Thank you to everyone who participated in Second Unitarian's first Committee on Ministries (COM) chat. We heard some great feedback and we are grateful that so many of you took time out from your Sunday afternoon to join us in a conversation about 2U's future.

The meeting began with a brief description of the Committee on Ministries and then a synopsis of some of the changes that were recently made to the committee's charter. Additionally, we discussed the Board's goal to have a settled minister in place by July, 2012, as well as the elements of that process.

Because search packets for a settled minister search are due on October 31, 2011, we have some time to continue reflecting on where we have been, where we are, and where we'd like to be as a congregation. Exploring these three questions will assist us in determining our best way forward and should also be a great help in allowing us to find a settled minister-one who will not only offer a good fit, but who will also provide us with multiple opportunities for development.

Much of our first COM chat explored how people currently feel at 2U, specifically, what they like as well as some areas for growth. Below are just a few of the items mentioned.

Areas of Strength at 2U:

• We are a diverse community.
• We are a participatory community.
• We are a congregation committed to social justice.
• We have become more open to and respectful of differing points of view.

Areas of potential growth at 2U:

• We should continue striving to improve our communication.
• We should continue working to exercise sensitivity when frustrated.
• We should work on providing greater clarity on processes and responsibilities in the church.
• New members may feel excluded-perhaps we should consider new member mentoring or other ways to support their integration into the community.

In the coming months, the Board of Trustees and the Committee on Ministries will continue eliciting feedback from the congregation to develop a shared vision for 2U. Information gathering may take the form of another COM chat, small focus groups, one-on-one talks, and/or questionnaires.

In the meantime, the Committee on Ministries will prepare a more detailed report of the November 14 COM chat for the Board of Trustees. The intention is that this report will become part of the Board minutes and will therefore, be available to everyone.

Thank you again for participating in 2U's first COM chat. Your input is essential.

-Your Committee on Ministries