Before I arrived at UUCville in August, four developmental goals were established that we are tasked to work on together. These goals are:

• creating a shared sense of purpose
• building a more welcoming, diverse, and inclusive community
• deepening our stewardship ministry
• improving communication and trust within the congregation

While progress is already being made on all four of the developmental goals, the Board of Trustees has determined that in order to accomplish the first goal, we need to develop a new congregational mission. A task force (Chris Little and Jeanine Braithwaite (co-chairs), Achsah Carrier, Breck Gastinger, Pam McIntire, and Rev. Tim) has been established to create a process that will engage as many in our congregation who want to participate in developing that new mission. The process will kick-off with a Sunday service in late January/early February and will be followed by small group conversations in which you will be invited to share your sense of who we are as a congregation and what we are called to do.

I hope all of you will be part of the conversations leading to our new mission. I believe those conversations will not simply help us develop a new mission statement. They will also enable us to get to know one another, build community, and develop a great sense of “We” and “Us.” Check the weekly emails and newsletters for the date of the kick-off Sunday. If possible, attend that service in person or online. And be sure to sign up for a small group conversation. Make your voice heard and share your passion for our congregation. Our future is so bright, and we need all of you to make our dreams come true!

Rev. Tim