Dear Community Within,

We covenant together to walk side by side, holding space for one another through both joy and challenge. To help us live faithfully into this promise, our congregation is welcoming members to serve on our Tending Covenant Team.

The Tending Covenant Team is a group of trusted lay leaders entrusted to help our congregation practice faithful communication, deep listening, and creative conflict based on our shared values of mutuality and consent. Rather than fixing problems or taking sides, the team holds a supportive container for our community by:

Modeling and Coaching: Promoting healthy communication processes, discernment circles, and brave spaces that help us move from defensiveness toward resolution.

Nurturing Connection: Offering listening circles and a supportive sounding board when groups or individuals feel stuck, ensuring we hear each other with grace.

Living Our Values: Setting expectations of open, honest dialogue so our community can boldly live into its covenant with integrity.

We are seeking new Tending Covenant members who reflect our Unitarian Universalist principles and are practitioners of deep listening and dedicated to the mission of the congregation.

(Note: Training and resources are provided for all Tending Covenant Team members.)

If you feel called to support our community through this meaningful ministry of presence, communication, and restorative care—or if you would like to nominate someone—please reach out to Laura Lau at laurahouseholder@icloud.com.

With Gratitude and in Covenant,
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland, Board of Trustees