CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
THE SHARED MINISTRY OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Nurturing Congregational Life is a matter of nurturing relationships within and among individuals – among those who gather within Unitarian Universalist covenants, as well as with those far beyond. This involves not only a keen attention to and appreciation for the rich diversity of individual human experience, but also to the connections between them and to the many ways they can be nurtured within a Shared Ministry.
WORSHIP
Thoughtful, creative, inspirational worship services are the most obvious means by which to help build such connections. This is made possible not only through the collaborate effort of those charged to craft them, but also through the willingness of those in attendance to recognize their open participation as essential to the potential for such transformative experiences.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Another obvious area of Congregational Life is Religious Education, which is often thought of as limited to “Affinity Learning” - through programs in which adults and/or children and youth gather for formal instruction (classes, workshops, forums, etc.).
However, I believe firmly that every moment is rife with learning opportunities, and that these are often enhanced when shared by individuals willing to transcend their real or perceived differences. This involves, among other things, recognizing the value of Intergenerational activities and relationships, and depthful dialogue in general.
THEME BASED MINISTRY (See: http://revsteffithemes.weebly.com)
In 2010 I instituted a Theme-Based Ministry into Congregational Life, as a way to foster not only individual spiritual growth, but to provide opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to share in such exploration over the course of the entire year.
Each month members (of all ages) and teams/committees are encouraged to engage with the month’s theme through worship, and through information from the Month’s Theme Resource Flyer. All are encouraged to write poems, to journal, make drawings, submit photos, film/book recommendations, etc. for the following month’s theme. Monthly Sharing Circles encouraged people to reflect upon the theme and learn from one another.
As a result of Theme-Based Ministry, new relationships have been forged between individuals and within families, creativity has flourished, committee work has been spiritually enriched, and Unitarian Universalist identity has grown.
DEPTHFUL SHARING
Since there is so much theological diversity within Unitarian Universalist congregations, opening talking about our experiences and perspectives can require a great deal of courage: a willingness to share honestly, to transcend assumptions and to listen deeply – which is not always easy. Thankfully, Unitarian Universalists are united through covenant to affirm and promote Principles reflecting these and other important values. That covenant (as well as other agreements we make within our congregations) is what it takes to welcome one another into the opportunities for spiritual growth inherent in each moment.
COMMUNICATING OUR VALUES
Unitarian Universalists communicate their values through the way they are in the world, through their curiosity of and appreciation for one another’s gifts and needs. Accessibility is always to be considered, and can always be enhanced (ex: listening assistance devices, large-print materials, comfortable chairs, etc.)
It’s important not only to personally “welcome the stranger”, but to regularly ask ourselves who is not present and to remind ourselves of the loss this represents. How might we better honor the preciousness of each individual, and the interdependence that makes us kin with all of life?
Unitarian Universalists are united through their values. And yet, when those values are not clearly expressed (through our hospitality, or our covenants, vision, mission and the means by which to accomplish them) Congregational Life suffers.
As such it is important to foster a meaningful, well-organized, transparent infrastructure modeling commitment to these unifying elements, and a system by which to regularly assess how well that system is serving.
This involves, among other things:
· the pro-active presence of a covenanted Board of Trustees committed to the best interests of the congregation as a whole;
· a useful, sustainable network of motivated and motivating staff, teams and committees with clear goals and channels of communication;
· a congregation-wide, shared understanding of and commitment to membership’s co-responsibility (with the Minister) for the health and vibrancy of Congregational Life; a Committee on Shared Ministry.
Transparency is essential, should always be guided by the values reflected in our Principles, and is most effective when it becomes a trusted standard of Congregational Life.
Internal and external communication (directed to membership and directed to those outside the congregation) should always reflect Unitarian Universalist Principles and values and the mission of the congregation, employing various means, including but not limited to: personal contact, newsletter, website, telephone, US postal mail, printed handouts, bulletin board displays, pulpit announcements, visual displays.
Another way that I seek to communicate my values and to make myself accessible to those I serve, is through the church newsletter, through Facebook, and through my main website http://revsteffi.com, which includes a bio, reflections, schedule updates, information about weddings, workshops and activities of the San Fernando Valley Cluster.
* * *
WELCOME POEM, Rev. Stefanie Etzbach-Dale, 04/07/13
Come you, who are weary and seeking some rest
You, who have traveled the skeptic's great quest
Come all, who are awed, by the glory of life
Or struggling boldy, against sorrow or strife.
Come you, who seek here to find courage and vision
Bring to this altar your unformed decision
Come you, who seek to be righteous and just
Bring to each other ideas to discuss
Bring to this gathering truths you have found
The simple, the strange, the complex and profound
Bring all your questions, your failings and fears
You'll find in this place compassionate ears
You'll find in this place, if you stay or pass through
Inspiration to help you know what to do
Nurturing Congregational Life is a matter of nurturing relationships within and among individuals – among those who gather within Unitarian Universalist covenants, as well as with those far beyond. This involves not only a keen attention to and appreciation for the rich diversity of individual human experience, but also to the connections between them and to the many ways they can be nurtured within a Shared Ministry.
WORSHIP
Thoughtful, creative, inspirational worship services are the most obvious means by which to help build such connections. This is made possible not only through the collaborate effort of those charged to craft them, but also through the willingness of those in attendance to recognize their open participation as essential to the potential for such transformative experiences.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Another obvious area of Congregational Life is Religious Education, which is often thought of as limited to “Affinity Learning” - through programs in which adults and/or children and youth gather for formal instruction (classes, workshops, forums, etc.).
However, I believe firmly that every moment is rife with learning opportunities, and that these are often enhanced when shared by individuals willing to transcend their real or perceived differences. This involves, among other things, recognizing the value of Intergenerational activities and relationships, and depthful dialogue in general.
THEME BASED MINISTRY (See: http://revsteffithemes.weebly.com)
In 2010 I instituted a Theme-Based Ministry into Congregational Life, as a way to foster not only individual spiritual growth, but to provide opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to share in such exploration over the course of the entire year.
Each month members (of all ages) and teams/committees are encouraged to engage with the month’s theme through worship, and through information from the Month’s Theme Resource Flyer. All are encouraged to write poems, to journal, make drawings, submit photos, film/book recommendations, etc. for the following month’s theme. Monthly Sharing Circles encouraged people to reflect upon the theme and learn from one another.
As a result of Theme-Based Ministry, new relationships have been forged between individuals and within families, creativity has flourished, committee work has been spiritually enriched, and Unitarian Universalist identity has grown.
DEPTHFUL SHARING
Since there is so much theological diversity within Unitarian Universalist congregations, opening talking about our experiences and perspectives can require a great deal of courage: a willingness to share honestly, to transcend assumptions and to listen deeply – which is not always easy. Thankfully, Unitarian Universalists are united through covenant to affirm and promote Principles reflecting these and other important values. That covenant (as well as other agreements we make within our congregations) is what it takes to welcome one another into the opportunities for spiritual growth inherent in each moment.
COMMUNICATING OUR VALUES
Unitarian Universalists communicate their values through the way they are in the world, through their curiosity of and appreciation for one another’s gifts and needs. Accessibility is always to be considered, and can always be enhanced (ex: listening assistance devices, large-print materials, comfortable chairs, etc.)
It’s important not only to personally “welcome the stranger”, but to regularly ask ourselves who is not present and to remind ourselves of the loss this represents. How might we better honor the preciousness of each individual, and the interdependence that makes us kin with all of life?
Unitarian Universalists are united through their values. And yet, when those values are not clearly expressed (through our hospitality, or our covenants, vision, mission and the means by which to accomplish them) Congregational Life suffers.
As such it is important to foster a meaningful, well-organized, transparent infrastructure modeling commitment to these unifying elements, and a system by which to regularly assess how well that system is serving.
This involves, among other things:
· the pro-active presence of a covenanted Board of Trustees committed to the best interests of the congregation as a whole;
· a useful, sustainable network of motivated and motivating staff, teams and committees with clear goals and channels of communication;
· a congregation-wide, shared understanding of and commitment to membership’s co-responsibility (with the Minister) for the health and vibrancy of Congregational Life; a Committee on Shared Ministry.
Transparency is essential, should always be guided by the values reflected in our Principles, and is most effective when it becomes a trusted standard of Congregational Life.
Internal and external communication (directed to membership and directed to those outside the congregation) should always reflect Unitarian Universalist Principles and values and the mission of the congregation, employing various means, including but not limited to: personal contact, newsletter, website, telephone, US postal mail, printed handouts, bulletin board displays, pulpit announcements, visual displays.
Another way that I seek to communicate my values and to make myself accessible to those I serve, is through the church newsletter, through Facebook, and through my main website http://revsteffi.com, which includes a bio, reflections, schedule updates, information about weddings, workshops and activities of the San Fernando Valley Cluster.
* * *
WELCOME POEM, Rev. Stefanie Etzbach-Dale, 04/07/13
Come you, who are weary and seeking some rest
You, who have traveled the skeptic's great quest
Come all, who are awed, by the glory of life
Or struggling boldy, against sorrow or strife.
Come you, who seek here to find courage and vision
Bring to this altar your unformed decision
Come you, who seek to be righteous and just
Bring to each other ideas to discuss
Bring to this gathering truths you have found
The simple, the strange, the complex and profound
Bring all your questions, your failings and fears
You'll find in this place compassionate ears
You'll find in this place, if you stay or pass through
Inspiration to help you know what to do