Some thoughts in anticipation of our new settled minister, the Reverend Patricia A. Owen who begins her service with us Sept 1.

A Unitarian Universalist congregation is founded and maintained through the interest and energy of individuals.

While not evangelical in the truest sense, in methodology there is a centuries-old set of central ideas and ideals that are articulated and shared that define Unitarian Universalism: freedom of inquiry, spiritual democracy, the vital place of religious community, respect for human dignity, efforts for justice, and love in all things, summarized today in seven principles.

A vital accomplishment in the life of a UU community is the negotiation and establishment of a covenant. This covenant serves as a set of ideals and order of ethics setting our expectations of behavior reflecting the principles, for the health and wholeness of the community.

Professional ministerial leadership enhances and can be very helpful in facilitating the process described.  At some point in the life of a UU congregation a minister becomes a vital partner in the process of being and becoming. 

Change is the faith constant. As UUCT and Patricia engage the future I offer these points to be vitally aware of:

Demographics:  How inclusive can we truly be? What are the challenges of attracting and retaining potential UUs from a richly diverse community: culturally, ethically, and economically?

Theological/Philosophical: How does a congregation shaped by generations of "counter-dependent" religious folks, mostly former Christians and Jews, adapt and offer a vital, meaningful religious community to those without that baggage?  What is the inspiring message of UUism for those without an oppressive religious legacy?

Facilities: If the primary "products" of UUism and UUCT are "meanings that matter and a caring community", what facilities and resources are needed to serve the "products": buildings, the wondrous new communication technologies, programs, and the capable people to maintain the structures?

Support: How does a UU congregation staff and finance its operations in light of the new living patterns and eclectic economics: consumer driven spending patterns, unstable and nontraditional career patterns and no patterns, loss of baby boomers' wealth, decrease of middle class viability and related charitable giving, work schedules, parenting, and life styles that restrict volunteerism?

Everyone's involvement will be needed in embracing these issues and the possibilities they offer . Look to the principles we revere and honor the covenant we share as sources of inspiration. As UUCT has served and does serve you, there are many others who need its important message, ministry, and community.  Offer Patricia your hearts, heads, and hands as she and the lay leadership guide UUCT's future. A vital and wonderfully meaningful future is in great measure to be made not merely inherited,and in truth it is to be lived if it is not to be lost.