Mission and Vision Report

June 9, 2006

The purpose of this report is to keep the congregation informed about the Mission & Vision process as the team works toward its August goal.

The Mission & Vision Team has been meeting since January, 2006. The team’s deliverable is two-fold:

  • A mission statement

  • A vision statement

through a visible, published process. The two statements are to be presented to the board at its August retreat, followed by a vote of the whole at the September congregational meeting.

At the Mission & Vision service on Sunday, May 7, adults and high school students met in facilitated groups of about 12 people. Each person was invited to address three questions; all responses were recorded in writing, and each responder had the opportunity to confirm that what was recorded accurately represented his/her response. People who were not able to attend the service were encouraged to submit their responses to the team in writing.

Team members transcribed all responses from the May 7 service and received in writing. During work sessions, team members grouped responses with common concepts and wrote a concept statement for each group of related responses.

The three charts below present results from these work sessions. Each chart lists one question and the concept statements that emerged from the responses to that question. The number of responses included in the concept grouping is indicated in the tally column.

NOTE: On May 21, team members met with the elementary and R.O.P.E. (junior high) students and recorded their responses to similar questions. These responses were displayed in the Sanctuary/Great Room on May 28 and June 4.

 If you have questions, please contact Ann Hailey.

 

Question 1: What compels you to be in this congregation?

 

Responses

Tally

We come here because we like the people and feel at home here.

66

We come here because we are inclusive and accepting of individuals.

44

We are open, searching, tolerant, and accepting in regards to the processes of exploration.

37

My values and beliefs mesh with what I find here.

36

We come here for emphasis on social action and opportunities to contribute.

34

We are a community that affirms and supports individual spiritual growth.

34

We come here because Unitarian Universalism is non-creedal.

33

We are a community that encourages and provides intellectual stimulation and growth.

18

We come here for what our children experience and learn.

16

We come here as a place that values the arts.

13

We like this space for its connection with nature – both the people and the site.

9

We value Sunday services.

9

Other

12

 

Question 2: What can this church community do, do more of, or do better to live out its purpose here and in the community? (Visitors may want to respond by answering: What am I seeking in a church community?)

 

Responses

Tally

Recruitment, Retention and Clear Message and Publicity – Information:
Reach out to members and community with clear, concise message about U[nitarian] U[niversal]ism that attracts diverse groups, including age, race, beliefs and interests.

52

Religious Services:
To develop our individual, community, intellectual, spiritual lives by fostering conversations and learning about core principles and more approaches to spirituality.

30

Social Action:
Continue and expand the application of U[nitarian] U[niversalist] principles through social action-justice activities and inclusiveness – being known as a beacon of light on the hill.

29

Non-service Programs – Develop additional programs and opportunities for all to strengthen emotional, spiritual, intellectual and physical connections in rewarding ways.

Religious Education – Our church needs to develop more and better religious education programs including enhanced coming of age/credo activities.

26

Tolerance for Views:
Support and affirm human spirit and practice that approach to living (worth and dignity).

20

Intergenerations – Youth Activities:
Our church needs to be more purposeful in planning and implementing intergeneration opportunities such as mentoring, working on projects together.

19

Administration:
Continue to develop clear processes and systems to support church life.

12

Space:
More fully use indoor and outdoor space to enhance our religious and social program.

10

Diversity:
To be better known and understood as a place that feeds the mind and spirit regardless of individual pathway.

9

 

Question 3: What do you want our ministry to look like, sound like and feel like in the future?

 

Responses

Tally

We would like to see the church grow but do it in a comfortable way.

26

We need to have more families with children and the children should be more visible

24

We want this to be a vibrant, welcoming and happy place

23

We will deeply embrace spiritual diversity

16

We will be more attractive to youth and young adults

14

We support people who accept the challenge of spiritual exploration and growth

13

We will have wonderful services and sermons

13

The church should be more visible in the community

12

We would like have more program activities throughout the weekly calendar

10

Our congregation will be racially, socially, ethnically and economically diverse

9

We would like the services to have more of the delightful music

8

We would like to continue to be more environmentally aware and perhaps receive the designation of “Green Church”

7

We take our church message outside of the church

7

We would like to lead and take part in more community social justice programs

6

Let's get together socially more often

6

We encourage everyone's participation

5

We value freedom of thought and intellectual challenge

5

We care for each other

5

Grounds and playground are safe and attractive

5

We will remember our senior citizens

5

We would like more religious education on all religions.

4

We will “Walk the Talk” of the 7 principles

2

Other

15