NAVIGATE

Berrien UU Makes a 5-Year Plan

Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship made financial commitments in 2015-2016 to improve community awareness of the Fellowship
(website revision, direct mailing), enhance sanctuary aesthetics (new chairs), build the Religious Education program, and promote solar energy.   Results varied.  The website revision improved our online presence.  The direct mailing did not significantly increase Sunday Services visitors.  The 2015-2016 RE program had some successes and some disappointments.  Of our 2015-2016 initiatives, the investment in solar p13139312_1244475142247638_8889364330785717772_nanels brought us the most publicity, thanks to additional efforts by Harvey Johnson, plus is saving Berrien UU several hundred dollars annually on our AEP bill.

At a January 2016 State of the Fellowship workshop a committed group of Berrien UU members reviewed our progress and identified focus areas:  Welcoming Congregation (WC), Green Sanctuary (GS), Sunday Services (SS), Membership.   Religious Education (RE) will help support WC, GS, and SS.

State of the Fellowship Part 2 (May 2016) targeted how to address these focus areas over the next 5 years, and specifically steps to take over the next year.

Berrien UU finances continue to be a challenge.  It is hoped that a successful 5-year plan addressing our focus areas will attract new members, increase revenue, and introduce new fundraising opportunities.

Our vision is not just subsistence, but energizing growth.

Sunday Service attendance will increase by 50%.

Membership will increase by 50%.

Berrien UU will achieve Green Sanctuary certification.

Berrien UU will re-new Welcoming Congregation status.  

Religious Education will provide support for Green Sanctuary and Welcoming Congregation requirements.

Achieving our Goals

How are we going to achieve these worthy goals?  Action items are proposed here and champions are needed in each area.  Where do you see yourself helping achieve Berrien UU’s goals?  Specific, dedicated champions who own and implement these areas of focus will be critical to our success.  Email Office@BerrienUU.org with your interest.  Everyone’s help is necessary.  Planning, calling, organizing, researching, etc.  No matter what your preferred level of involvement, there is something for you to help with.

Sunday Service/Religious Education

5-year plan:  Sunday Service attendance will increase by 50% from a weekly average of 20 to a weekly average of 30; Children’s Religious Education participation will increase by 100% from a weekly average of 3 to a weekly average of 6 children.

2016-2017 Action Items

  1. Sunday Service and Religious Education will each be assessed and revised to engage young people and families.
  2. Safe, reliable childcare will be provided during Sunday Service.
  3. The Sunday Service leader will record Sunday Service attendance each week.
  4. The Director of Religious Education (or designee) will record RE participation.
  5. Sunday Service homilies will be audio-recorded, posted on the BUUF website and shared in the weekly announcement.
  6. UU principles will be displayed in the sanctuary and fellowship hall.

Membership

5-year plan:  Membership will increase by 50% from 28 to 42 members.

2016-2017 Action Items

  1. The Berrien UU end of summer picnic will be a community event with games, food, music, dancing.
  2. A regimented pathway to membership will be developed.
  3. Berrien UU youth will be invited to become members and be recognized at a new member service.
  4. Members will be active on the Berrien UU facebook page.
  5. Berrien UU logo wear and UUA Standing on the Side of Love materials will be used to represent Berrien UU in the community, especially at non-UU events.
  6. Community Outreach / Social Action (CO/SA) partner events will be featured on our website, calendar and weekly announcements.
  7. CO/SA partners will be invited to use the Berrien UU building for events and meetings.

Green Sanctuary

5-year plan: Berrien UU will achieve Green Sanctuary certification.

2016-2017 Action Items

  1. Low maintenance ground cover or natural plantings will be added to the front lawn to decrease mowing requirements.
  2. Berrien UU members will support Emma Kinnard’s Fresh Start or another community garden.

Welcoming Congregation

5-year plan: Berrien UU will renew our status as a Welcoming Congregation.

2016-2017 Action Items

  1. Welcoming Congregation re-certification activities will be identified.

Moving Forward

Our mission is to be a welcoming and caring religious community for anyone searching for spirituality.  We must be successful in our 5-year plan to be a vibrant fellowship dedicated to diversity, social and environmental justice, and peace for all.  Let us know which of these focus areas–Sunday Service, Religious Education, Membership, Green Sancutary or Welcoming Congregation–is important to you.  Email Office@BerrienUU.org with your area of interest, or use the sign up sheets at the fellowship.