50 Bloomfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105 Tel: (860) 233-9897 / FAX 233-1333 Email: firstunitarian@ushartford.com Reverend Barbara Jamestone, PhD

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Envisioning the Future: A report to the Minister of the Unitarian Society of Hartford By The Council on Spiritual Life April 2008 The Council on Spiritual Life 2007-2008 Marye Gail Harrison, Member-at-Large, USH Board Kelly Lyman, Chair, Council on Spiritual Life Gail Syring, Director of Religious Education Laurie Kelliher, Chair, Religious Education Sub-Council Amy Hines, Chair, Worship Sub-Council Janice Newton, Chair, Adult Programs Sub-Council Ginny Berrien, Representative, Adult Programs Bill LaPorte-Bryan, COSL Member at Large Thanks also to Helen David   Quick Links: Envisioning the Future Background Information from Reading Church Visits Gathering Information from the Congregation Summary and Suggestions Appendix A Fowler’s Theory of Faith Development Appendix B Thoughts Shared by Participants in Charette Ideas/Visioning: Appendix C Calendar of a Month’s Worth of Activity Created by Charette Participants Appendix D Categories of Ideas Shared at Charette Envisioning the Future The Council on Spiritual Life (COSL) was charged this fall with advising the minister on “Sunday programming.”  The Council met with the minister to develop a better understanding of the charge and thereafter identified several tasks – some defined by the minister and some identified by the Council.  The following directed our work: It is important that the congregation feels their desires for Sunday programming have been heard. The minister will ultimately make decisions about Sunday programming. The Council on Spiritual Life should solicit information and schedule times for congregational comments and summarize such information allowing BJ to make informed decisions. Decisions should be made including information from other church sources.  We will talk with people at other churches about how decisions are made and how two services evolved for them with specific information about how things such as RE are managed. The Council sought to give advisement after gathering information from three sources.  First, council members wanted to better understand theories of faith development to learn why people sought religion and what religion should provide to people.  Council members felt this would help them give advisement.  To do this, we gathered a collection of readings, which were shared among the group.  Next, we identified several churches in the Hartford area to visit thereby informing ourselves about their history and experience with our concerns.  Finally, to seek input from our own congregation, we held a Charette allowing congregants to envision the future.  This report summaries the work of the COSL.  It was not our charge to make direct recommendations about how to structure Sunday programming.  Rather, we have summarized our findings and offered suggestions for how this information may be used.  We also suggest additional actions the minister, Board, or other Councils may take to extend our work. The Council hopes this information will inform the next edition of the Unitarian Society of Hartford’s Strategic Plan. Background Information from Reading Readings helped us understand faith development occurs in stages, often over a long period of time.  Life experiences affect this development and religions can support this development through their practices.  We all go through life stages and in each we answer the big questions of life such as:  Who am I?  How do I live with others? What does life mean? Our answers vary as we accumulate life experience. A spiritual community can help us reinterpret our experience as we move through the stages. A church community must understand and respect the needs of people in different stages of life and accordingly provide a variety of  programs to meet various needs. Fowler is best known for defining these stages in what is called faith development.   A complete listing of Fowler’s Theory of adult stages is included in Appendix A. Church Visits Before visiting area churches, we identified several things to observe or notice including: What does Sunday morning programming look like?  Does Sunday programming extend beyond the morning? Are both services presented in the same way – music, sermon, etc. or are they deliberately different?  What drives (or originally drove) this decision? How is music provided at your multiple services and how are volunteers used to support the services? What is different on Sundays when the minister is not there? What is the level of staffing of ministers and what is the “load” on the minister? How have your Sunday programs and other programs been influenced by the physical plant?  By parking availability? When and how are other programs offered beyond Sundays? Is there adult education of some sort (Lifespan Religious Education)?  When are programs offered? How is religious education for children structured and offered?  How is it staffed? Is there a program focus (e.g., focus on the family) or are the programs offered of a varied nature? When are business meetings held? When did the congregation experience growth and how did that affect programming and Sunday offerings? What are your external communications?  Do you advertise?  How? Make note of outdoor signage and describe in report. Visits were made to the Universalist Church of West Hartford (Fern Street), UU Society East (Manchester), Asylum Hill Congregational Church, The Methodist Church of West Hartford, First Church of the Living God, and Immanuel Congregational Church.  Among the UU churches there were many similarities.  When widened to include churches from a variety of denominations more differences were discovered. Among the UU churches (Fern Street, Manchester, and USH) similarities were noted in how we conduct Sunday services.  At all churches the two services included many similarities with regards to music, readings, and the sermon, and some differences dependent generally on availability of choir members.  Also, Sundays at all three churches include lay led services as well as minister led.  UUS-E (Manchester) is the only one of the three with RE available at both services.  All UU churches include some meetings on Sundays but not during services.  The Youth Group at Fern Street meets in the evening.  We did not discover when the Youth Group meets in Manchester.  Ministerial load seems significant at each of these churches with a variety of full time, part time, and volunteer staff.  Program offerings and opportunities for members to be involved in the operations of the church are numerous.  To some degree physical plant, including parking, has played a role in the decision to move to two services. The churches from other denominations (Immanuel Congregational Church, Church of the Living God, West Hartford Methodist Church) varied a bit more in operations.  Immanuel Congregational Church is a large church that seats 800.  They have only one service.  Asylum Hill Congregational Church has nearly 2,000 members and holds two services and a third on Saturday evening (although sparsely attended).  Both of these churches have more than one minister and additional staff.  Asylum Hill offers RE only at one service with the youth group meeting in the evening.  Some youth assist with RE for younger children while others attend the service.  Asylum Hill offered other programs and activities for adults but offerings were not as extensive as USH.  Church of the Living God kept their focus on worship with few other programs for adults.  Typically meetings are not held on Sundays.  All of these churches are involved in outreach with Asylum Hill being the most involved.  They have six major outreach programs including daycare/preschool and a Boys and Girls Club that they helped to establish with endowment funds.  Music varies among these churches but is a vital part of them all. We also explored ways these churches communicated what they did to others.  Nearly all the churches had developed websites and some regularly used the newspaper to advertise their services (most notable Asylum Hill).  A communications committee exists at UUS-E.  Signs are prevalent outside each church as greeters are found inside at most. Gathering Information from the Congregation A Charette was held on March 9, 2008.  Fifty participants were encouraged to think about the future of USH after first considering what drew them here now.  Participants were divided into six break-out groups to share their thoughts.  This process began with a simple reporting of ideas (appendix B) and then continued with an opportunity to envision the future through the creation of a month long calendar.  This calendar listed the activities of the church and the Sunday worship services.   Appendix C includes the calendar created by each group.  The list following each calendar is a list of additional ideas generated by the group.  Members of the COSL reviewed the calendars and identified several themes – ideas that were noted on multiple calendars or in multiple ways.  These themes include: The desire for diversity - to celebrate it all; variety of services, diversity of music; as well as a more diverse congregation  - diverse in terms of race, social economic class, etc. Spirituality was noted often.  It included practices such as meditation, prayer, and non-traditional practices such as yoga or tai chi. The facility was noted often in remarks.  There are hopes that the facility would appear more welcoming, comforting, and open.  A desire for natural light and more connections to the outdoors, including use of the grounds, was also mentioned.  Similarly, suggestions of connecting with other members of the congregation in the outdoors was mentioned.  Activities such as picnics, hikes, labyrinth walks, and gardening were suggested. A surprise theme was the need to have a church van.  Such a vehicle could be used for trips, outings, and rides for individuals, as well as provide the opportunity for people to travel together to events or activities. The desire to engage in outreach and to provide services was prevalent.  The facility could be used to provide a daycare center or after school programs.  Involving children in these outreach programs, using the kitchen for baking, and removing the boundaries for engaging in outreach were all noted. Programs that enrich the whole spirit/person are desired.  These programs support one’s spirituality, creativity, education, and sense of community. The church should reflect the fullness of humanity – breathing in and breathing out. Review of these calendars also left us with several questions such as: Do we know what to do about Sunday mornings? What is meant by “send BJ out into the community”? With regards to the facility, can we work with what we have or do we need to start over? If the inside were more inviting would people who hunger for connections to the outside feel satisfied? How can we provide the opportunity for more people to get involved in the envisioning process? Why did only one additional person come tonight? How far can we go with these ideas before turning off those who didn’t participate? Will we make strides with creating a more diverse community by attracting it or do we need to go get it? Why do we want more diversity? Summary and Suggestions We hope that the information presented here will be considered as BJ makes decisions for Sunday programming.  The summary of the readings offers a foundation, which describes how a church can support the development of its members.  This information can serve an evaluative purpose as actions are identified.  The visits to the other churches highlight the importance of meaningful worship services as the center of all other activity within the church.  In many of the churches visited, there was little else consuming the attention of the church leaders besides worship services and religious education.  In those churches where other programs were offered, these were done with a combination of paid staff and volunteers.  The programs, staffing structures, and schedules shared offer alternatives as the future of USH is planned.  Summaries from the Charette provide many suggestions for specific actions as well as offer themes for future actions and activities.  This summary was developed by the COSL, but we suggested that readers of this report review the full text provided in the appendices of the ideas and calendars created during the Charette.  The COSL offers the following suggestions for use of this information: BJ should consider the hopes and visions of the congregation as she plans for Sunday programming for the future.  Information gathered from other churches may offer models for this programming.  The Board will use the information contained in this report as it updates the Strategic Plan. Each Council Chair should be provided with a copy of this report.  Each Council is encouraged to consider the findings presented as it develops plans for the future.  Council plans should connect back to the plans developed by the Board through their strategic planning process. Some of the ideas presented can be implemented now while others may require some planning or preparation.  Other ideas may need to be implemented in stages.  It might be helpful to the Board or Councils to review this report and consider ideas for implementation now, those to do within the year, and those requiring a plan for implementation further into the future. This report should be made available to all members of the congregation through publication on the website. Appendix A Fowler’s Theory of Faith Development The adult stages in Fowler's theory typically include stages three through six. The earlier stages generally follow normal progressive development, and as stated by Lownsdale (1997), the various stages of faith are neither achievements, nor progressive steps to salvation, but simply degrees that one's faith goes through as it develops. The following is a short description of each of these stages: Stage 3. [arising during adolescence] Synthetic-conventional: In this stage, a person knows why he/she believes. One pulls together various parts of faith and tends to conform to the majority, and people are rewarded or punished for following rules laid down by the proper authority (the church or Bible). Views at this stage are often stereotyped. Stage 4. [mid 20's to late 30's] Individuative-reflective: There is a relocation of authority within the self, along with a critical reflection of one's beliefs. Faith becomes uniquely one's own. In addition, there is usually a struggle to grow and understand. Stage 5. [mid life crisis] Conjunctive: Individuals realize the paradoxes in faith, and learn to live with their faith and their questions. This stage involves a dynamic, trusting relationship with God. Stage 6. [some suggest the later years could be more specifically defined than Fowler's model] Universalizing Faith: This stage is defined by feeling at one with God. People here invest their lives in a larger cause without being concerned by the personal cost (Parrott & Steele, 1995; Swensen, Fuller, & Clements, 1993). These stages are simply frameworks of understanding people and where they are in regard to their faith. Stated without “God language,” faith is seen as a holistic orientation and is concerned with the individual's relatedness to the universal: Stage 0 - "Primal or Undifferentiated" faith (birth to 2 years), is characterized by an early learning of the safety of their environment (ie. warm, safe and secure vs. hurt, neglect and abuse) Stage 1 – "Intuitive-Projective" faith (ages of three to seven), is characterized by the psyche's unprotected exposure to the Unconscious. Stage 2 – "Mythic-Literal" faith (mostly in school children), stage three persons have a strong belief in the justice and reciprocity of the universe, and their deities are almost always anthropomorphic. Stage 3 - "Synthetic-Conventional" faith (arising in adolescence) characterized by conformity Stage 4 – "Individuative-Reflective" faith (usually mid-twenties to late thirties) a stage of angst and struggle. The individual takes personal responsibility for their beliefs and feelings. Stage 5 – "Conjunctive" faith (mid-life crisis) acknowledges paradox and transcendence relating reality behind the symbols of inherited systems Stage 6 – "Universalizing" faith, or what some might call "enlightenment". Appendix B Thoughts Shared by Participants in Charette Ideas/Visioning: Variety/surprise Outdoors/alternative meeting spot(s) Building: expansion/zoning; new building? Parking expansion (underground?) Increased attendance Busy throughout the week Multiple ministers/speakers Children---more of them & more class offerings for them New carpet Friday night spiritual offering---more intimate service Organized rider program (not just to church) Flower arranging classes Bulletin board with all offerings Meditation space (chapel?  Place to be at peace) Yearly recognition of memorial space/garden Yearly UU history class Blog --- sermon/service feedback vehicle Enlarge our circle---more racial, ethnic, family varieties More small group offerings to reach more of the growing population throughout the week Aesthetics of building More color New carpet Artwork from artists in our community Banners Ritual mixed with/balanced by surprise   *******************************************************************   Orchard in front---hope and rot All Souls (DC).  Local and distant.  Sunday lunch. New building Downtown.  Near river Diverse population Saw a building.  Mystical.  Unique.  Colorful.  Inviting. Events for non-members Visualization was in this building. People of different backgrounds, reflected in service, including music Evening lay-led service Peace pole Many kids Many new people, who have visited Large active groups for social justice and social service Calls to justice Strong Caring Network Art of the facility “Missed communion” Different people, different faiths together Meditation ************************************************************   New USH building Aesthetically pleasing Energy efficient Financially sustainable Diversified use of USH building for community an financial sustenance We are building a large new facility with Fern Street and Manchester to be completed in 2023 *********************************************************** What keep me coming here: Sanctuary from conflict in world Spiritual nourishment Continuing personal relationships Self-discovery Learning to be quiet Exposure to new ideas, feeling General acceptance, non-judgment Sense of community, people “Weekly spiritual realignment” Call to my best self Chance to express gratitude Sense of ritual Religion that evolves, congregation also RE for all ages BJ’s sermons Guided visualization: Light, bright, more natural light Healthy sidewalks Bike racks  Greener around entrance Lush gardens everywhere, meditation garden, labyrinth, water feature People arriving on foot, bicycle, cars, buses, USH vans Special space for kids, including playground Bright colors, stained glass More diversity---racially, linguistically, culturally Special space for meditative practice Reach out to immediate area, e.g. participants in community garden ******************************************************************* More diverse music Family Sundays---kids stay in service Bible study Yoga---Tai Chi---Meditation Extended family program (existed some years ago) More elegant physical space---pew cushions, painted walls, glass Jewish holiday celebration Relationship with outdoors BTWWDA Labyrinth SGM NVC Playground Worship traditions from Eastern religions Visit/invite other non-UU congregations UU education for adults and kids Two generational groups (i.e., mothers and daughters—adult dyads as well as parent kid dyads) Reading leading to sermon---including sacred texts Prayer---all-inclusive with space and time Closing prayer for worship-ritual (miss the benediction…”For all who see God, may God go with you.  For all who embrace life…”  Reading 700. Choir at back sing “Amen” at end…We send kids out with music…How about us? Candle lighting and “Spirit of Life” Mix of piano and organ Nix community greeting//Keep community greeting (Do we only do it so kids leaving isn’t noisy?) “Togetherness” around standing and hymns (Everyone rises at the same time) Like variety of music Choir intermixed with congregation Participatory singing Nix applause---mostly, especially at end Nix railing on chancel---blocks view Weekly meeting night with food (ie many committees meet on the same night and have dinner  or worship) No Sunday meetings during worship Invitation to turn off cell phones at beginning of worship New building basically Rest rooms not off ambulatory so can leave while flushing ******************************************************************* Piano/organ Mistakes okay Friendship                                               Participating in activities Walks/meditation walks                               Active teenagers High energy/activity                                        All rooms used Talkback sessions                                         Better lighting Rails lower---sight lines better Lay-led services Soulful Sundown            Refuge Put the pieces together              Improved access Many cultures/ethnicities                          Larger building/parking Lots of kids                                   Feeling of safety Forum to process                    Feelings of Hope and pride Religious education separate Vesper service/taize/chanting Communion service---bread of life, fruit of the earth Feeling of warmth, comfort Flowers/ gardens/wildflower meadow Discussion groups Hymn singing            Sermons/BJ            Labyrinth           Physical access…easy/flat Cooking                               Part of larger community Diversity            Access to chancel from both sides---easier access Semicircular seating                        Art and instruments from around the world Beauty/more sunlight            Outside pulpit BJ’s office building-wide Feeling of rejuvenation Prayer room                        Abundance of forums for worship Sense of caring/being cared for            Clear descriptions of how to participate Add time and talent to pledge cards Appendix C Calendar of a Month’s Worth of Activity Created by Charette Participants Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9AM Communion RE betw services 11AM traditional     service. After church discussion of service. Coffee hour Non-violent communication (NVC) Youth activity in Hartford Parent group Choir Meditation NVC 5:30-7PM Soulful Sundown Maintenance Day volunteers 9AM alternative service Otherwise, as above NVC Youth group in Htfd Choir Meditation NVC 50+ women’s group Movie night 9AM traditional service 11AM communion Otherwise, as above NVC As above Choir Meditation NVC Men’s group evening Community hymn/sacred sing along or hootenanny sing along monthly Performance 9AM traditional service. 11 AM youth-led service RE for adults between services Otherwise as above NVC As above Choir Meditation NVC Late life transition group Women’s Mid-life transition group   Additional: No committee meetings pre-Sunday services Van with USH sign on it in parking lot Prayer place available at all times with music Volunteers planting wildflower meadow Electrician working on lighting upgrades Carpenter working on changing railing around chancel (lower it for better sight lines) After school every day Day care every day Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Service at 9 and 11AM (minister speaks).  Children in service (alternative program for younger children).  Music is great as is  Music around the sanctuary. Option special interest. SGM Choir Music alternative (UPA) 5PM Young Adult/Youth  (ministerial intern) Same as above Pathways to membership Choir Circle dinner Same as above Same as above Choir Optional interest. SGM Movies Same as above Service at 9 and 11AM.  Guest speaker with support of worship associate’s lead.  Insure service is still a “spiritual”experience. Choir Circle dinner Same as above   Options: Community Center:             Child care             Soup kitchen             Tutoring Festival of Seasons Taize Valentine’s Dance Non-Violent communication  Holiday Service Ember Days Meditation                                                                        Rental $$$ Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday All Sundays:  2 services, but one spiritual, one more social action/justice oriented. ICEJ Sunday recreation hike. Call to justice from pulpit (sermon, etc) Soup and sandwich making for a shelter monthly Van to Hands on Hartford tutoring center. Hootenany Midweek evensong service. Choir practice weekly. Gourmet cooking circle ICEJ (incl minister) Church van to State Capitol Welfare Vigil every Thurs AM. Movie dinner Painting of icons. SJ action (incl minister) for peace vigil, rally, Peace bus trip to Boston or DC. Creative arts=puppetry. Work at a soup kitchen. All Sundays excellent music. All Sundays very active Sunday school. Sign language interpreted services. OWL classes for adults Unemployment support breakfast Folk instrument classes Vacation school cultural trips. Supper and game night. Women’s support group Folk dancing Young adult programs for“Social” social justice. Creative writing and poetry. Peace vigil in West Htfd Center 2nd Sat at noon. All Sundays lunch making. All Sundays Taize at 6PM and meditation, hymns, communion for all, and icons. Women’s support group monthly lunch or afternoon. Caring Network monthly for food, cards, support, transportation. Healthy Living Series (alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.  AKA stress management). Book Reviews current Peace and Justice. Outreach for young adult membership via ara colleges (UHart, UCONN, Trinity, St Joe’s) Creative arts-watercolors. Field trip for adults to evening event (advance registration) twice monthly. Sermon talkback with speaker monthly. Church van to Peace Vigil in Glastonbury at 1PM. UU pagan services. Sacred harp hymn sing Women’s SGM Van to South Church soup kitchen Once a week lay-led service. Green sanctuary/ environmental justice meeting. Art show once a month ICEJ computer workshop for youth/adults. CUREJ (incl minister) Peace group program Creative arts-drama. Crum circle monthly. Sat AM Peace vigil   Comments: Yearly Tag Sale, Community Garden, Women’s exercise event outdoors or at a gym; religious home Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday A welcome to newcomer’s service. Summer Sunday services in a park, including a picnic June/July/August. Every Sunday 2 or 3 services with different music. Occasional small Sunday services with different religious, ethnic, racial traditions recognized. Decorating committee for permanent interior uses of color for welcoming an warmth. Small group ministry-handicap accessible with rides provided to those who need them. Courses Creativity courses Monthly meeting of design review committee to review proposed permanent changes to building. Light and Sound Original art around church New richly-colored carpeting to welcome everyone warmly. Friday night religious/spiritual services. Friday or Saturday 3 weeks of social events and 1 week of service Once a month art/theater/music program to bring in the public. Speaker series. Familiar rituals especially candles for sharing concerns and joys. Continue the poetry service we have done in the past. Continue joint music program with Fern Street church. Short term service opportunities that would involve children and adults. Organized, efficient, functional administrative structure Rites of passage Choir practice Nursery school or Day Care Center (rental). Community rentals during week Friday dinner and movie get-together. Yearly party to invite the neighbors who live around us.  Poorer neighbors included. RE classes Youth group Blog-web-based discussions of service topic. Scouting groups Networking groups (socials, singles, etc) Meditation (space during week and class) Neighborhood connections Outreach: Could we assist the Annie Fisher School community somehow on their grounds Weddings and funerals. Caring Network/congregational self-support Have BJ make a list of definitions of religious terms she uses:  Worship, prayer, spiritual growth, witness, to minister, stewardship, liturgy, grace, benediction, etc. Volunteer burnout counseling. Coordinated rides Food (Coming together with the Unitarian Eating House). Adult programming for members and others not specifically “religious”. Comments: More diverse congregation, much larger. BJ still with us. 2 ministers Spring: Passover/Seder Fall:  recognition of Jewish High Holidays Christmas:  Place for children to participate in presentation. Christmas service for those who will travel, held earlier in December Professional event coordinator Professional volunteer coordinator Marketing/advertisements in local papers and on local TV stations and internet Social Justice opportunities; advocacy and hands-on Events/projects with Fern Street and MSE churches (Habitat for Humanity for example). Utilize UUA resources Themes to attract new members Interns from U of H for advertising and outreach BJ in community with congregational support for ministers outreach Underground parking Family interaction beyond RE encounters Year-round stewardship Surprises!!!  Good ones. Strong financial foundation Multiple RE options for each age More kids RE service projects Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Invite other religions to service. More non-hymnal music (popular songs, etc).  Sunday beehive of activity 8-1:30. No community greeting. Keep the community greeting. Group meditation. Tai Chi Group meditation Yoga Meeting of the Moon (mother daughter group) Outdoor worship Family volunteer opportunities Expand men’s luncheon club to women’s membership. Ritual chalice lighting words.  No applause at the end of service (or almost any other time). More diversity.  Sing a doxology (every Sunday).  Building the world we dream about. SGM Yoga Labyrinth committee Tai Chi Group meditation Yoga Restart the extended families programs. Movie and dinner Develop and conduct UU history meeting continuously. All church singalong. Singing non-hymnal songs. More people at the early service; more kids; maybe start at 9:30.  Family Sunday where children stay.  Weekly contemplative traditions/rituals (ie lighting candles, sing the send children off song). Group meditation Could we recruit a society barbershop quartet (here is one member)? Develop a UU program for replacing our present “Empire”-structured culture with an “earth community”-based culture (see Tom Kemble). Arts gallery (maximize this). Tai Chi Group meditation Bible study with focus on sacred texts. Yoga Building the World We Dream About Adult UU history and tradition education. Middle school con. Communal cooking and conversation. Lay led services.  Contemplative meditation during services.  Continue to use the chapel more often.  Bereavement service.  More piano, less organ.  After church, weeding of the playground. SGM Group meditation Outdoor beautification committee meeting. Sidewalk repair committee meeting. Big ideas discussions. Tai Chi Group meditation Meditation service in the early evening. Yoga Small group Ministries. OWL with Fern Street at MH. Formally introduce worship traditions in Eastern religions. Comments: Is there a reason we do not interact more with Fern Street? What is our interaction with the people who plant in the Community Garden right in our “own backyard”? We have a glorious outdoor setting that we never use.  Why is that? Celebrate Jewish holidays Keep SGM Japanese gardens---serenity gardens Invite/house other religious traditions to be performed here Green sanctuary Get rid of chancel railing.  Nobody can see anything!!! Children get a strong sense of UUism during RE on a weekly basis Benediction at end of service and everyone walks out so no applause at end of service (last song can be before benediction). No clapping at end of service---closing meditation/prayer/song Fix poor sight lines on chancel (no railing) After service talks by members about things they are interested in ---trips, etc. Sermons talk about God, prayer, centering, opening, deepening spirit…how do you bring that into your world/week? Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 4th/5th grade baking at 10AM; sale at 11AM. Later delivery. Interfaith legislative lobbying group once a month Choir rehearsal Meditation twice a month Interweave chapter meeting once a month Once a month dinner/movie Children’s garden every Saturday. Singing spirituals in service once a month. Between services breakfast every Sunday, prepared by rotating 8-10 person committee. Modern dance in worship every other month. Brass quintet rehearsal one a month String rehearsal once a month Choir Woodwind quintet rehearsal once a month Huge Coming of Age as a 6 month program which meets Friday evenings. “Snow White and the Seven Principles” (Children’s spiritual drama group presented Saturday nights). Open community interfaith dialogue 10AM with worship. Weekly 1PM Sunday communion service, Taize or other format. Continue to have concerts and art shows of various sorts Sign language interpreted services Choir Jazz combo rehearsal once a month Some type of art/craft activity once a month. Spiritual practices of world religions discussion at 10 AM that is for adult and kid-friendly.  Share, learn, witness. Intergenerational service with lots of kid involvement. Day care center Community garden ”Victory gardens” Soup kitchen Creativity SGM Choir Community groups venue Tai chi/yoga for families After school program 2 days per week. Small Group Ministries for families Comments: Need on Sundays: Inspiration Or peace or both. Music connects me with spirit Engaging children’s programs Some solitude (like getting now) Chance to read the hymnal Invitation to spiritual core-presence Ministered to Ministered to others---showing care Peacefulness Spiritual sustenance from minister and each other Everything accessible…all the time (attached to picture captioned, “You can hear it”). Join our Sunday Memory Assisted Religious Education (attached to picture captioned, “Forgetful?  Repeating questions?  Having trouble finding words?” Cushioned moveable chairs in all worship areas. Shorter rail in front. Sunday USH van service to downtown and assisted living facilities. No business meetings on Sunday until after 3PM. Peace pole Prayer/chalice lighting before all events/meetings/meals. Real growing flowers in the foyer.   Appendix D Categories of Ideas Shared at Charette Charette categories The following is a compilation of the many (!) ideas that sprang forth form the Charette on March 9, 2008.  The suggestions are loosely categorized.  Stars (**) reference the times similar ideas came out of more than one group or reflection.  Statements following **indicate a variation on an idea Spiritual practices WORSHIP: Prayer/chalice lighting before all events/meetings/meals Ritual chalice lighting words Sing doxology every Sunday Weekly contemplative traditions in service Abundance of forums for worship Sermons talk about God, prayer, centering, opening and deepening of the spirit…how do you bring that into your work/week? Have BJ define terms she uses: worship, prayer, spiritual growth, witness, to minister, stewardship, liturgy, grace, benediction, etc. Familiar rituals esp. candle lighting or joys/concerns* Benediction at end of service and everyone walks out so no applause at end of service (last song can be before benediction) Benediction from Reading 700…”For all who see God, may God go with you.  For all who embrace life…” OTHER WORSHIP IDEAS No applause** Invitation to turn off cell phones at beginning of service No Sunday meetings during worship hours Ritual balanced with surprise* Weekly spiritual realignment Discussion of spiritual practices of world religions at 10AM on Sunday which would be adult and child friendly Introduce worship traditions in Eastern religions   OTHER PRACTICES Communion* Taize* Ember Days** Meditation ******** Vesper service Tai chi/yoga for families Yoga ** Tai chi* Outdoor worship ALTERNATIVE WORSHIP Midweek evensong service UU pagan services Weekly 1 PM Sunday communion service, Taize or other format Open community interfaith dialogue with worship on Sundays at 10AM Small Sunday services with different religious, ethnic/racial traditions recognized Friday night religious/spiritual services* Family Sunday more often* Lay led services*evening lay-led services Invite/house other religious traditions to be performed here YOUTH WORSHIP IDEAS Young adult/youth program with ministerial intern Rites of Passage SPECIAL OCCASION WORSHIP Poetry service to continue Celebrate Jewish Holidays*** Christmas service early in season for those who travel Themes to attract new members Soulful Sundown Yearly recognition of Memorial Garden Summer Sunday services in a park, including a picnic June/July/August Would more people come to summer services if held in a space not shut off from the outdoors and light? Music All Sundays: Excellent music** Music around the sanctuary Choir sings “Amen” at back of sanctuary at end of service Everyone rise and sit at the same time during hymns (used to sit through prologue, then all would stand (on signal) at beginning of actual singing) More non-hymnal music* Continue “Spirit of Life” with candles More piano/less organ* Singing spirituals monthly Choir practice *** All church sing-along* Joint music with Fern Street Hootenanny* Sacred harp hymn sing* Drum circle monthly Woodwind quintet rehearsal monthly Brass             “ Jazz combo Barbershop quartet Activities Committee meetings on the same night have dinner together and then break out for individual meetings ICEJ Sunday recreation hikes Field trips for adults to evening events twice monthly Supper and game nights Yearly tag sale Women’s exercise event outdoors or at a gym.  AM monthly Movie and dinner ***** Children’s garden every Saturday Circle dinners Festival of Seasons Valentine’s Dance Once a month art/music/theater program to bring in the public Speaker series at MH Fri or Sat: 3 weeks of social events and 1 week of service Yearly party with neighbors around us Networking groups (socials, singles, etc) Children’s RE All Sundays: Very active Sunday school*** “Snow White and the Seven Principles” (Children’s spiritual drama group presented Saturday nights) Huge Coming of Age as a 6 month program which meets Friday evenings Middle School Rally or Con OWL with Fern Street Children get a strong sense of UUism during RE on a weekly basis* RE service projects More kids*** Children’s Worship Service (Community Within) ACCESSIBILITY Sign language interpretation * Handicapped accessible SGM/van transportation * Everything accessible to everyone all the time Sunday USH van service to downtown and assisted living facilities* *(USH van with sign) OTHER IDEAS Caring Network for transportation** food, cards, support Volunteer burnout counseling Pathways to membership Extended family program to be re-started Family encounters beyond RE Diversity***** Develop a UU program for replacing our present “Empire”-structured culture with an “Earth Community”-based culture Is there a reason we do not interact more with Fern Street? *(group projects i.e. Habitat for Humanity with Fern and MSE) Weddings and Funerals Bereavement services BJ stays More ministers Professional events coordinator Professional volunteer coordinator Social Justice/Outreach Soup and sandwich making for a shelter monthly Soup kitchen Work at a soup kitchen* ICEJ Sunday recreation hike Vans to Hands on Hartford tutoring center ICEJ including minister Church van to State Capitol Welfare Vigil every Thurs IS Young adult programs for social justice Peace bus trip to Boston or DC Peace vigil in West Hartford Center 2nd Sat afternoon, Sundays at Glastonbury Peace group program ICEJ computer workshop for youth/adults Interfaith legislative lobbying group monthly Interweave chapter meeting monthly After school program 2 days per week Tutoring Family volunteer activities (some could be short term) * A community garden is in our “backyard”…could we have a relationship??* Scouting Neighborhood connections Outreach to Annie Fisher School Marketing/advertisements in local papers and on TV and Internet *(interns for UHART for advertising and outreach) BJ in community with congregational support for minister’s outreach Programs Adult OWL Gourmet cooking circle Communal cooking and conversation Food:  Promote “Coming Together with the Unitarian Eating House” UU history meeting to be given continuously **Yearly Folk dancing Creative arts*             Puppetry             Writing and poetry             Watercolors             Drama             Memory Assisted Religious Education Outreach to young adult membership via area colleges (UHart, UCONN, Trinity, St Joe’s) Book reviews Women’s support group**(for women in mid-life transition) Men’s group Healthy Living series (alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, AKA stress reduction Green sanctuary/environmental justice meetings Monthly art/craft activity Small group ministry for families SGM**** NVC** Mother daughter group (Meeting of the Moon) Parent group Men’s luncheon group to expand to women Bible study/sacred text study* Building the World We Dream About* Big idea discussions Blog/web discussions of sermon topic After church discussion** Utilize UUA resources RE for adults* between service Flower arranging classes Facility OUTSIDE Community garden** “Victory garden” Japanese gardens---serenity gardens* Wildflower meadow Labyrinth*** Water feature Children’s garden every Saturday After church weeding the playground Outdoor beautification committee* Sidewalk repair** We have a glorious outdoor setting that we never use.  Why is that?* Memorial Garden Bike racks Playground INSIDE Pew cushion *Cushioned moveable chairs in all worship areas Shorter rail around chancel---nobody can see anything.  How can we engage in a service we cannot see?**** More banners Real flowers growing in the foyer Green sanctuary* Fix/enhance lighting*** More natural lighting* Decorating committee* for permanent interior uses of color for welcoming and warmth***stained glass New richly-colored carpeting to welcome all to our space** Meditation space ***(with music) No restrooms off the ambulatory…a person could leave after flushing Art shows monthly **** Use the chapel more often OTHER Community groups venue Rental income** Day Care center*** Peace Pole* New building/expanded building**(downtown/near river) *new building with Fern Street, Manchester to open 2023 Organized, efficient, functional administrative structure Underground parking Maintenance Day People arriving on foot, bus, bicycle, car, USH van

Let us know of any comments, errors and corrections - thanks (revised 14/18/08)