From the Parish Committee – October 2024

Once a month, a different member of the Parish Committee shares insights about our work, and this month it’s my turn! A few weeks ago, we held a “retreat” (really a workshop) with a UUA consultant to deepen our understanding of our roles and the role of the Parish Committee. One thought-provoking activity involved selecting an image to represent how we see the Committees’ role in leadership and another to represent the leadership gifts we each bring. Although we chose very different images, our relationships and shared values sparked a discussion that beautifully wove together our diverse strengths—from big-picture thinking to attention to detail and perseverance. We continued by using this discussion for laying the groundwork of our committee’s covenant. Which is an important goal for us this year.

One other area we spent time on was thinking about how to balance Parish’s role as a central governance committee against its perceived role as gatekeepers. We want to provide clear policy and guidance to ensure things run smoothly. Central to all of our conversations was a recognition of the importance of encouraging everyone in our congregation to share their gifts, acknowledging that many may need an invitation to engage. As we begin this church year, we’re excited to focus on the theme of Relationships to guide our decision-making together.

Sincerely,
Kelly M. with the Parish Committee – Norah M, John P, Sue S, Martha P and Missy S