FPW Foundations Task Force
Preface
Mission, vision, and covenant are part of the spiritual foundation for UU congregations. Mission refers to the core purpose of the congregation; vision is the aspiration for what the congregation hopes to become; and covenant is how the congregation communicates and agrees to be in community as it strives to achieve its mission and vision. Importantly, these are living precepts or guides that change as the congregation continues to grow and change. In fact, the UUA recommends a review every five years. For FPW, review of the covenant took place ten years ago, and the mission dates to 2006. Since then, much has changed, not only in the world around us, but in our congregation. Membership has increased significantly and two years ago we adopted a new articulation of shared values, consistent with the UUA’s covenant: justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, and generosity, with love at the center. It is time to revisit and renew these important parts of FPW that inform and guide our important work as a congregation.
Purpose
To guide the congregation in renewing FPW’s mission, vision, and covenant.
Charge
The Task Force will design, support, and lead the congregation in activities to develop a mission, vision and covenant for FPW, including the following elements in the process:
- Engage broadly across the congregation to include as many people as possible,
- Begin with a review of the existing FPW mission and covenant,
- Ensure that the foundation documents reflect UU values (JETPIG) approved in 2024,
It is recommended that this group, like all First Parish groups, create a covenant for their work.
Task Force Composition and Membership
Task Force members (6-8) should reflect the congregation’s diversity of experiences, gifts, and perspectives. The Parish Committee will solicit volunteers to serve on the Task Force and identify the final membership.
Resources
The Task Force may use outside expertise, including UUA resources and contacts with other congregations. The use of paid consultants is subject to approval by the Parish Committee. Additionally, a set of information resources will be available from the summer planning group.
Authority and Limits
The Task Force will develop activities related to this charge and should contact the Parish Committee if questions arise. Authorization to spend church monies is subject to approval by the Parish Committee.
Timeline and Deliverables
- Written monthly updates to the Parish Committee.
- Final recommendations to the Parish Committee on covenant, mission statement, and vision statement. Completion is desired within four months (Oct. 2026-Jan. 2027) with the possibility of extension.
- In collaboration with the Parish Committee, present the final recommendations to the congregation for a vote.