Covenant
between
Rev. Joy Atkinson, Interim Parish Minister, Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation
and
Barbara Meyers, UU Community Minister endorsed by Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation

The relationship between a UU parish minister and a UU community minister endorsed by the same parish is guided by the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association Code of Professional Practice and Guidelines. The hallmarks of this relationship are respect, collegiality, mutual support, open communication, and professionalism. The following covenantal provisions are intended to deepen Joy and Barbara's relationship as colleagues by establishing clear ministerial boundaries in the Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation (MPUUC) context.
  1. Barbara and Joy agree to honor and affirm each other's call to ministry.
  2. Barbara is encouraged to develop authentic relationships with members and friends of MPUUC and to participate in the life of MPUUC as she feels called. However, she shall maintain her identity as minister at all times.
  3. In situations requiring pastoral care in Joy's absence, Barbara is welcomed and encouraged to provide pastoral care to the person/people in the moment, and then refer them to Joy or the Pastoral Associates Committee if Joy is still not available.
  4. If a member or friend of MPUUC comes to Barbara with an issue related to MPUUC and Barbara has not been given clear authority to speak on this issue, she will refer the person to Joy or to the appropriate party.
  5. If Barbara is asked to do something that she feels Joy needs to know about first, she will speak to Joy before engaging in the activity.
  6. Barbara is invited to lead workshops and other programmatic experiences at MPUUC working with the Adult Education Committee. Joy supports Barbara's specific participation in MPUUC's Pastoral Associates and Mental Health committees. For the sake of self-care, Barbara is encouraged not to get too deeply involved in too many MPUUC activities.
  7. Barbara has a standing invitation to preach at MPUUC at least once per congregational year. If possible, she would like to be asked to preach three times per year.
  8. If a member approaches Barbara about officiating at a wedding or memorial service, Barbara will explain that she will first consult with the parish minister Joy, because this is part of Joy's job. Barbara will defer to Joy in any decision on this subject.
  9. When Barbara officiates at a wedding, funeral or memorial service, or provides other ministerial services at the church, she will be paid by the individuals involved at UUMA recommended rates. This is true for services rendered to members as well as non-members of the Congregation. Barbara will give one pro-bono worship service per year. For more services, she shall be paid standard UUMA preaching fees. If Barbara is asked to take Joy's place in a prolonged absence or sabbatical, she shall be paid at a mutually agreed to rate.
  10. Joy will maintain an interest in Barbara's community ministry and urge members and friends of MPUUC to cultivate a similar interest in and support for Barbara's ministry.
  11. Should Joy and Barbara have questions or concerns with each other, they will initially address them with each other, not others.
  12. Joy and Barbara will revise this covenant as necessary.

(signed) The Rev. Joy Atkinson
Date: September 15, 2008

(signed) Barbara Meyers
Date: September 15, 2008

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