These are the raw notes from our “dreamcatching” exercise at the 2015 annual meeting. Come help us shape some of these dreams into reality!
Dreams
USH flourishes
WORSHIP
Services in at least 2 languages and at least two services/week
Integrated service for youth and adults
Grounding in Reverence
Two full-time ministers
Intergenerational services;
MUSIC
Amazing, energetic music program
a Keeper of Sacred and Choral Music
Continue making magnificent music
More varied musical program with additional congregational participation
More participation by children in music
Children’s choir
Larger choir
A children’s choir which will sometimes sing with the adult choir
LEADERSHIP
Grow as a shared ministry with congregation and ministers both leading the church
FINANCES
Fair pay to staff
Stewardship year round
Fundraising every month
Expanded staff hours (with appropriate pay) to support our USH congregation
Solvency
Keep being direct about church finances to whole congregation
ENDOWMENT
Our endowment is $3,000,000
Endowment investments more reflective of our values
Tripling endowment to $3,000,000 to keep our Society and building healthy!
Endowment thriving
Leave endowment for absolute necessities
Our $10,000,000 endowment helps fund social justice programs and educational initiatives (repeated)
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Community of justice and mercy
Every Life Matters is the focus of racial justice work
USH known as a strong and heartfelt partner for social justice in Hartford Community
Our $10,000,000 endowment helps fund social justice programs and educational initiatives (repeated)
USH is an expected and well-known civil rights participant and leader in CT and beyond!
USH will establish more and continue to participate in green initiatives
A congregation with a conscience
USH has made a difference in the cause of animal rights!
“Local mission trips”
Fair trade purchases for the congregation; put our money where our mouth is
Significant impact on social issues local, national, and international
Progress on race relations to the point where slogans like “Black Lives Matter” seem antique (200 years)
COMMUNITY-external
Continued investment in community and world
Active in the community to live our values and thereby strengthen our faith and, hopefully draw community members
The UUs in Greater Harford are a recognized presence and offer programs for all ages across the region
USH has had a significant impact on improving educational opportunities and outcomes for Hartford students
Engage with Hartford to make the growth and change that the citizens wish made
More outreach to neighborhood in Hartford, Albany Ave, and West End too
Greater community involvement
Co-housing
Provide farmers’ marked on our grounds
One UU society for greater Hartford
How spread the word about UU so more people in the community know what it is what we are
More presence in the community
Why Religion Matters—strong connection to local colleges & universities
To join formally or informally with the other 2 UU congregations
More presence
Reaching out to Trinity, UHa, and UCONN branch
COMMUNITY-internal
Hearty representation of all generations, all ages, connecting and learning from one another
USH is diverse in its people, cultures, acceptance with no creed expected, only a promise to lead by and with love
Theater program
Vibrant dinner party program
The USH concert program will grow to twice the number of events and contribute twice the fundraising dollars
Ongoing open get-together-to-hang-out-and-do-crafts group
Strong sense of community
Have good positive attitude throughout congregation—keep doing that!!
USH has created an inclusive community where all people feel welcomed and loved
Reaching for a more in-depth understanding of value of differences of opinions, philosophy, and governance of self and society.
MEMBERSHIP
Well balanced intergenerational membership
Membership grows
The Congregation will double it’s membership
The sanctuary overflows with full attendance for 3 services a week (15 years)
USH membership has tripled!
A continued focus on the growth in membership
A more diverse, colorful, inclusive membership representative of surrounding community
500 members
More diversity in the congregation with equal access for all
USH has 800 members
Increase in membership and participation in on-going functions of church
active participating membership of 400+
200 person membership
Encourage welcoming to new/old members
Energize new and existing members to full involvement in church
Sanctuary full, singing, and engaged
Average age approximately 40
Welcoming to diversity (sexual) and other cultures
RE and YOUTH INVOLVEMENT
A huge RE program known to the larger community
thriving RE community
RE programs grows exponentially
a vibrant R.E. program
Significant growth and active participation of families with children (young-middle agers)
Active, sizable group of children well-supported by member/volunteers
Honoring and nurturing children
More kids
Youth more involved in all aspects of our internal lives at USH
BUILDING and GROUNDS
Functional and effective facilities
Use more renewable energy!
Maintaining building—lighting, hearing, heating & air-conditioning, solarize
For 200th anniversary…Preserving and enhancing the building and grounds (and fixing the perennial roof leaks)
The whole church will be air-conditioned! (15 years)
Outdoor landscaping, gardens, etc.
Renovate interior—new chairs, warmth, ecomfort
Accessibility for hearing impaired (ASL?)
Well refurbished meeting house
Need for buses to bring people to services because of too little parking
We will have funds available to handle maintenance issues on an on-going basis
USH building independent of the electric grid
Solar panels provide electricity o USH and neighbors
The concrete supports viewed from outside the building will be spray painted with durable industrial paint