Tools for Transforming Conflict . . . A Spiritual Practice

Saturday, April 22, 2023
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Join us for a workshop that will give us important tools that will not only improve the health of our congregation, but can also be used in many aspects of your life, both personal and professional.

This workshop will be facilitated by Rev. Carmen Emerson, our Affiliated Community Minister, along with the members of the Healthy Congregation Ministry. Registration will run from April 2 through 16 at church on Sundays during fellowship. Online registration is also available at https://bbuuc.breezechms.com/form/97020573.

Child care will be provided if requested in advance at registration. Lunch will also be served.

Our workshop is grounded in Terasa Cooley’s book, Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil. From “Goodreads.com” a description of Terasa’s work: “Conflict is endemic to congregational life. Because congregations exist to help us find meaning and purpose, we find it difficult to realize that not everyone shares our understanding or approach. Many of us have cultural backgrounds that teach us that conflict is bad or to be avoided. Conflict Transformation, on the other hand, treats conflict as an opportunity to learn and grow, both individually, and institutionally.”

We’ll briefly explore the emotional and physical reasons for conflict and deepen our understandings of conflict transformation – beyond conflict management or conflict resolution. Our goal is for participants to leave with a better understanding of their own potential triggers for conflict, and to offer practical resources for conflict transformation.

Schedule:
9:45–10:00 Ingathering & Coffee
10:00–10:15 Welcome & Housekeeping, Chalice
Lighting, Covenant for the Day Together
10:15–11:00 Part 1: Introduction
11:00–11:15 Bio & Stretch Break
11:15–12:00 Part 2: Insights & Practice
12:00–12:30 Lunch
12:30–1:00 Q&A and Closing Thoughts

Covenant for the Day:

  • Honor our BBUUC Congregational Covenant.
  • Honor the timing of the agenda and step up, step back.
  • Take the learning, leave the stories.
  • Other?

Contact Linda Mowers, Healthy Congregation Ministry, at HCM@bbuuc.org if you have questions.

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