Wy'east UUC Board Meeting Minutes February 05, 2024
Wyeast UU Community Board Meeting Minutes
Meeting Date: February 5, 2024, 7:00-8:30 PM via Zoom.
by Larry Burt, Board Secretary
Final: 02/13/2024
Attending: Diane Arnold (Co-moderator), Kathy Scanlan (Co-moderator), Hank Hadaway (Treasurer), Larry Burt (Secretary), Marcy Sullwold (At-Large), Rev. Leslie Becknell Marx (Minister), Kate Fricke (RE Director), Ron Thurston (Membership), Jan Hively & Anne Wagner (Committee on Ministry - COM members)
Invocation
Virtual Chalice lighting
Check-in
Previous Minutes: 1/8/2024 minutes were sent for review to board members and attendees on 1/9/2024 and several minor changes were made. No further changes were proposed at this meeting, so we voted to approve them. The minutes were sent to our Administrator Gigi for posting to our web site and archiving.
Committee Reports
These committee reports were included in the agenda but not discussed at this meeting.
Treasurer's Report -- Hank Hadaway
Balances as of the end of December 2023:
Account Type Prev Bal Deposits Withdrawals End Bal
PRIMARY ID#00 2,012.10 1.02 0.00 2,013.12
CHECKING ID#01 13,515.58 6,513.26 3,270.08 16,758.76
MONEY MARKET 51,659.84 65.38 0.00 51,725.22
Membership Committee Report - Ron Thurston
- January has been a pretty quiet month for the Membership Committee.
- Attendance continues to increase for in person services and the First of the Month Pot Luck has been well received.
- We have our first member volunteer to help with hospitality on the 3rd Sundays in March (Debra).
- I had a visitor join me in my last Path to Membership class (Andy Lasnik) and he is indeed interested getting to know our members and our activities. He will join me early this coming Sunday to help me prepare for our First of the Month service and Pot Luck. As we work together, I'll help him get acquainted with opportunities and committee chairs so he can see what areas interest him.
- Linda B. is keeping Lilac Meadows running smoothly.
- Linda Mac. is working on upgrading our window in class room "A" to share our story with the neighborhood. Hopefully this will help draw visitors in.
- Debra is keeping Chalice Circle running smoothly and adding members.
- Diane I. has updated our sign-up sheets which are displayed at the Greeting Table to help members volunteer for Hospitality, Ushering, Greeting and small group gatherings. I expect more members to step up to these tasks soon.
Social Justice Committee Report - Kathy Scanlan
Committee Mission: The Wyeast UU Social Justice Committee mobilizes support for service and social justice work through financial gifts and spiritual education.
Sustained Partnerships (SP)
- Rahab's Sisters: Kathy will continue to liaison. They have a temporary space in a nearby church. Kathy will send out volunteer opportunities as they arise.
- We are not actively searching for another SP but we intend to be alert to possibilities.
Focus Speakers (FS) & Special Collections (SC)
- Jan 1/21 Friends of Trees for SC and FS#3 , Yashar Vasef (Jeff)
- Feb 2/18 PDX Harbor Community Coalition for SC (Eme) secured
- Verde proposed rescheduled here as FS#4 ,Amandeep Sohi (Jan)
- March 3/17 PSU Prof Heejung Chang has agreed to speak FS#5, on climate change /Urban development and the effects on H2O ecosystem (Kathy)…She hasn’t selected a 501c3 yet so we can all be thinking of a good one from our brainstorm list or any others. We discussed YES! magazine today and Kathy will check it out.
- April 4/21…nothing yet…we can ALL be thinking of a SC …today we discussed Oregon for Climate Action which Kathy will check out
- May 5/19….Wild Salmon Center for FS#6 and SC is a strong possibility (Jan). Jan is also looking at “Recovering Salmon Habitat"
We're thinking about a FOCUS for next year. Kathy suggested the Welfare of Children. Email Kathy any further suggestions for Climate Crisis (Emergency) 2023/24. Should be 501c3’s orgs. You can also email Kathy for FOCUS ideas 2023/2024 so we can put a list on the next agenda.
Next meeting will be Saturday 2/10/24 at 2pm. Following meetings will be the second Saturday of the month at 2pm
Drag Queen Story Hour (postponed by weather to February 18 after the regular service)
Kate Fricke, RE Director, spoke about a concerning email received by the Board on Feb 1. The email was sharply critical of the event and the Board.
Board members expressed safety concerns around the event. Kate doesn't think there will be a problem. Matt will also be at the event. Diane A offered to screen visitors at the front door. We will also lock the rear door after the service so that anyone coming for the event will have to go through the front door on 40th Ave.
Minister's Report
In lieu of a report, Rev. Leslie presented the Committee on Ministry (COM) report on the Conversation Circles held in January. She and the committee members have analyzed and categorized the responses from the 25 in-person attendees on January 7, and the 15 Zoom attendees from the January 14 meeting. 5 of the Zoom attendees are former members The report is attached at the end of these minutes.
Wyeast positives include our approachable and welcoming small size, consistent local direct social action, and compatible spiritual search.
Areas for improvement include more in-person small group interaction, intergenerational activities, and improved physical space for children and activities throughout the week beyond Sunday.
Small group activities could include potlucks, dinners, hikes, picnics, book groups, etc. where there are opportunities to get to know each other better. We also had a regular meeting of a Senior group.
Leslie suggested we focus on young children, not "teens and tweens" as that age group is much more difficult to engage.
Jan pointed out that there were many comments about our unique small size and not much about expanding membership. Maybe an upper limit of 80-100. She also said there was little comment about hybrid services, which she sees as a big plus as it allows more members to attend and offers more options for worship service planning.
Some ex-members tried to participate from a distance, but eventually stopped. Several older members have moved to retirement centers south of Portland. Others expressed that it was "too much work" being part of Wyeast, that it was easier being part of a larger church. Two members also left due to the Article 2 revision.
There was also a concern that our process for following up responding to joys and sorrows has been inconsistent. Anne will work with Ron to develop this.
Marcy noted that the previous Strategic Plan committee found that our online calendar isn't mobile-friendly, so people (especially younger folks) didn't know about all of our activities. Leslie suggested that our Admin Gigi could help implement a better calendar system.
Leslie suggested moving ahead with the "low-hanging fruit" of improving small-group opportunities. The board agreed this was worth exploring, so the COM will explore alternative small group activities. What activities would members participate in and what activities would specific members like to lead?
Further discussion suggested a regular activity after the 3rd Sunday service, since we're already there. Ron noted we would only have an hour or hour and a half after service as our contract ends at 2:00. Perhaps we could extend that time for that Sunday?
Leslie offered to begin an adult religious exploration group. Someone mentioned Tai Chi or meditation groups. In addition to meeting at our current CfPA space, we can rent space as needed for one-time or continuing events at the Rose City Park Presbyterian Church. Diane A will clarify the process for renting space there.
Jan noted that the COM has a priority to develop our Wyeast Vision statement, which will inform our efforts to expand small-group opportunities.
Jan also noted that Mathias has resigned from the COM and they have approached several other members without success. Leslie cautioned against an open appeal to the membership, as that is contrary to the expressed process in our Bylaws, so Board members suggested several other members.
Canvass Committee
Bruce M. will lead the Canvass committee and will find other members for our annual spring canvass, which begins in a few months. At some point with our new software we will have a pledge and contribution system online through "Vanco" on our web site.
Annual UUA Congregation Certification
Hank reported that he and Gigi completed our annual UUA certification.
Church Software
Hank reported that our new REALM software is operational. Records from 2011 to the present have been imported. The old and new pledge reports are equivalent. 2023-24 Pledge information has been entered through the end of September 2023. Pledge status reports will go out soon in time for members' 2023 tax filings. Hank has done all the data entry for 10 years and is looking for someone else to do it. We could pay Kate or Gigi, or maybe someone else would volunteer. The board authorized Hank to pay Kate if needed. Larry offered to look at the task. Larry moved the existing directory photos, but noted many are missing. He will work with Diane I to get new photos as needed and enter them.
Wyeast contract with the Community for Positive Aging (CfPA)
Bruce reported that we now have a contract with the CfPA for $330? per month. We are current with rent including a retroactive increase back to July. He will be meeting with the CfPA director Amber in April to review the contract.
5th Sunday Project
Larry noted that our next 5th Sunday service project is on March 31, which is also Easter. With the many family activities that day, maybe we should cancel the project? Larry is also unable to commit to that day as he and Diane are on an unpredictable schedule caring for Diane's father in Albany. Larry contacted Linda M (Worship Committee), who thought we might have a service at the CfPA or some other activity. Leslie is also interested in having a service that day as it is an important religious occasion. She offered to be involved without extra pay. Leslie will work with Linda and the Worship Committee to develop a plan and will inform us in time to be included on our March calendar.
Portland Area UU Cluster
We still don't have a representative to the Cluster. Hank was a charter member. M.A. has also been active. Activities Wyeast participated in have been the SOLV beach cleanup and the Gay Pride Parade. The Board feels this is a higher priority than the Interfaith Alliance since it is a UU organization. Hank will ask M.A. to see if the Cluster is still active and if so, to send a Wyeast Chat message to inform our members about the Cluster and its importance to Wyeast.
Rose City Park Presbyterian (RCPP)
Kathleen reported that we are no longer contracted with RCPP for regular building use, and have removed all of our property and records. However, we would be welcome to rent space on an ad hoc basis for specific events. Diane A will clarify the rental process and report back.
Rose City Park United Methodist (RCPM) or other building sites.
Kathy S and Diane A visited the church and had a positive impression. Leslie suggested having our next Board meeting there. Kathy will arrange this.
Recognition (continued from previous meeting)
Hank noted again that certain members are volunteering in many ways and putting in lots of hours. On behalf of the board, he provided a bouquet to D'on for all of her work, especially her many hours implementing the software conversion to REALM.
How do we recognize our volunteer members who make Wyeast thrive? Perhaps we have an appreciation service at around the time of our annual meeting, or as part of the annual meeting? This will be on the agenda for our next board meeting.
New Business
Kate asked for us to support a group of visiting youth musicians. This is tabled until the next meeting.
There was also mention of a contact regarding the UUA Article II revision process. We're already engaged with the process that will unfold at the next GA, so don't need to take any other action.
Ron reported that there are extra art supplies in our CfPA window space that Kate does not need for RE. Linda M is refurbishing that space this month and the supplies are in the way. Kathy will remove and recyle the materials.
Next Board Meeting
The next meeting date was set for Monday, March 4, 7:00 PM. Format and place will be announced. We may meet at the Rose City Park Methodist Church.
Meeting adjourned at about 8:30.
Action List
Hank: Continue entering data and testing new software. Contact Eme regarding Wyeast cluster representative?
Larry: Contact Hank and help with data entry. Obtain and input member photos for new directory.
Leslie: Meet with Committee on Ministry to develop Vision Statement and to survey small group opportunities and leaders. Work with Linda M to develop plan for March 31 Easter fifth Sunday.
Diane A: Clarify Rose City Park Presb. rental procedure.
Kathy: Remove and recycle art supplies from CfPA window space. Arrange March Board meeting at Rose City Park Methodist church.
Ron: Work with Anne W to develop process for responding members regarding to Joys/Sorrows concerns and support. Continue offering Path to Membership and finding hospitality/greeting volunteers.
Committee on Ministry
Board Report February 5, 2024
Wy’east Conversation Circles January 2024
Themes and Plans emerging from Reflection on Current Wy’east
Background
In the Conversation Circles held on January 7 (in person) with ~25 participants and January 14 (on zoom) with ~15 participants, we had two focal areas for questions: 1) the past and present and 2) the future and vision.
This report focuses on the first area: past and present. An upcoming report will be oriented toward the future and how we use that input for the process of creating a vision for the Wy’east congregation to adopt.
The questions posed for the content in this report were:
Round 1a (past)
- What brought you to Wy'east?
- What were you looking for?
- What made you come back again?
- What has kept you engaged?
Round 1b (present)
- What needs does Wy’east meet?
- How do people benefit from participating at Wy’east?
- What else might add to Wy’east benefits?
- What gets in the way of people participating fully at Wy’east?
Summary
We learned a lot about what people appreciate about Wy’east and some areas where people are longing for more.
We propose that we build on our strengths and do what we do well even better and select one or two stretch areas to seek to enhance how Wy’east meets its mission.
The strengths which emerged were:
- Approachable size and warm welcome with opportunities to contribute to the congregation
- Informal and welcoming access to UUism – place to belong where spiritual diversity and exploration is encouraged
- Social justice commitment with direct local action opportunities to volunteer in community in ongoing relationships to support mutually rewarding partnerships
Which align clearly with the three areas of our mission:
The areas for improvement which emerged were:
- A desire for more intergenerational activities with an emphasis on attracting more families with children
- More opportunities to gather in small groups (especially in person) for social connection, spiritual practice, or shared learning
- Both of the above brought forward questions about the physical space available to Wy’east during the week and on Sundays
The quick next steps proposed:
- Small groups: Explore specific interest in small group activities and offer some based on what people want to participate in and who wants to lead or facilitate
- Pastoral outreach: ensure that people who are experiencing challenges or transitions in their lives have a sense of community support with creation of a follow up system from Joys & Sorrows
Considerations in areas for improvement
We offer to the Board the following considerations as we consider how we pursue these areas of improvement:
Space issue – what other decisions do we need to make that have an impact on that?
- Commitment to children/youth & families
- Size of congregation (optimal range 75-100?)
- Access during the week/frequency of programming
- Frequency of in-person Sunday services
- Tech setup to provide hybrid services w/ online access
- Location/neighborhood
- Beauty/aesthetic of the space especially for Sunday services
- Own or rent?
- Ideas – long term realtor to be on the look out for us
- How close or far do we want to be to “church” as defining us?
Youth and intergenerational expansion -- What would it take?
- Acknowledge the diversity of needs for families: young children, tweens/teens, and parents
- Provide experiences for children to receive UU education, exploration and community
- Create opportunities to spend time with people of all ages – social activities, read to children, small group activities, dinners in people’s homes , discussion groups w/ teens, volunteer activities
- Space that is kid friendly
- Adults (staff and volunteers) to support and deliver programming
- Materials and curriculum to engage children
- Have congregational programming that is intentionally and explicitly kid friendly
Wy’east Assets/Benefits
Below is more detail about each of the areas identified in the Summary Section, followed by an Appendix of all the input gathered in writing during the Conversation Circles.
Community Connection
- Welcome and ease of connection: Friendly welcome, Small size, can come on zoom
- Involvement: Opportunities to make meaningful contributions, engagement with the work of a do-it-yourself congregation
- Belonging: Sense of being with similarly open-minded people who share my values, learning and exploring together
- Support: share joys and fun, get help when in need (emotional or practical), caring people who listen
Spiritual Search in UU context
- UU identity or affinity: spiritual sustenance in a like minded community
- Spiritual perspective matches: not too churchy, alternative to certain theologies that have not resonated from past religious experiences outside UU
- Ethical and spiritual reflection: open up possibilities for spiritual exploration, how to live my values
- Support for children/youth: provide spiritual grounding and engagement for children
Contribution to Social Justice
- Awareness of social justice issues: varied speakers, connections to organizations, book discussions
- Volunteer opportunities: active regular practical ways to make a difference like volunteer Sundays, providing weekly meals
Wy’east Areas for Improvement
Below is more detail about each of the areas for improvement identified in the Summary Section, followed by an Appendix of all the input gathered in writing during the Conversation Circles.
Community Connection
- Small group activities: for fun socializing and for learning and spiritual practice
- In-person interaction: be together in person, need space to gather outside Sunday morning
Contribution to Social Justice
- More involvement: Better explain how and where we’re contributing to the community and how to get involved easily
Spiritual Search in UU context
- Support for children/youth: desire for more children to have a sense of community available for families
Details and raw material collected by theme
(Note that all responses from January 7 are in sans-serif type,Calibri, while all responses from January 14 are in serif type, Times Roman.)
Community Connection
The input that falls in this category are grouped below:
SMALL CONGREGATION
I wanted a smaller group. I had gone to First Church and it was so large. It was more difficult to get to know people.
Came from First Portland. Too many people there.
Started attending in early 2000s when it was in the afternoon at Waverly heights- preferred ease of getting to know people in smaller congregation over First UU
WELCOMING
The people were very welcoming at Wy’east.
I kept coming back because people welcomed me each time I came back.
Hybrid program.. Zoom
Introduced by parents- Zoom makes engagement possible.
I was in need of a welcoming church for my nontraditional family. I want a place to grow spiritually.
I moved out of the area. Zoom has kept me attending.
ATTRACTS THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING COMMUNITY
The Minister asked me to take care of having congregation members sign the cards for people who were experiencing a difficulty. Her asking me to do that made me feel that I was part of the group.
I was looking for community, although I wasn’t clear that I was. I get to do spirituality plus social justice here.
Heard about this do-it-yourself congregation
Drum circle, Fun, Community.
Kept coming because new to town and looking for community. Liked different kind of services and making salad rolls (experiential activity – good medicine).
Kids/family, music, sharing circles, community, connection/spirit/song, a place that felt like home where I could be known, seen, and engaged.
A need for community. Mabel Pool kept me coming back. A good RE program kept me engaged, initially. Later, the ability to be involved in the church, and have influence, kept me engaged.
I was asked to be part of the steering committee to form a new fellowship or congregation on the east side of the Willamette. I helped form Wy’east and continue to stay because of the sincerity and wanting it to succeed for others. I think of joy and happiness and comfort in my association with others.
New to Portland. Interested in events locally. Returned when the information was given that this was the same as other congregations internationally. Gift of a collective.
Potluck. Social time. Cookies. First Church too big. Believe what you want. Meet people.. Looking for friendly people. Have fun together. Similar beliefs. Open mindedness. We want a community that supports each other and reaches out to others in need. With others, I’m still working on it.
Spiritual education, learn/participate w those working on social issues, camaraderie
Sense of rootedness: Community-connection – a balm for loneliness. Discovery of my values and how to live them in the wider world. Practice for showing up and being present. Sense of purpose: “finding my people”.
Benefit from community “of like mind”. Some friendship needs fulfilled.
Wy’east’s benefits? I would include our sense of community with its possibilities for members to get involved through volunteer efforts, including committees. It gives us opportunities to walk our talk – bringing our spirituality to a higher level.
"Benefits: community, making a difference" "Needs filled: belonging, involvement"
“What we’re doing right now is what works: opportunities to discuss various subjects, including the service speakers.”
There is a feeling of community here; the joys of life are shared. There is support when someone has a problem to be dealt with whether it’s something like a suggestion, or help with a chore, or support with a grief.
Things that meet my needs: Ritual!! Like-minded people, social club, entry to social justice participation, caring people who listen.
Benefits: Community connections, volunteerism, relationships within the small community.
Benefits: diversity, range of ages, engagement with the work of the congregation, positive aging emphasis.
Benefits: someone to turn to, sense of community.
Benefits: connection, being seen and appreciated, friendships, validation of self & beliefs.
Benefits: community, place to make a difference in the world, making a difference has us feeling better about ourselves, a place to grow and learn to love – hence challenge ourselves, create the world we want to live in. Knowing people I admire and feel at home with, and discussing subjects or thoughts that enhance my knowledge of the world and its varied people. Do they need help, understanding, fellowship, togetherness?
We benefit from getting to know people deeply beyond our work, friends and neighbor circles. We are fulfilled by spending time with people with shared values.
ABOUT THE CONVERSATION CIRCLES
I have been looking for a small group of people who want to work together and do good work in the world. This systemic focus (drafting a Vision Statement for the full congregation) is not what I am here for. I am here for the face-to-face sharing that is part of the discussion process. That’s what I’m hungry for.
I like this discussion process. This is good work, based on a good outlook
SUPPORT FOR AND FROM REVEREND LESLIE
Happy with Rev Leslie.
Happy with diversity, with Rev Leslie, and with outreach and welcome
(Several other positive statements about Reverend Leslie are included in responses that mention multiple assets of Wy’east.)
SPIRITUALITY/CHALICE CIRCLE
Chalice Circles: Support group, spilled guts plus social justice. Joys and sorrows: expressing your grief to others. Wy’east is small and tight knit.
Opens up sharing, support, and social justice. Joys and sorrows…. Opportunity to spill our guts.
Chalice Circle “keeps me coming back”- getting to know some people on a deeper level- especially with people from different age groups
Spiritual Search in UU context
The input that falls in this category are grouped below:
UU VALUES AND TRADITIONS
Looking for a new church – found UU values, community, safe space, spiritual reflection, working with kids – traditions
It was good to find out that this small congregation offers all the benefits of a large congregation through its affiliation with the international UU network
Saw the UU church outside of my office for years. Went to General Assembly in Spokane with a Med School friend and loved the vibes. Too far to go to First Church. Wandered down here and said to Ron, “Did I find the Unitarians?” Came back because there was a Social Justice committee and stayed engaged because of that.
Moved here needing friends of like mind, and needed spiritual sustenance. Found friends, community, and liked the minister. Made individual friends which has kept me engaged.. a general commitment to the mission and social service activities.
My mom had died recently and I was feeling lost. UU was “home.” I had been reared UU. Looking for connection, liked the friendly greeters, felt warm acceptance – especially during social hour. Don’t and didn’t want God talk. Made friends and joined committees.
Walking by and saw the sign. Looking for connection. Parents dying. Small groups. Friendly, humble space. Need for all to participate. Universalism, cares and concerns. Family chat. Felt like home. I felt seen, known, heard, and connected. Love singing in the front row -- hear better, sharing circles, vibrant RE, sanctuary for parents.
I was new to the neighborhood. My mother had told me to “Try UU” for years. I felt the need to be in community, but had found Buddhist studies lonely and isolating. Decided against joining a political group, and began a search that ended where I began….. Here.
Invited by a coworker- curiosity- wasn’t searching for spirituality- UU principles resonated-“organize my own personal thinking about how to be an ethical person in my world” -”open up the possibility of a spiritual life”
I like that this is not all “Jesus-y”, but fulfills actual Christian values – fulfills the need to be with “like-minded people” who are not big on guilt.
There is a wide spectrum of needs among Wy’east congregants. There also are a number of members who use 3 or 4 UU settings to meet the full range of their family’s needs.
Absence of “being threatened with hell” is a positive
Those who connect with Wy’east early after moving to the area will become connected to the area network and meet others interested in the same hobbies, learn with others, and join small groups (like singing) which bring the benefits of togetherness. (Wrote this in a spiral, starting with birth – first visit? – and then community development.)
YOUTH EDUCATION/PARTICIPATION
Participation with youth/kids has helped us stay connected. “I appreciate this being a safe space.”
I came with my then 6 year old daughter. I knew the Director of RE at Wyeast. My daughter, now 30, doesn’t come but her values have been grounded in UU.
Safety for children has kept them engaged.
Grew up in Texas, originally joined a UU church due to the culture there encouraging church membership- moved to Portland and found Wy’east- First Church was too churchy- hiring for RE coordinator brought her back, kids keep her coming.
It is the case that we have offered virtual social gatherings for youth, usually on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Often we have had an empty room. We would be happy to have other children and young adults join us.
Contribution to Social Justice
The input that falls in this category are grouped below:
VOLUNTEER/SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVITIES
Brought by potential for volunteer opportunities – my daughter’s job, working with the youngest children. I’m now missing a routine connection with folks examining social justice.
Keeps coming because there are lots of well-curated opportunities to volunteer – congregation and pastors have all been very open and welcoming to all.
What keeps my buddy engaged is getting connected with and informed about local social justice issues. Also “you have some excellent speakers” -”finding out about what’s happening locally- book discussion groups are mind-expanding.”
Learning and participating with those working on social issues is rewarding.
Relating around lack of spiritual curiosity and feel more resonance with “practical, humanist, do good while you’re here” kind of thinking.
Also loving the volunteer Sundays.
First UU has “certain advantages that Wy’east doesn’t”- e.g. “more activism” around a wider variety of issues, like a letter-writing campaign around Palestine- But I also have appreciation for ways in which Wy’east is a good platform for some types of social justice action, like organizing speakers on various issues.
Taking food to shelter and meeting in small groups helps you get to know others more deeply.
We benefit from getting to know people deeply beyond our work, friends and neighbor circles. We are fulfilled by spending time with people with shared values.
Community/cooperation. A chance to contribute. Learning about my own strength and getting justice done is terrific.
Wy’east Areas for Improvement
Below is more detail about each of the areas for improvement identified in the Summary Section, followed by an Appendix of all the input gathered in writing during the Conversation Circles.
Community Connection
The input that falls in this category are grouped below:
MORE GETTING TOGETHER/GROUP ACTIVITIES
Friday Shabbat Dinner
Thinking of sounding out interest in a weekly-or-so meditation practice.
Would like more interpersonal connectedness regarding joys & sorrows.
Small groups important. We’ve lost some!
Need singing lessons.
Need more small group opportunities
Try out different kind of a group- ‘What’s the problem?’” Share and discuss about current events
Covid legacy, virtual services not as satisfying as in-person.
Add group activities like camping trips, retreats, hiking.
Obstacle: Too many tasks and not enough volunteers.
Need more fun times together – baby showers, hiking, singing.
Need: expand connection with other UU’s to build our community…. How does Wy’east want to grow? What educational opportunities can be developed?
We can acknowledge the artificial constructs or societal constraints and look for deeper truth beyond these.
We offer a village vibe, extended family, intergenerational experience, bringing wisdom insights, small community, food, traditions & meaning. Negotiating the scary aspects of the world/politics, finding agency together, and meeting people outside work/neighbor friendship networks at a Sr. Ctr. Taking food to shelter and meeting in small groups helps you get to know others more deeply.
Needs: expanded membership? more deliberate interaction across ages. Need more space.
MEETINGS: SIZE, SPACE AND FREQUENCY
Need space to gather during the week.
Obstacles: only meeting in person twice a month.
Obstacles: not in person every Sunday (a plus and a minus because allows accessibility.) “Social justice” piece of it. “Volunteer clearinghouse.”
We could add benefit by acknowledging darkness and sitting with discomfort without trying to solve it.
We could increase size of congregation which might increase opportunity and also take some onus from those who fulfill church roles frequently (but we don’t want to expand too much because members like the small congregation)
Contribution to Social Justice
The input that falls in this category are grouped below:
LOCAL SOCIAL JUSTICE OPPORTUNITIES
More social action and discussion needed.
Get involved with nearby neighborhood.
Need more opportunities to volunteer.
Expand feeling of belonging to a community that gives back and shows love. Challenge ourselves by setting up a Wy’east food fund for Lilac Meadows, and by helping those who need physical help such as
grocery shopping/rides/food, more people volunteering.
Spiritual Search in UU context
The input that falls in this category are grouped below:
YOUTH AND INTERGENERATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Intergenerational friendships/program. More kids (X3).
Intergenerational community.
Need more kids – social time together, games, books, etc.
I can’t do online with my child.
Not many children at Wy’east so have considered trying other churches.
Would like to build my child’s spirituality with his/her peers.
Wy’east should provide virtual opportunities for youth involvement. My family has participated in multiple local UU memberships – all together serving our range of family needs.
Benefits: Community connections, volunteerism, relationships within the small community.
It would be awesome to have a virtual youth group. We are attending one church for youth activities and another for services."
Need: more kids.
Problems: young families don’t see other young families here, people of color may not feel welcomed.