As a religious tradition, congregations are bound together not by theological creeds but by covenant. Each week as we recite the covenant, I describe this as the promises we make to each other for why we gather and how we will be together. Building on the surveys and reflection of the search process, I early led First Parish in Wayland in a process to articulate their vision, mission, and covenant. Together these have helped to weave together the 'why' of the congregation. Most recently, we have again engaged in a post-Covid visioning process to re-articulate what we seek to do and be as a community. Such endeavors are key to fostering a sense of purpose in the community.
Inevitably a congregation of multiple people will face challenges in communication and understanding. Conflict is simply unavoidable in complex organizations that value both connection and freedom of conscience. Committing to best practices of communication through multiple mediums (print, electronic, face to face) as well as transparent processes nurtures trust and goodwill which strengthen communities. Investing one's energy into a community creates a dynamic of care for what happens. Such investments may come in the form of service on a committee or a financial gift, but they can also come by simply showing up for Sunday Services or for an event. The distances of the pandemic revealed just how much being together can foster good health in a community. |