SmorgasBoard: May 7, 2026

The biblical definition of “covenant” is an “agreement, treaty, or contract between two or more
parties in which each promises to uphold certain terms”. It is sacred, sometimes formal,
sometimes solemn. Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal faith. This is important because a
covenant is something we agree to do together, in community with one another. As UUA
President Rev. Sofia Betancourt said, our faith is built on relationships, not hierarchies; on
shared responsibility rather than centralized authority. That’s why the Board of Trustees decided
to write and follow a covenant to use as we work together. It defines how we relate to one
another, and interact with each other, through good times and difficult times. It is centered on
grace, and it is something we have all committed to hold in our hearts as we do the work of the
church. You can view the covenant on the church website here.

We wrote a covenant to help bring our best selves to our work, and to remind ourselves that
conflict is natural, inevitable, and even can be healthy. The covenant helps to remind us of why
we are here, what matters, and how we can lead with love. Every time we meet, we ground
ourselves in our covenant as we discuss the matters of the church. It has been a guiding light
for me, and I’m so grateful that it’s there for me to follow in uncertain times. I feel more
connected to my fellow board members, and more connected to First U.

Creating and practicing a covenant was part of our Board goal for this year to “strengthen Board
practices to enhance trust.” As we continue to focus on trust and belonging as key parts of
congregational health and culture, we will explore how this concept of covenant can expand
beyond the Board.

Emily Wallace
Board Vice President

P.S. If you would like to learn more about your Board of Trustees and their work, click here.