The story goes that Moses smashed the original tablets inscribed with the covenant between God and the Hebrew people, when he came down the mountain from his divine encounter and found the people worshiping an idol. He had to go back up for replacements. Covenant is a process, and not always a smooth one.
When have you had to rework a covenant or commitment?
When I applied, and then was invited to join the Peace Corps back in 1962, I “got cold feet”. I refused. Then I thought it over and realized what I would be missing and called them back and accepted, thinking that they would refuse me. Surprise! They accepted me and consequently, I had one of the most valuable experiences of my life.
I’m so glad you wrote, “Covenant is a process.” I had never thought about it that way. I think fewer UUs would be skeptical of it if they knew it can be reworked from time to time. Otherwise, it can evoke bad memories of the cast-in-stone rules of the oppressive religions they left to become UU.
Margaret, “covenant” is a topic our uu fellowship used for a month of services this year, using materials from the Soul Matters program. It cost a fee but has changed the way we present a topic each month in several ways: our visiting ministers (twice a month) seem to appreciate using it for structuring their sermons; and members of the group add personal talks on the topic, too, which helps us get to know each other better.
My experience with Skagit Valley UU’s has become difficult. I was ready to join from the start until I saw that one or two people ran the show, that change was resisted, that although lip service was given to openmindedness, there was a resistance to the theology of others. And because new people are not being supported appropriately they’re not adhering. I’m trying to adapt to their covenant of take us as we are, but am not succeeding at present.
My experience with Skagit Valley UU’s has become difficult. I was ready to join from the start until I saw that one or two people ran the show, that change was resisted, that although lip service was given to openmindedness, there was a resistance to the theology of others. And because new people are not being supported appropriately they’re not adhering. I’m trying to adapt to their covenant of take us as we are, but am not succeeding at present. I have only today made this statement after writing a long letter to the central member of the fellowship.
Nicki, I have ended up with two messages sometimes, not realizing that the first one was “in the works”. I’m glad you wrote the second one to explain about writing your letter to the central member of the fellowship. I’ve seen this kind of thing happen, especially in small fellowships.
Best of luck.
I did not write two messages. My first one was rejected because I was told it was a repeat. I rewrote it adding that it wasn’t a repeat. (???) Then my e-mail was rejected but I have changed my e-mail address. And no way to contact and explain.
Thank you Patricia for your empathy. I had suggested a lay led UU communion (there are several), a seder, a table with UU brochures to greet visitors after the service, some UU history in the classrooms, a hospitality signup sheet that allowed people to take on just one chore if that was all they could do, a reorganization of the kitchen so people could find supplies. All seemed rejected without explanation. When I heard there was to be a seder I was thrilled until I learned the Fellowship had no part in it and was not promoting it. The space was rented out for the occasion. Now the leader is no longer speaking to me. No wonder coverts and young UUs turn away. Any suggestions?