Shared Ministry Covenant

Wellspring Shared Ministry Covenant

Google Doc: Original Worksheet

Overview

The Shared Ministry Covenant is submitted annually in May as part of Foothills' review process. It documents the ministry's purpose, leadership, strategy, resources, and integration with congregational life.

Mission Statement

This Wellspring Leadership Group is committed to engaging the Foothills congregation in a process and practice of spiritual deepening in accordance with our church mission.

Connection to Foothills Mission

Wellspring responds to the Mission statement of growing our faith and awakening our spirits.

Impact

Wellspring's impact is evident when Sources facilitators share testimonials of groups forming, norming, gelling, and then diving deeper into their own experiences and values as they complete Wellspring materials for each session. When WS participants volunteer to facilitate a course of WS Sources or sign up for a Wellspring second-level course, that indicates they have been positively impacted by the WS experience.

Group Details

• Type: Longer Term Group (meets longer than one group cycle, not ongoing)
• Mission Orientation: Spiritual Deepening
• Directory Category: Small Groups
• Staff Lead: Rev. Sean Neil-Barron

Timeline for Covenant Work

• April: WSLT begins work on the covenant for the annual review process
• May: WSLT submits covenant documentation for annual review
• Draft submitted for consideration: May

Financial Resources

• UU Wellspring annual payment: $550
• Retreat supplies (printing)
• Required reading books for Foothills library supply
• Possible catering for annual gathering (potluck is also an option)

Facilities Use

• Weekend retreat facility usage (August)
• Bi-monthly group meeting rooms (September through May)
• Space for Annual Gathering and information sessions (patio, front yard, classroom)

Lessons Learned (2023-24)

• A Zoom-only Sources group had attrition, raising the question of whether Zoom Wellspring should be offered in the future.
• Two newcomers to UU faith in one Sources group was viewed as an impediment to full participation. The requirement to have been active at Foothills needs to be faithfully adhered to.
• When a participant objects to a piece of curriculum, a nuanced response is required that underlines how everyone's needs, ideas, and thoughts matter.

50-Word Description

Wellspring is a robust and deeply spiritual program developed through the UUA providing numerous curriculums to offer UU congregants an opportunity to further the knowledge and practice of their UU faith, to explore their deeply held values, and to use this knowledge to deepen spiritually and enhance their UU faith experience.