1993—Decisions for Growth

Decisions for Growth was a UUA sponsored program (now replaced by the program entitled Mission Centered Ministry and the Transforming Congregation).  It was designed to take congregations through consultant-led workshops to help them determine their mission and how to better serve their community as well as their congregation.  Margaret Beard, current UUA Extension Ministry Director, was our consultant. According to Beard, “This program [was] for congregations who might be thinking about major decisions like modifying their building or moving. They're figuring out who they are, what they’re about and where they’re going. The program helps congregations take a hard look at themselves.” 

 

And that’s what we did.  Throughout the six weekend sessions, we worked to establish a clear identity and sense of purpose. We evaluated who we were—our past, our present, and our potential.  We developed the following Mission Statement (which has since been revised). See previous Statement of Purpose adopted in the 1960s.

 

We published several brochures and timelines to help those who were not able to attend all the sessions understand the process and what came out of it.  At the end of the program, we hosted a UU Revival—complete with fans and dinner on the grounds. We gave out fans, bookmarks, and pens as souvenirs.  Each night speakers addressed one of the five components of the Mission Statement.  The annual Canvass Dinner was on Saturday with a Service of the Living Tradition honoring both our older and long-term members, those recently deceased, and the new members that year on Sunday.

 

Canvass Revival—1993

 

The theme of each service was based on a segment of the new Mission Statement.  The purpose of the revival services was to present positive visions for our future. The speakers presented differing viewpoints on trends within the denomination and how our church could participate in this larger vision.  The services were uplifting and inspiring—designed to revive the participants.  We have videotapes of the services for those interested in

 

Sunday—October 17

Introduction of theme and kick-off

The Church as Support Group—Andy Reese

 

Monday—October 18

Theme: A community that respects and nurtures each individual

Speaker: Shelley Jackson Denham from The Mountain

 

Tuesday—October 19

Theme: A community that embraces diversity

Speaker: Leon Spencer (UUA Trustee)

 

Wednesday—October 20

Theme: A community that encourages spiritual and intellectual growth

Speaker: Roger Comstock (District Executive Director)

Special Guest: Josef Patchen—piano solo

 

Thursday—October 21

Theme: A community that takes action to ease suffering

Speakers: Walter and Alicia Hodges (UUSC representatives)

Special Guest: Ivie Nolin—solo—The Wind Beneath My Wings

 

Friday—October 22

Theme: A community that works to preserve liberal religious values

Speakers: Marga McKee (TJ District R.E. Committee)

Special Guest: Amy Nolin—dance sequence from Godspell—By My Side

 

Saturday—October 23

Theme: Lighten Up

UU Follies—fun program with traditional “elegant” dinner

 

Sunday—October 24

Service of the Living Tradition