It is often said that religion comes in threes. Christians have the Trinity, Buddhists have the Three Jewels, and, according to one historian, the Unitarian side of our tradition has been rooted in three core values – freedom, reason, and tolerance.

As a Unitarian Universalist minister, I have my three words – words I believe are essential for turning UU values and principles into meaningful action. Those three words are “mission,” “plan,” and “ministry.”

A congregational mission is an affirmation of shared purpose. It reflects who we are and challenges us to turn our values and passion into action. The UU Congregation of Charlottesville has not created a new mission in over 10 years so I’m very pleased that the Board of Trustees is developing a process that will invite the entire congregation to create a new mission. That process will take place during the winter/spring of 2023 and a new mission statement will be presented at the spring congregational meeting.

Once a new mission is adopted, the next step is to determine how to live it. That’s where strategic planning comes in. Using the new mission as a guide, a strategic plan establishes actionable goals in those areas of congregational life most connected to the mission. Like the creation of a mission, the process for developing a strategic plan must be open and inclusive, bringing as many congregational voices as possible into the planning process.

With a mission-driven plan in place, the congregation can begin the work of boldly and courageously living its mission, which leads to my third and final word – “ministry.” While we tend to connect it with the work of a minister, ministry is all the congregation does to live its mission. I am confident our congregation will adopt a mission and plan that challenges us to act boldly and courageously both within and beyond our walls. Such a mission and plan will require wide-ranging and multi-faceted ministries that are focused on achieving the goals of the plan and that engage the gifts and passion of the entire congregation.

I know this is quite a bit to take in and developing a mission, plan, and ministries certainly takes time. But given the passion, wisdom, and talent I have experienced in my brief time at the UU Congregation of Charlottesville, I know we can make this journey together as we live Unitarian Universalism with courage, compassion, and love.

Rev. Tim