Board Endorses Welcoming Initiative

In May 2007, the Board of Trustees reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing “Beloved Community” at the First Unitarian Universalist Church.   It adopted the

Action Plan for Congregational Culture Change: Welcoming

The goal is to involve all congregation members in the heart-felt welcoming of seekers and newcomers, and to better integrate newer members into the life of our church.

A key element of the plan is a church-wide Welcoming Inventory. The Inventory looked at all aspects of our church- its facilities, services, programming and communication.    This was a “cross ministry” effort involving the Board, ministers, and all councils and committees, with added emphasis on Building & Grounds, Worship, Membership, Social, Religious Education and Social Justice.

Results of the Inventory are now available.

Board members have personally committed to setting the example in this initiative by:

• Actively welcoming seekers and newcomers and connecting with newer members:
  • On specifically assigned Sundays of Hospitality & Grace
  • As facilitators of “Getting to Know UU” sessions
  • Before and after services and in other church events and activities
• Sharing the Welcoming Message at Sunday services
• Regaining the “newcomer perspective” by visiting a different church
• Participating in the Welcoming Inventory.
• Acting as facilitators of future “Path To Remembering Classes”