We are coming to the close of our third year together and I want to share with you how proud I am to be your minister as you discern your mission and vision. Unitarians and Universalists have historically have been in the front lines fighting to change the status quo in favor of human rights, animal rights, environmental protection, civil rights, LBGTQ rights, women’s rights, marriage equality, and more.
These tense times are calling UU’s to not only lead the way but to articulate our vision for a world that is compassionate, fair, and free.
We are in the midst of our annual stewardship campaign and UUCC needs your commitment and support. Each year we are forced to ask members and friends to make a pledge for the next year so that we can plan ahead for the 2017-2018 budget. Some of our costs are mundane but necessary; staff salaries, building maintenance, utilities, insurance, etc. But other costs are inspiring! The Social Justice Committee requests money every year to sponsor educational events, movies, outreach, and they work in concert with other non-profits and churches to live our UU values in our community. Art on the Walls Committee requests a modest budget to pay for their needed supplies to share new artwork every two months in our sanctuary. There is no amount of money that could replicate the contributions they make to our church and the artist community. Don’t you agree the music at UUCC is amazing for a church of our size? UUCC is buzzing with joyful energy.
UUCC committees in need of funding include Religious Education, Lay Pastoral Care, Leadership and Growth, Building and Grounds, Memorial Garden, Board of Trustees, Wowzers (Working on Worship), Communications Committee, Forum, Nominating, Altar Committee, Finance Committee, Stewardship Committee, etc. Without their faithful work, UUCC and its wonderful programs could not exist. I increased my pledge this year by 12% to support this congregation and the life-giving work that you do. Thank you for sharing your love for this church!
On May 21st, Celebration Sunday, we will select the top two choices for our new mission statement. Look over these five options and select your favorite.
OPTION ONE
- Understanding
- Uplifting
- Creating
- Community
_________________________
This is an unorthodox alternative to a full statement of mission. It is instead designed to stick in the memory after short exposure. The author calls it beacon words–designed to telegraph our ethos or aspirations in capsule form. It was so different from a typical approach that they offered a set of statements, appropriate for member dedication or possibly other Sunday service purposes, to make it clear how easily the beacon words connect to statements of commitment. Those should not have been thought of as being part of what you will vote on.
OPTION TWO
Our Mission at UUCC is to
Engage minds and spirits, encouraging each
other as we seek truth and meaning.
Embrace the diversity within our congregation
and the world at large, recognizing the worth
and dignity of all.
Empower ourselves and each other to advance
justice, practice compassion, protect the earth,
and act from love.
OPTION THREE
Our Mission at UUCC is to show up fully for
LIFE
Lift up the better angels of our nature.
Inspire the pursuit of truth and meaning.
Facilitate justice, compassion, and sustainable Living for all.
Empower ourselves and each other to live our values each and every day.
OPTION FOUR
Our Mission at UUCC is CARE.
Care for ourselves, each other, the earth, and all its peoples.
Activate minds and spirits to pursue truth and meaning.
Respond to injustice and act with compassion.
Embrace diversity and recognize the worth and dignity of all.
OPTION FIVE
WE ARE UUCC
- Creating belovèd community
- Inspiring spiritual growth
- Living lives of integrity, joy, and service
* Borrowed from UUCB, Berkeley CA