting the trust placed in its members to assist in challenging situations.
Laurie Albright, Meg Pauken, and Mike Miller have accepted the call to serve as the inaugural members of this team. Over the past several months, they have been preparing to guide the congregation in practicing creative conflict resolution grounded in mutual consent, deep listening, and humility.
The Tending Covenant Team is a vital part of the congregation’s broader commitment to nurturing healthy relationships within our community. This commitment involves not only the Tending Covenant Team but also the Safe Congregation Team, the Board, the Minister, and the Lay Pastoral Care Team. The focus of the Tending Covenant Team is to enhance the congregation’s understanding of conflict, covenant, and the narratives that shape our collective and personal experiences.
In the coming months, the Tending Covenant Team will be providing various resources and opportunities for the community to engage with this important work:
- Covenant Reflections: Look for introductions, reflections, and tips for living in covenant in the UUCC Weekly newsletter.
- Training Events: A congregational conversation and training event is being planned for the fall to further explore these themes.
- Confidential Support: The team is available to offer confidential coaching and support for individuals experiencing conflict.
- Restorative Processes: When needed, the team can assist in facilitating structured restorative processes.
The UUCC Board of Trustees invites all members to welcome and engage with the Tending Covenant Team as they begin their work. For more information, or to reach out to the team, visit the Congregational Covenant page or email them directly at [email protected].