November 2009

It’s November 2009. Do you know where your covenant is? OK, old joke, but not an old topic! The whole covenant process is designed to be new, fresh, and a look toward the future. That’s not to say the past doesn’t play a part; for clearly, our past is part of who we are and helps shape our future. But this time of year, we become especially attentive to what the next year of our lives holds in store for us.

I hope the excitement for the covenant process is building within you as you listen to the voices of God, your family, and your friends. While covenanting can be a solitary exercise, I think it is best done with input from those who love us. They add another facet to the view we have of ourselves. They can help illuminate our talents, opportunities and even our passions.

When I covenanted to be president of RUCC, I had a LOT of conversations. I talked with past presidents about what it would require, I talked with other volunteer organizations about my commitments to them, and I talked with my family about my overall mix of outside family time.

These conversations helped solidify my feelings as well as my dreams and hopes for the job and my part in the community. It’s interesting to note that the word conversation comes from the Latin conversari meaning “to live with, or keep company with.” Our conversations remind us that covenants don’t exist in a vacuum, they help define who we are in relationship with those around us.

As you consider what your 2010 covenant will hold for you, please seek out and accept input from others. Read, think, meditate, pray, converse, listen, dream and above all, let the Spirit of God guide you. As Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

May your covenant be a reflection of God’s plan, and give you and Redlands United Church of Christ hope for the future.

With optimism and hope,
Loring Fiske-Phillips