May 2010

Sometimes truth comes to light in trial by fire.

Sometimes we recognize the truth in our bodies, with a lump in the throat, when tears come, goose bumps turn up, or the heart pounds.

Sometimes we recognize the truth when a person speaks. Sometimes the truth scares people into silence, defense, or attack. But sometimes we witness people meet another’s truth with their own. Sometimes, we meet the truth with our own. Sometimes you can sniff out phoniness, and sometimes you sense the real thing, authentic and genuine.

Actions can speak louder than words.

We practice together to live and speak the truth in love. We always are falling short. We can ask forgiveness, make amends, stay in relationship, and try again.

If you feel someone hasn’t asked your forgiveness when they should, please speak directly and as compassionately as you can to them and bring the situation into the open.

Our congregational covenant adopted unanimously at the annual meeting on May 20, 2007 calls us to practice truth in community.

We covenant to build a religious community
guided by love and sustained by respectful relationships.
Believing that building healthy relationships is a spiritual practice,
we aim to listen appreciatively, speak with care, express gratitude,
honor our differences, and assume good intentions.
We endeavor to communicate directly, honestly,
and compassionately, particularly when we are in conflict.
When we hurt one another, we will try to forgive, make amends,
and reconnect in a spirit of love.
In celebration of the common purpose that unites us,
we will do our best to abide by this covenant.

With gratitude for being in covenant with you,

Activities, Journal and Discussion Questions

• What did you once hold as truth that you do no longer? How did this shift happen?
• What truth has been challenged by your living in a pluralistic culture and congregation? What truth do you hold from being a part of a congregation with many perspectives and theologies?
• When have you spoken truth to power? Describe that experience.
• What truth have you come to hold through thoughtful analysis?
• When do you remember recognizing truth in your body?
• What time comes to mind of someone speaking the truth? How did others respond? How did you respond?
• What truth have you learned through the spiritual practice of conflict and community?
• Is there someone with whom you are out of right relationship? Is there someone with whom you need to speak your truth? What support do you need to do so? Can you imagine and write out what you need to say? Can you follow that up with speaking?
• On Sundays, begin conversations with people you don’t know. Be open to the new truth you can learn from them.

Adult Books
On Lies, Secrets, and Silence by Adrienne Rich, W.W. Norton, 1979

Film
Secrets and Lies, directed by Mike Leigh, a family confronts personal issues they have avoided