Members and friends of UUP, before we begin the process of looking for a part time minister we need to make some decisions about where we want to go in this next phase of the community’s life.  Elizabeth Nielsen, Treasurer of our Board of Trustees, reminded us a few weeks ago that it is the mission of the congregation which needs to be the basis for decision-making.  Currently we have a statement which captures our vision of ourselves as a welcoming, spiritually diverse, inter-generational religious community.  Our main “mission” so far has been, appropriately so, to open our doors and establish all of the basic systems necessary to function as a self-sustaining entity that is capable of spiritually nurturing those who participate.

Now, as we ready ourselves to enter the next phase of life for UUP, it is time to consider what we want the purpose or mission of this community to be going forward so that we will be able to seek out those, a minister and others, who will help us achieve this.  The Board of Trustees has pulled together a small group of people, led by Trustee Bruce Eriksen, to initiate a process which will culminate in the writing of a Mission Statement for UUP.  So that as many of us as possible will have a common basis for the discussion and decision-making ahead, we are asking you all to buy and read:

The Almost Church Revitalized by Michael Durall

This book is eye-opening, challenging and a remarkably fascinating read which invites us to think more critically about what we are up to as a spiritual community.  To get your copy either go to the on-line bookstore at UUA.com or contact Bruce Eriksen (bruceeriksen@comcast.net) who will place a group order.

Happy Reading – Bruce Eriksen & Jodi Boyle