We, the people of Sugar River United Methodist Church,
covenant with each other before God, to live in Christian community and help
one another grow toward Christian maturity. We commit to honor God and respect one another in our relationships. In light of
biblical reflection and John Wesley’s General Rules, we, the people of Sugar River United Methodist Church, have identified how
we will behave and act. This Relational Covenant is meant to help us hold each other accountable and guide us to healthier
relationships.
The First General Rule: Do no harm, by avoiding evil
of every kind…
We agree that these behaviors and
actions harm healthy relationships and we will not engage in, support, or allow:
Exclusion of others, gossiping, dishonesty, withholding forgiveness,
judgementalism, prejudice, bigotry, raising our voices in anger, intolerance toward others, cursing, belittling,
manipulation, deceitfulness, discouragement, self-righteousness behavior, maliciousness, or constant negativity.
The Second General Rule: Do good of every possible sort,
as far as possible, to all...
We agree that these behaviors and
actions support healthy relationships and we will promote and engage in these qualities together as a Christian
community:
Listening, encouraging others, showing patience, being open-minded, and offering: compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness, forgiveness, responsiveness, sincerity, empathy, authenticity, and reflecting a thankful heart,
truth in love, weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice, challenging each other to live
faithfully as Christ followers, sharing the stories of God’s grace revealed in our lives.
The Third General Rule: Attend upon the ordinances
of God (practice spiritual disciplines individually and together that connect us with God).
We agree that theses
spiritual practices build a stronger sense of community and fellowship with God and others:
Prayer, worship, singing, fasting, fellowship, developing Christ-centered relationships (e.g., Growth Groups),
studying scripture, faithful stewardship, witnessing to the transforming power of Christ and God’s redeeming
love, serving all the people we can to alleviate suffering and offering hope.
Signed,
The People of Sugar River United Methodist Church
May 23, 2010
Download a copy here