Seeking and Sharing Your Thoughts about CCUU’s Future Ministry
Dear Friends,
There’s good news — and a bit of not-so-good news!
The good news
The good news is that, on June 8, we had a turnout of over 70 people who energetically shared their thoughts about how our ministry is going, right now, at CCUU and what they hope for in the future.
The not-so-good news
We didn’t have an online option for those who couldn’t attend in person. Also—full confession—there was a cut-and-paste mistake in one of the questions on our paper survey so the question about priorities of our congregation’s functions didn’t make much sense. It wasn’t caught until after the meeting.
So here’s what we’re doing now
We’re sharing a summary below of what we heard during the small group discussions and from the completed (though flawed) questionnaires.
We’ve made a revised online questionnaire available so everyone can participate and offer updated feedback. If you filled out a questionnaire on June 8, we’ve got your responses, but you’re welcome to respond again—we’ll use your updated version.
Click to here to complete the questionnaire.
What We’ve Heard So Far
How do you feel about things at CCUU and with our ministers? What do you appreciate about how things are going right now?
- People are very happy with the current state of ministry and how things are going right now
- Many commented that they hope that Rev Pam and Rev Karen will stay and that they hope the arrangement continues
- Rev. Pam is widely appreciated for her calm and pastoral presence, her role in fostering community, and the reverence, inspiration, and spirituality she brings to Sunday worship.
- Rev. Karen is valued for her leadership in Religious Exploration and people are excited about Religious Exploration program and the strength and continuity that Reverend Karen brings
- People sense a lot of energy in the congregation – among both members and visitors
- Several people noted appreciation for the new focus and organization around Social Justice efforts.
What do you hope for in the future?
- Continued ministry with Rev. Pam and Rev. Karen, if possible.
- Greater visibility in the wider community.
- Growth in Sunday attendance and Religious Education participation.
- Continued work toward diversifying our membership.
- A rekindled Welcome Team or radical hospitality effort.
- Ongoing focus on Social Justice work.
What roles of our ministers are most important to you now?
- Providing inspiring and meaningful Sunday services.
- Fostering community and connection.
- Providing pastoral care.
What Are Our Options for Future Ministry?
For our future ministry, there are technically several options that we, as a congregation, could consider beyond church year 2025-26 …
- If of mutual interest, either continue Contract Ministry with Rev Pam & Rev Karen or could pursue calling Rev Pam and Rev Karen as Settled Ministers
- Search for a new Settled Minister
- Hire another Interim Minister
- Hire a different Contract Minister
- Share a minister with another UU congregation
- Or, in theory, operate without a minister
A Note About Process and Leadership
Since Rev. Hilary’s retirement, the Board has taken the lead in selecting ministers—first during the Interim period, then through a Contract Ministry when we did not find a match through the Settled Minister search. These paths are increasingly common in UU congregations today.
While the Board has the formal authority to hire an Interim or a Contract Minister, shared governance and democratic process are core UU values. So even where by-laws grant formal authority, the Board believes deeply in hearing and respecting the voice of the congregation.
We are eager to continue this conversation with you—your experiences, insights, and hopes are essential to shaping our future.
Thank you for your engagement, your thoughtfulness, and your commitment to our shared community.
In gratitude,
Lisa Gilley, on behalf of the Board of Trustees