Like a red and white striped beacon in rough waters, the agreements we make with one another guide our way. Covenants are our UU theology of messing up & repair. They are what we can refer back to when we get lost. Like a lighthouse, our covenants create the conditions for safety.

With the right conditions and preparation, groups can support each other in the depths and heights of their spiritual growth. Sharing can mean stories about ourselves, sharing about our feelings and situations, or sharing experiences together, making shared memories, and sharing moments of awe.

When we share low risk or non threatening stuff about ourselves and our lives and feel like we are received, considered and valued our sense of safety increases.

When we value other’s experiences, witness their growth and support them in their tender moments our trustworthiness increases. These are the times we offer gratitude for each other and the group and celebrate our differences and our gifts.

When there is hurt or harm, the way we show up for each other matters. Repair, amends and recovery are vital on the journey to deeper joy.

It might be tempting to endlessly paddle around in the Tepid Bay, the waters are calm and you’re a safe distance away from everything. But the waters are also shallow. And after the sun sets, it’s kind of lonely out there.

Trials, problem-solving opportunities and challenges can all bring a group closer to each other.

The first step in building community is to identify some cohesiveness and a very low stakes sense of contributing to the collective.