Vision+2011



= // 20/20 Vision--Building the Church of Our Dreams // =

** This Vision Statement was adopted at a Congregational Meeting on February 5th, 2012 **

**Our Vision of The Community Church of Chapel Hill Unitarian Universalist for 2020 **


 * Mission: **//Inspired by the wisdom of diverse religious traditions and our own history of ethical engagement, we strive to nurture spiritual growth, support and care for each other, and effect change through our love for the world //.

In 2020 we measure our success not only in terms of membership but also by influence and partnerships in the larger community. We have grown into a larger program-size church* with a commitment to nurturing the intimacy and depth of interactions that are the hallmarks of our shared spiritual lives. We support the growth of Unitarian Universalism both by welcoming new members and by working with the UUA to support a new congregation in Chatham County.
 * Growth and stewardship: **

We have an enduring commitment to the fiscal health, accessibility, and sustainability of our church. We are good stewards of our buildings and the environment. Our growth is supported by increased ministerial and support staff where needed.


 * New initiatives: **

Our buildings and grounds project our welcoming spirit to the larger community and provide spaces that encourage spiritual, meditative, and educational growth.
 * Sacred Grounds **

We are known in the community as a sanctuary for dialogue, where people with conflicting points of view can come together in an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment to discover common ground on difficult issues. We are able to hold difficult conversations in our own congregation, where conflict is embraced honestly, courageously, and productively.
 * Sanctuary for Dialogue **

We have a process that leads members to identify and develop their own callings and inspires their ministry to the church and the world.
 * Spiritual Leadership **

We communicate effectively within and beyond our walls. <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> We use inclusive and interactive technology that encourages involvement, <span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">commitment and spiritual growth.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Ministry Through Communication and Technology **

<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">We are a welcoming, multigenerational and multicultural congregation. We initiate programs that grow our skills to increase and sustain the diversity of our church community. We embody an active and visible culture of intentional radical hospitality that stands on the side of love, and effectively welcomes and integrates new members.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Diversity and Welcoming **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Enhanced programs: **

<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Transformative, inspiring and multicultural worship is enhanced with outside speakers <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14.6667px;"> and the presence of the visual arts, <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> and made accessible to those unable to attend in person.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Worship **

<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Music is woven into the fabric of all aspects of our church's ministry, expressing the many facets of the human spirit, reflecting diverse cultural themes and our UU principles, and inspiring everyone, as both listeners and participants.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Music **

<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Our Lifespan RE ministry serves all ages and includes multigenerational and multicultural programs. It builds Unitarian Universalist identity for young people and provides on-going long term programs for adults in a space sufficient to accommodate these thrivingprograms and foster learning and spiritual growth.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Lifespan Religious Education **

<span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">We have a social justice ministry that includes members acting on a variety of issues as well as a church-wide focus on major issues identified by the congregation; it also includes collaborations with aligned groups beyond our walls and strong links to UUA social justice work.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Social justice **

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The Caring Ministry fully involves church members in caring for our congregation and collaborates with groups within the church to provide need-specific support.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Caring **


 * The UUA and other agencies suggest that most UU churches fall into four general types: family, pastoral, program, and corporate. [|More information is here].


 * <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Process Overview: **

<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The 12-month process to create the Vision Statement comprised these steps:
 * <span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">A search for an external consultant. An RFP was issued and responses were reviewed. Mark Molitor was selected.
 * <span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Two 6-hour workshops in Sept and Oct of 2011, designed and led by Mark (with input from a very dedicated steering committee). Over 75 attendees contributed.
 * <span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">A detailed online survey, completed by over 100 members.
 * <span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Nine small working groups that wrote draft language for each component of the Vision (based on the output from the survey and the retreat).
 * <span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Numerous "Within These Walls", newsletter, and bulletin announcements, and multiple briefings to the church Board and other groups.
 * <span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Three Town Halls meetings in January 2012, to get comments on the draft Vision and refine the wording.
 * <span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The Vision Statement was adopted by congregational vote on Feb 5, 2012.


 * <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Supporting Documents: **


 * Report on Retreats in Fall 2011: [[file:C3HUU Visioning Report.docx]]
 * Survey Summary: [[file:Results from Vision Survey 04.Jan.2012.pdf]] and a copy of the Survey Questions[[file:Appendix Copy of C3H Vision Survey 22.Aug.2011.pdf]]
 * FAQ on Growth: [[file:FAQ on Growth.doc]] and Summary FAQ[[file:Summary FAQ on Growth.doc]]