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COM

    The Committee on Mission's (CoM) primary role is to "strengthen the quality of ministry at HVUUC as it relates to our church's Mission Statement. Ministry is the combined effort of the entire church in accomplishing its mission. Thus, the CoM uses HVUUC’s mission statement as a barometer to assess whether our faith community is one which “nurtures and supports the search for spiritual growth, religious freedom, and ethical action.”
    In order to fulfill this purpose, the CoM undertakes to:
    • assess the effectiveness and fulfillment of the congregation' s mission and ministry;
    • educate the congregation about the results of such assessment;
    • provide recommendations for enriching the ministry based on the above results;
    • assist in strengthening relationships between the minister and the congregation;
    • maintain a visible presence in congregational life; and
    • advise church leadership concerning the: minister's compensation, sabbatical planning, and continuing education activities.

The CoM also may assist in Congregation to Minister relationships. As stated in HVUUC’s Member to Minister covenant, any member or friend of our congregation who has an issue with the minister is charged with demonstrating their spiritual and emotional maturity by “giving honest feedback, both positive and negative” directly to the minister, and engage in respectful dialogue. In approaching the minister, congregants will remember that UU ministers are given freedom of the pulpit to speak their truths, and those in UU congregations have freedom of the pew—meaning, the responsibility to use their hearts and minds to consider the minister's words. The minister is very open to suggestions and wants to know as a part of the dialog begun in a sermon your thoughts if you care to share them with her, especially if she has inadvertently caused distress. Respectful dialogue can and should be entered into in the spirit of growth and wholeness. If called upon, a member of the CoM will accompany any HVUUC member or friend as a neutral party to speak with the Minister.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Isn't it the CoM's job to stick up for the minister?
    The CoM's mission is to support HVUUC's mission. We encourage open and adult conversation with the minister. The minister doesn't want the CoM to screen comments, she wants her congregants to talk openly and truthfully to her.
Why does the CoM not act as an intermediary for the minister?
    HVUUC's covenant for right relations stipulates that everyone owns their own opinions while the CoM will gladly go with any congregant who wants to talk with the minister and would like a neutral party.
Why does the ministerial survey require you to give your name?
    HVUUC's covenant for right relations stipulates that everyone owns their own opinions. Only CoM members can tie survey answers and comments to a name. If concerns or comments need to be followed up on, only then will we contact you.

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