Notes from our first "Visioning Conversation", 2/19

The big question was: Who are we? Here are the notes of the conversation that we had about this question. If you have more thoughts to add, questions to ponder, or insights that emerge from reading this, please share in the comments!

What do we value?

• Music; nature; art; meditation; beauty; our differences; justice for all; service to others;
• We value sharing varying beliefs; sharing a journey; opportunities to serve; a non-hierarchical community; a chance to develop leadership skills; our children; new ideas; have the chance to make a difference
• We’re proud that we are a Welcoming church; are inclusive; we have a handicap accessible church; we share our offertory plate with the community; new ideas are always welcome here; our church functions like an extended family for many; members are welcome regardless of what they can contribute of their treasure.
• We value individuality in thinking and believing.
• Following our own path is encouraged.
• Our congregation seems more ready to really grasp the idea of a shared ministry.
• We value our faith though we often don’t know how to talk about this with others.

How do we think the community views us now?

• Hippies; heathens; non-believers; far out in our beliefs; civic-minded people; we don’t believe in anything;
• Reputation as the church that does everything for everyone: the church that believes in social justice; leaders in “Love your Neighbor”;
• They don’t know we are here; we are invisible; we are non-existent;
• We are the circle church; we are the church with the gardens; we are the refugee church
• Those who have received our generosity through the community plate or our volunteer service are grateful to us but usually had no prior knowledge of who we are or what we believe (specifically when the recipient is within the Concord area).
• Why are we growing when other churches in our area are shrinking?
• We seem to be either too much church for some or not enough church for others.
• As we answered the specific question we also began considering why we are viewed as a “non-church” church?
• We so respect everybody’s right to make their own decisions about their faith that we don’t try to change what someone believes is true to them. This position makes our faith hard to talk about with others. We need an “elevator speech” for UUism.

How would your life be different if you had not found this church? (quickly turned into) What does this church bring into your life?

• I would feel alienated; depressed; alone; deeply conflicted; empty; have fewer skills; not feeling connected to a community; unfulfilled
• Deeply fulfilled; ways to be a better parent; diversity of thought and beliefs; ability to consider other ways of thinking and believing about spirituality; camaraderie with like-minded people; connection; awareness that disagreement is OK
• I need to be a part of a community so I will choose community over being alone. In this church I get to bring my whole self…..integrated. In another church I might have to hide some of who I am to be accepted without judgment.

Attendance total: 27

Facilitated by Craig Blouin