The COCM will be renamed and reorganized, pending decisions by the Board of Trustees, in the spirit of promoting "Right Relationships".

(below is an explanation of recent changes).

Background on the Committee on Congregational Ministry

At the suggestion of interim minister Rev. Jeanne Mills, the COCM was formed in 2006 as a merger of the former Committee on Ministry and the Safe Congregation Committee. It is based on the model presented in Robert Latham’s book, Moving on from Church Folly Lane: The Pastoral to Program Shift. The committee serves the entire congregation in developing and executing procedures for conflict management rather than just acting as a liaison to the minister. At the same time, it preserves the safe congregation measures that were already in place.

The work of the COCM has been based on the following

From the Kerfuffle Procedures

Purpose

Conflicts inevitably occur, even when all involved believe themselves to be “in good faith” with others. The Committee on Congregational Ministry encourages individuals to resolve an upsetting situation themselves through direct discussion with the other party. However sometimes a person wants support to do this and the COCM is available to assist in resolving conflicts, and thus nurture the health of our church community. **If the concern is personal safety, e.g., physical, psychological or sexual harassment or abuse, the Safe Congregation Policy has very specific procedures that will take effect.

Process

Any member or friend can contact the COCM chair, or any member on the committee about a personal conflict, or issue they believe affects the well-being of our church community. Everything communicated is kept in strict confidence within the committee. We base our support on the covenant of right relationships (see below) and employ the Non-Violent Communication approach. Contact can be by phone, email, a written letter left in the office, or in person. We will actively listen and support resolution -- these are opportunities for examining and better understanding what we value, need, and desire for our mission as a community.

"May the warmth of complexity shine on your face.
May the winds of good change blow gently at your back.
May your feet find the roads of authenticity.
May the web of change begin!"
~ John Paul Lederach, Beyond Intractability

See also Safe Congregation Policies.

Committee on Congregational Ministry Covenant

Speak truthfully and respond with care and compassion

Respond thoughtfully, seeking first to understand, then to be understood

Speak directly to any person with whom I have a concern, rather than complain to others

Understand that there will be differences among us & accept and care for others despite these differences

Refrain from judging other people's motives

Test my assumptions and examine my motives

Honor my responsibility for upholding the spiritual principles and traditions of our community

Cherish the health of the congregation above individual agendas