Transitions and Core Values

Dearest UCG, we are at yet another transition in the life of our vibrant, wonderful, and life-giving work as the people who make up our church – a beacon of light and hope in a world that often feels difficult. If you are feeling some unease, and some grief at some of the changes the church is facing, rest assured – you are not alone.

We are reckoning with the reality that a third minister is not in the cards at this moment, and are working diligently via internal experts serving in lay-leadership on the Board of HR, the Board of Business, the Board of Congregational Ministry Review (that’s us!), and Church Council toward restructuring our staffing to accommodate meeting our needs – the people of the church, or as I like to call us – the church. We are reckoning with our disappointment in what some of these decisions mean, and in the potential for some to perceive that these decisions may be hasty, or unkind, or unfair.

In times like these, I am grounded by my own internal core values. Honesty. Integrity. Authenticity. Compassion.

My core values are one of the reasons I found it so easy to acclimate to the culture of UCG when my family (finally) began regularly attending in 2017 or 2018. It’s why I felt so comfortable doing so much of the justice ministry and social ministry I was doing prior to joining, alongside so many familiar faces who are now my own church family, but who at that time were simply well-aligned neighbors.

At this time, in this church, at this moment, I am grounded by and find resolve in reminding myself of the core values of our community – most notably, our church compact. Additionally, as a co-chair of the board that serves as the liaison between our ministers and our congregation – none of whom are having an easy time navigating this transition – I remind myself of some of the ground rules we have for doing this delicate, emotionally and spiritually sensitive, and vastly important work.

Here are a few key agreements we have in engaging our work at CMRB that are relevant as we all work to process our wishes, needs, and feelings around the changes we are facing together:

• Use “I” statements when sharing your perspective and feedback with others.
• Represent yourself honestly and truthfully.
• Assume the best intentions of all parties.
• Commit to working together even if/when difficulties and disagreements arise.

Friends – it is a labor of love to do this work of community with you, and no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey – you are welcome here. As questions, concerns, and feedback arise, know that CMRB is a safe and appropriate place to ask, share, and seek support.

I hope that as you navigate your own experience of this time that you’ll find resolve, solidarity, and compassion in your own core values, and will thoughtfully and prayerfully consider ours as well.

As always, please reach out to either of us with any feedback you would like to share. RD Bonnaghan, (386)503-1269 rdbonnaghan@gmail.com, and Helda Montero (352-219-0410) or hmontero@bellsouth.net.