[printprofilepic]At this time last year, many changes were afoot as we began the church year. We were just starting our trial return to a two-service format and we had hired a new music director, but we did not have a coffee steward or a youth coordinator! Those two positions were filled a little later in the church year. The kitchen was being remodeled and the kitchenette in the Hearth Room still had some finishing touches to be done, but it was usable. We were getting ready to hear the recommendation of the Building Our Future Task Force to embark on a new building and shortly after that the congregation voted to continue the path toward a new building. How far we have come!! Where will we go this year?
At General Assembly this past June, I attended several workshops, and in almost every one, the facilitator(s) emphasized how important it is to have vision and mission statements that are updated regularly. Mission comes out of vision and in fact, vision forms the base for all we do. I’m sure it is not coincidental that this theme crops up in the business world and in our church, as well as in our daily lives. It can be as simple as running errands. How do we know where we need to go if we don’t have a vision of what we need to accomplish and how we expect to get there? It is sometimes a challenge for me as an individual to prioritize what I want to do and to plan how much is reasonable and doable. Sometimes I underestimate, sometimes I overestimate, and sometimes I do get it just right. What makes the difference? I am not sure, but I’d like to have an idea of how to get it “just right” more frequently.
When our UUA consultant Mary Gleason visited us in May, she recommended that we back up a bit on our building plan and take the time to revisit our vision and mission statements in a very intentional process. Once we understand our shared values and priorities, we can use our vision and mission statements to guide our decision making in all of our programs and policies.
Saturday, January 30, 2010 has been set aside for us to discuss our values and dreams to begin to understand our vision and mission. There will be more discussion of this process, but for now, please mark the date on your calendar. It is important for everyone to participate. Whoever is in the room that day will own the vision. If you want to see yourself reflected in the future, you’ll want to make sure you attend.
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The Board is considering the possibility of hiring a nursery care provider to ease the need for teens doing so much childcare. It is wonderful to have the teen assistants to help with the youngest babies and toddlers, but these responsibilities often pull our youth away from their own RE opportunities. The cost and source of funds for a paid nursery coordinator are being considered, as well as whether adult volunteers might also fill some of the need.
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There is still time to register for The Mountain Desert District Annual Assembly, which will be held in Fort Collins, Colorado October 15-18. The theme for this year’s gathering of UU congregations in our area is: Spiritual Harmony: Celebrating the UU Religious Voice. Registration is accepted through October 1st and room rates are guaranteed until September 15. You can read more and find the registration form on the web site: <http://mdduua.org/>.
Rebecca Howard
2009-2010 Church President
