This is a time of transition. We have begun to walk the bridge that leads to getting back to “normal”, or whatever a post-pandemic reality might look like. We can help shape this transition by being purposeful about our decisions and actions as we walk this bridge together. Will we build a rickety bridge, being held up only by our frustrations and anxiety? Or a sound and sturdy bridge, supported by love and care? I think I know this community well enough to know what you want– the latter option. But we must work together to make sure it happens.

As the vaccines roll out and more of you receive them, I’ve been getting lots of questions about what the future will look like: How long must we keep social distancing (we want hugs!)? When will we gather again on Sundays? How long will we be wearing masks for? When can we eat together? When can small groups meet inside?

Your board of trustees and I have been discussing this. We are closely following CDC recommendations and information from the scientists working to help get society back to this new normal. We don’t have all the answers quite yet but recognize your need for knowing how and when this ends. We need to paint a picture in order to keep our hope alive. One year is a long time to endure being apart and I have certainly lost hope myself on some days. I’m so grateful that we have each other. We take turns pulling one another back up from the despair.

That being said, let me remind you again that it will matter how we are together as we cross the bridge to a new future. Remember, we are a covenantal community. That means that we are not held together by religious dogma, but by a promise about how we behave with one another. Relationships, not theology, are at the center of our faith. Let us remember that we are all struggling with this pandemic in different ways– physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I am including our congregational covenant so that you can remember our promises to one another. And yes, please note that it was written in 2007. That doesn’t mean there is anything inherently wrong or inapplicable about it. But, a new way of living will require us to dig deeper so we may renew or remake our promises to one another. That’s how we will build a sacred and loving community, one that is responsible to future generations.

Thank you and stay well!

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lakeland

Covenant

Adopted at Annual Meeting 2007

We the people of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lakeland, in our effort to promote the true spirit of our guiding principles, hereby commit our lives and resources with the following covenant:

I will, with patience and understanding, treat all others with kindness and respect.

I will be sensitive to the needs of others, treat them with civility, and honor their confidentiality.

I will promote a harmonious spirit and a truly welcoming congregation by my personal caring and positive attitude.

I will promote democracy by speaking with candor, respecting the right to dissent, seeking consensus, and honoring the will of the majority.

I will seek to possess an open mind and a respect for views different from my own.

I will support our congregation by volunteering my time and fulfilling my commitments.