Knowing who to talk to - Pam Phillips
Last month I wrote about the importance of listening and speaking with open hearts, particularly when working through disagreements. I hold firm to the belief that we need not think alike to love alike. Discussion during the January board meeting, though, highlighted the importance of knowing not just how to talk but with whom. As we go about the work of our church, we will have questions and concerns about how that work is being done. Who should we turn to when we have concerns?
Ideally, if you have a concern it is best to go to the source of that concern. Too many times, we assume that other people’s perspectives are the same as our own, only to discover that they are not. I think of the letter asking for what I thought was board approval, when in fact it was just for our information. The situation could have turned into conflict, but we listened to each others’ perspectives and realized our misperceptions. We worked through it.
Sometimes, though, it is difficult to speak to the source of a concern. To make sure that your questions or concerns are addressed, consider turning to one of the following:
Direct questions about:
- Church Staff to the Rev. Dr. Hudgins or the Personnel Committee (Dorothy Schafer, Chair)
- Interim Minister to the Interim Minister Advisory Committee (Shelly Canterbury, Ruth Douglas, Laura Horn, Michael Manto, and Adam Slate)
- Work of various committees to the appropriate Council Chairs (Administrative: Sean McCutcheon, Communications: Patti Wallace, Community Life: Betty Warner, Lifespan Faith Development: Pat Millman, Social Action: Greta Dershimer, Worship Council: Bob Kiefer)
- Overall governance to members of the Board of Trustees (listed on the Board’s bulletin board or on the web site)
We are passionate people at TJMC UU, which can sometimes mean our passions get heated. Whatever the situation, remember that we all want what is best for our beloved community, even while we have different ideas about how we go about our work. I have to remind myself of this when I disagree with someone or someone disagrees with me. I encourage you to do the same.
In faith,
Pam Philips
President, Board of Trustees
