For UUs, our covenantal relationship binds us together in fellowship and holds us together even when things are difficult. We are by nature covenantal communities united by the commitments and promises that we voluntarily make to each other. Being in covenant means being in right relationship with others that inspires trust and care, which move us beyond ourselves to energize and sustain a devoted action on behalf of our congregation and causes of the larger global community. One of San Gabriel’s weekly rituals is to recite The Ames Covenant — the Affirmation beginning with “The Doctrine of this Church is Love…”. It is attributed to the Rev. Charles Gordon Ames, a Unitarian of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today we’ll look at our San Gabriel Mission Statement and its dual focus, which is both to grow our personal lives and to express our spirituality in the wider world.