Right Relations is Coming to East Shore!

Sep 5, 2017 | News

Right Relations is coming! So, what is wrong with the relations we already have, you might ask? Many of our relationships are wonderful – mutually supportive, give and take, respectful and caring. And – some are not! It is through our relationships we do the work necessary to grow and to sustain our congregation. Yet sometimes these relationships have been difficult.

East Shore has been through tough times the last few years, and we continue to prove ourselves a resilient, resourceful and values-based community. Conflict is normal and healthy! We will continue to disagree on all sorts of things. How we deal with conflict is the measure of our commitment to each other and to our beloved community.

The Unitarian Universalist Association recommends proactive efforts in all congregations to create healthy relationships – congregations that are open-minded and open-hearted, and environments that are safe for congregants and staff. Right Relations refers to training, skills and covenants that build trust and shape how people treat each other. The training helps us create better relationships in church as we all go through this learning process together. A covenant will provide a common expectation of behaviors that enable everyone’s opinions to be heard with respect, and create a culture of care and trust appropriate for church.

We are initiating Right Relations primarily to make us the most wonderful community we can be. This church and everyone in it are amazing – a true oasis in our upside-down world. And – during our previous ministerial search, many candidates asked if we had been through training and had a Right Relations covenant. They were surprised we did not since the UUA has been encouraging Right Relations for more than 15 years. So, we are also initiating this training to prepare the congregation for a new minister.

Please bring your full selves to our sermon and two training sessions – you will learn concepts and skills that will help you in all the relationships in your life.

Please plan to attend!

Right Relations Sermon
Sunday, September 24, 10:00 a.m.
In preparation for our upcoming workshop on Right Relationships we will dive into the many aspects of relationship, communication, respect, and care for self and others. One of life’s great opportunities for purpose and meaning comes with being able to be in right relationship with our selves and others.

Building Trust and Understanding
Saturday, October 14, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This session features an internationally-known expert, Lee Mun Wah of Stirfry Seminars and Consulting, in developing healthy ways of communicating across all types of disagreements and differences – and we have many in our congregation! Lee Mun Wah specializes in breaking down barriers between people, and in introducing and practicing skills to build trusting and understanding relationships.

Conflict Resolution
Saturday, November 4, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This session features a local conflict resolution organization known for developing experts across the County.

It is important to attend BOTH sessions, but if you cannot, attend what you can.

Please register online or in the lobby after church on September 10, 17, 24, and October 1, 8. ESUC Members and friends – $10; UU members of another congregation-$20; Non-UU folks-$30

Registration for October 14
Registration for November 4

These are the fees for attendees. If you are unable to pay, you are welcome to attend. If you are able to pay more than one fee to help offset the cost, please feel free to do so.

More information can be found about the training can be found here.