In the Interim, November 2010
What a great time of year to be in Virginia! Leaves underfoot, color in the trees, clear skies, crisp nights and warm days — who could ask for anything more? Happy Thanksgiving, all.
About the Timeline Project, the first congregational task of Interim Ministry: The Transition Team and I are presently analyzing your postings on the timeline wall – events in church life that made you proud of the congregation, events in which you were disappointed in your church, and your hopes and dreams for the church. On Sunday, November 14, the Team and I will respond to you with a series of homilies based on the material you provided via your stickie notes. I hope you took the opportunity to let us know your views because this was a chance for you to honor your past achievements and acknowledge your difficulties.
What is next? Another important congregational task during the Interim Ministry period is that you continue your quest for a new identity by crafting your own Covenant of Healthy Relations. The present “Guiding Statement for Covenanting” is nearly twelve years old, and it is time to examine it carefully with the idea of updating it.
I will be speaking again in November about the reason for congregational covenants, but for now, think of a covenant as a set of guidelines of how you treat one another as you work together toward the fulfillment of your mission in the world. Want examples? Ask anyone who participates in a Covenant Group. A covenant answers the question: How do I agree to treat others, and how do I want others to treat me?
Soon, the Transition Team and I will provide you with color-coded cards for your mutual promises. Be sure to participate; all of you are essential for a good outcome!
Janet E. Newman
Accredited Interim Minister
now serving you at TJMC-UU