Worship Survey, February 2012

Summary and Response

The Worship Committee of the Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma conducted an online survey, and a face-to-face feedback session, in order to gain as much focused input as possible from congregation members and friends about how the worship experience at UUP is perceived, how it might be improved, and what aspects reach our members and friends in the most effective way.

The online survey was conducted anonymously. Following is a brief summary of the results of the survey, along with some of the points raised in the feedback circle. Appended to this is a verbatim transcript of the survey results, with certain phrases deleted which might identify the respondent.

Asked what services touched our hearts, or had the opposite effect, respondents exhibited a wide array of responses, showing that while some people look forward to intellectual messages, others respond more positively to those that speak to the heart. Rev. Foran’s presence was unanimously appreciated. Many of us especially enjoy hearing from each other, in the form of “This I Believe,” or participatory services (although some felt uncomfortable with the participatory, deeply sharing services). This ties in with the responses to the question about why people come to church on any given Sunday—nearly every respondent alluded to the strong sense of community that is being built at UUP.

We asked about our guest speakers, and heard that we seem to have attained a good balance overall, though certain speakers appealed to some and not to others, and vice-versa. The key seems to be in finding a balance of types of speakers, with a strong interest overall in learning about the inner life as well as the ethical life from informed, passionate speakers on all topics.

Asked about what topics we should consider, the Committee received a wealth of wonderful suggestions and pointers. This is a community that is excited about the possibilities of the worship space and experience, and sees it as a vehicle to examine the frontiers of knowledge, the depths of the heart, our social responsibility, our UU religious foundations and heritage, and many other topics.

There were several very useful logistical and staging considerations mentioned, and we have already begun to incorporate some of them, such as approaching the closing circle as a way to encourage the conversation to continue beyond the worship hour and to get to know one another better.  Music of all types was acknowledged as an important element of the worship experience with some expressing a preference for familiar selections.

We are grateful for the amount of appreciation expressed for the ongoing, attentive work of the Worship Committee. We know that UUP is evolving, and that there will be structural change as we work to incorporate the congregation’s input, and desire to participate. As we try new things, know that your feedback is always welcome and that we are in the process of creating a means for more people to be regularly involved in worship development.  We also plan to develop new methods for integrating members interested in becoming Worship Leaders, through an open application process, and we’re working with the Board of Trustees, and with Rev. Foran, to adopt proven methods from other congregations.

Above all, we are grateful for all of your responses, honored to be entrusted each week with a very important hour, a sacred hour, and hopeful that we will continue to challenge, enrich, and embrace the entire congregation with worship that truly shapes our values into services everyone will look forward to attending.

Verbatim responses to the survey:

1 . What services do you recall touching your heart? How/why?

9/11 Stepping into our Future: Rev. Mary Foran, Water & Stones (stepping stone) 10/2 Northbay UU Revival 10/23 Rev. Mary Foran: Immigration 11/6 Sufi Dancing with Rev.Perry Pike 11/20 Rev. Mary Foran: stone soup, abundance 11/27 Rev. Marge Keip 12/18 Solstice Drum Circle & Santa Lucia 12/24 Christmas Eve: singing 1/15 Rev. Mary Foran: Anemic Love/Abusive Power, MLK

Not my heart, my head — which is a big part of what I am after at church: Foran on Immigration, Keip on Thanksgiving (and immigration), Jason George/Tom Zolot on youth activism

Services that have members of the congregation speaking of their life experiences are most enjoyable to me. An example is Rabia Hunter’s talk entitled Fear.

John Records, John Crowley, Elece Hempel, Denis Paul. Very personal, people walking the talk. This I Believe, Social Responsibility Comtee service, down to earth, normal voices (not affected or overly dramatic), participatory services – build community, learn from each other

Day of the Dead, Solstice Drumming.  

the 10th anniversary. Carol’s speaking about creating the old chalice and how it affected her to have it replaced. The whole service was beautiful, but I wonder why we gave up the chalice made by the community to have a replica made of the std uu symbol.  

Tom Zolot because it was informative and it also included sharing with our own members I though the Labor songs with David Dodd were fun. I was very sorry I missed sharing books but was at Women’s retreat that week I have missed a lot of services but generally enjoy informative, intellectual services or ones where people from our congregation or local people share what they are doing, thinking, feeling. their experiences etc.  

Tom Zolot, youthful energy but too much time spent on individual testimonials Mary Foran history of the civil rights movement and UU values eleelce Hempel on PPS- what a great service for our community  

Kayleen Abdo, Jodi and Meredith, Perry Pike Sufi dancing, Drumming circle, Alex Mercedes, Flower ceremony,UU Revival because of all our singing together. Judidth-Kate Friedman (song writing, mission statement to music)because she was a good speaker.UUP’s 10th anniversary: new chalice dedication (more just good community building)  

water and stones – I’m not sure but it always makes me ponder my life…deeply.  

Rabia Hunter speaking on facing fear. I feel that my own spiritual journey has led through dark times into light. Always services involving congregational sharing! Also loved one on gratitude…a very important practice for me.  

11/6 Sufi Dancing with Rev.Perry Pike – great touching and moving with everyone 11/27 Rev. Marge Keip – really nice warm and love Marge 12/4 Tom Zolot & Jason George: everyone holding a piece of the truth, congregational sharing – NUMBER 1 – this is why I LOVE UUP – all the sharing from teens to 90 year olds very moving and community building 12/18 Solstice Drum Circle & Santa Lucia great energy and again love when everyone is there together. 12/24 Christmas Eve: singing the child dedication was so meaningful and to do it with with Powel and Ava really participating was great – love this to be a tradition – brought the spiritual in and made it more than just singing songs together – though I liked the youth’s new choir.  

Mary Foran’s Messages and presence, very heartfelt, thoughtful, intelligent, reverential, inspiring (the MKL sermon was amazing); the sufi dancing and chanting, very moving; the recent This I Believe talks, very moving and real. the service facilitated by Greg was beautiful, depthful. the choir always is amazing.  

This I believe, the drum circle, the 10th anniversary and so many more. I can’t think of all of them at the moment  

Rev Mary’s weaving of history, current events, and literature are wonderful every time she speaks. When she spoke of immigration and used an NPR story, it brought the flow right into the present moment in a beautiful and earnest way.  

The reading from “Cathedral of the World” Last week when the two women shared their personal spiritual journey. The second woman specifically, but I have forgotten her name.

I liked Perry the interaction he brought through the Dances and the “This I Believe” for the personal connection I receive from the speaker.

Faithful fools, compassion Water & stones, togetherness Sufi dancing, participation Christmas eve, community & singing This I believe, warm true stories

9/11 Stepping into the Future; 10/9 Tools for Difficult Times; 1/8 UUP’s 10th Anniversary; and 1/29 This I Believe; and 9/4 Labor Day Songs. Hard to say “why”, but I am drawn to services where the participants are speaking from their hearts, or having a good time, being excited about their topic and sharing that excitement freely with us.
I personally enjoy the more serious topics; however, we must have variety – dance, rel.ed, food, community, etc. It’s all good!

2. Which had the opposite effect? Why?
1/22 Community Builder Series: Elece Hemple from Petaluma People Services Center Presentation not a service. Would be better for after church keynote style

I am uncomfortable with the services that get too touchy-feely. While I enjoy participation services in moderation, I like the opposite as well — a strong sermon that challenges my thinking.

I don’t like deeply participatory services in the Sunday program. It’s not that I personally mind such services, but I feel they are generally too personal for visitors to feel comfortable. They should be done at retreats or other meetings of members only.

I don’t like the overly-dramatic (affected) tone and long-windedness that some service elements have taken on (particularly prayers and closing words). I prefer people to speak in a normal voice.

When i am read to for an hour. Ver vatum the same words week after week, year after year “and now we will sing the children……in your order of service.’ as just one example. Just talk to us like we were guest in your home.

I don’t want to pick on anyone or specifically criticize particular services, but in general I can say that I am not that interested in “spiritual”, new age type ideas or services. I am not very into ritual or anything that I consider traditionally religious. I am really only interested in the people and the community. I am not really into any kind of ritual or church like activities- candle lighting etc.

Tom Zolot & Jason George: everyone holding a piece of the truth, congregational sharing (mostly because it went on WAY too long) Norman Solomon (so boring and uninspiring)

I’m not really fond of the labyrinth. I am not sure why.

I tend to check out when it feels like a speaker is “preaching” or filling a role, rather than speaking from his or her heart.

1/22 Community Builder Series: Elece Hemple from Petaluma People Services Center – I would have enjoyed having Elece share for the lunch. Her TALK was great and informative about PPS but it wasn’t a “sermon.” I’ve noticed with people from agencies they will tend to talks and information more than services. Realistically I don’t think it works to ask someone from an agency to come do a sermon – they are going to do a talk unless they happen to also have a desire or experience doing spiritual services. Even when Joyce worked with the COTS service it had some moving elements in the beginning, but then got into another list of services the agency offers. This feels much more appropriate for a lunch topic or after service meeting. My concern is that while I can make a choice about coming to an agency talk, a first time visitor will have this service as a normative experience. That Sunday I was talking with a visitor who asked about if we ever had “religion” at our services. He enjoyed the service and the lack of God talk, but some visitors might not feel we were holding enough of the spiritual/sacred for them to want to come back. Maybe just have the agency person do a 5 -10 minute talk about the agency when we give the plate and then have a service built around it so we can live our sacred but don’t have them billed as the person giving the morning message. Maybe could have UUP people who volunteer there do a “this I do” type sharing to make it feel more personal and connected to UUP rather than just informational about an agency.

Services with lots of moving parts, too many people speaking or tasks, difficult transitions of music, talking, make it difficult to have a sense of peace and inspiration. the tenth anniv service was an extravaganza with clear effort and heart but it felt less like a spiritual service and more like a school production (tho several part of it were deeply moving)

None that I can think of.

We choose the services that we think will be of interest to us, with a good speaker. We never like emphasis on Christianity or Jesus . Sometimes the use of “god” can go a bit far.

I can’t put my finger on it but when we’ve used dance (Sufi) or movement (One other time I was there) in the service, it does not speak to me. I just want to sit and have it be over. Most other people seem to enjoy it though. I’ve learned that words are the most meaningful to me.

Too much mind matter. I love it when I feel like I can let go of my usual way of processing information and am able to listen from the hearts. Like a mini-retreat and renewal.

Pps Elise, felt mostly like a laundry list of services offered. Liked the story for all ages because it felt warm & true.

For me, intellectual lectures are often are boring, or at least do not feed my spiritual self. Also, agency folks who come to tell us about all their services; or there is participation service on one of the UU principles

3. Guest Speakers: Have we had too many/right amount/need more?

About right

I have enjoyed our guest speakers, and Mary Foran’s services, quite a bit. I guess I’d say we could use more.

The number of guest speakers doesn’t need to be thought of as “more” or “less.” To put it bluntly, its the quality of guest speaker’s talk and its engaging perspective that counts. Guest speakers can offer a lot, so if they are high quality then more such speakers is better.

I enjoyed the guy from Aqus and the woman from the farm/ guest ranch where Phil (marlene’s son) works. Also enjoyed the Petaluma People’s service person- Elece Again in general, I am interested in local or knowledgeable people that speak to what they know. Also liked the UN lady.

I enjoy guest speakers and like to know what the topic will be for the coming weeks.

right amount

Now that we have our wonderful Mary, I don’t think we need a lot of guests.

Just right! Loved Elece Hempel.

Nice balance – and prefer Guest Speakers who will do services – not give informational talks (see note above). Prefer having have UU ministers and UU lay people come and talk. also love the this I beleive combined with new members welcoming

People with depth and a complex messages are always welcome; guest speakers with information (like the recent petaluma Peoples services) are interesting and do amazing work–great to hear about–but do not feel worshipful. it would be great to have more guests with messages of spirit/depth.

I think it has been just about right.

The key is to have someone who is a really good speaker, knows how to make contact with the audience, and can communicate her/his ideas.

Need more

Depends on the speaker and what they are speaking about.

About right. I really liked john Crowley.

I think there is a good balance of guest speakers, Rev. Mary, and lay speakers. When we have more Money in the budget, I think there well be a real draw in having Rev. Mary speaking more often.

I love guest speakers if they are passionate about whatever it is they are talking about.

4. Which speakers would you like to hear again?

Tom & Jason Perry Pike

Eric Thompson, comparative religion instructor at SRJC. More UU ministers, especially seasoned ones, like Rev. Margaret Keip. I think it would be interesting (and perhaps healing) to have Rev. Ben Meyeres back in the pulpit as a guest speaker.

The woman from the UN/Unitarian office was quite interesting. I know that caliber of speaker is not always easy to get regularly.

John Records and other community leaders like him, more on Buddhism and indigenous wisdom

Larry Robinson Have a series on creating successful communities and organizations – john Crowley, Marjorie HELM Many churches decide on a book for he congregation to read. Home groups get together and discuss the book. The services for a month or six weeks will focus on a section of the book. Could we agree on a book? Well, there’s a subject for a sunday.

Any local or other people speaking about their area of interest. NOt sure who specifically.

Kayleen Abdo, Judidth-Kate Friedman, Alex Mercedes, Rev. Perry Pike, Rev. Denis Paul

Mary, Mary, Mary.

Rabia Hunter

Tom Z and Jason – I love the youth services. also labyrinth. I like the participatory ones the WA lead. Clovice and the music he brought was great

from previous list: marge keip also liked it when we had more visiting UU ministers and seminary students like the This i Beieve, the darkness service

Rev Mary, more.

5. What subjects need more attention?

Theology/comparative religion. UU History and evolution.

There has been a lack, in my view, of intellectually stimulating speakers, whether from inside or outside the congregation. Speakers that talk about cutting edge issues such as bio-medical ethics (such as from stem cell research), quantum physics (which is the closest thing we have to real theology now), intellectual history of both West and East (including of the UU church and its famous members), modern trends in philosophy and what they mean (like postmodernism, feminist studies, deconstructionism), cosmology, quantum computing, and similar. Talks about great thinkers and artists (like Einstein, John Stewart Bell (physicist), Erik Satie (musician), John Cage (artist), W.S. Merwin, Noguchi etc; also and especially political artist/dissidents like Ai Weiwei. These would be relevant, topical subjects that evoke deep ethical, philosophical, political, and even theological questions. I think the WC too often confuses emotional bonding with spiritualism. Both are important, but emotional bonding is a subset of the spiritual path, not its be and end all. Spiritualism must be much more broadly defined, to my thinking. A good guide to modern spirituality comes from examining issues that influence or demand decisions in our ethical life (and these are often shaded politically as well.) The social responsibility committee has done a good job. The UUP might beneifit from more input from that group about speakers as well.

meditation, Eastern philosophies, earth-based traditions, more community leaders talking about their work and journey and spirituality, more on our relationship to the earth

Many UUer’s were wounded by early church experiences. Now we avoid bringing up anything that triggers those hurts. we even have difficulty with Christmas Carols. Another approach would be to help people heal so they are less triggered. Now this would be a challenge. But interesting. And possibly useful if it could help those still carrying the wounds.

I am interested in social responsibility type issues – environmental, homelessness, immigration, LGBT, etc. all the things that others noted on our survey I am also interested in science, politics etc. not really religious in any way.

Social responsibility centering our thoughts and listening

guided meditation, consciousness/God, Chanting creativity. Help us learn new things and think about things in a new way.

What to do about heartbreak.

Aging in community; empowering older adults to live active, vibrant, connected lives contributing to our community – see “The Making of an Elder Culture,” Theodore Roszak

UU philosophy, principles and our tie to the larger UU world.

spiritual practice; ethical living; embodying spirituality; reverence, soul, spiritual struggle/journey

There is currently a good balance

Current events put into the context of UU principles is always interesting. Good poetry, good music, lend a special note of transcendence and connection with inner power and community power.

I would like to have a minimal amount of Christian references, at least with respect to the Christmas season. Easter means nothing to me really, but Christmas does. Unfortunately, I’m really not familiar enough to know what I’d want. Maybe just to revisit “the meaning of Christmas” after Thanksgiving and before Xmas. Most of my positive feelings towards Christmas are summed up in Linus’s speech at the end of “Merry Christmas Charlie Brown” and in “The Grinch”, so I’m not talking deep Christian stuff here.

I woould like more on the way other traditions worship and using those ways in our congregation if we wish. Hindu..Kirtan Sufi..Zikr and dancing Buddhist..Meditation, Sutra reading and see how they work for us. I see Church as the in breath of my week along with other practices and so I much appreciate when we go deeply into something whether a joyful noise or a guided meditation.

The uu principles

Renewal. “The soul is here for its own joy” ;and “Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love”. Rumi Also, Change and the issue of conflict that comes about while managing change.

6. What brings you to UUP on a given Sunday?

to explore what is meaningful in life. To be challenged to grow in new ways.

Community! I love our members and friends, each and every one.

A community of intelligent people is the main attraction. More current service/lecture topics would be a much bigger attraction for me and others, I think.

Socializing and supporting the community (I don’t find a lot of spiritual fulfillment in the services)

The community, the individuals, the music, the fun for my kids, the opportunity for providing service.

to see and chat with all the wonderful people. For me our best service is the MEMORIAL weekend retreat.

The community is my main interest. Also any above topics.

the topic of the service resonates

To see my friends and community, for the music, and I hope for something that touches my heart.

the kindness of it members.

Wonderful people, informal atmosphere, spiritual depth and community of seekers.

The people – all ages – a place to settle in – the variety of worship.

friends, community, opportunity for connection, committment to the circle, desire for reverence and depth

Community, personal growth and connection to the values I feel are important

Desire to meet more people in Petaluma and the spiritual connection I believe we all have.

Warm community with open hearts. The Give and Take of this Way.

Community

See my friends;  Interest in the topic/speaker

7. How could we entice you to attend services more often?

Make Mary Half time.

that’s not an issue for me

By having the type of programs I’ve listed above.

more quiet time, less drama/affected voices, more meditation, less UU/UUP cheerleading, more walking the talk (hearing from people like John Records and UUP members who serve others)

Services that challenge me, that make me cry, feel inspired,singing services.

Sing interesting songs. Stop reading so much.

more interesting subjects and speakers.

I attend whenever I’m in town!

have them at other times – Soulful Sunday Sundown services -

mostly there

Not sure. We are there most weekends.

Less busy life

More heartfelt music & multinational services

Not applicable to me.

No need to ‘entice’ me, I go as often as possible.

8. Are there portions of a service you consistently enjoy and/or dislike?

Format seems fine.

I especially like it when the youth and children are involved in the production of a service (not just passive recipients)

Okay, I’m going to offer my real take on the UU service. I know that in this area my views will be considered extreme, but I’m going to be honest about it. While I think the UU traditional order of service is fine, it seems painfully clear to me that there are contradictions and paradoxes in the terminology the UU uses. We still say “Worship” service even though the UU Association openly embraces atheism and agnosticism. What are we worshiping? I think that exploring the mysteries, joys, and sorrows of life is not the same thing as “worshiping” it and the very phrase is too 19th century parochial for the type of people we would highly value in our congregation. Also, what I personally honor most highly are individual people’s lives and experiences, not some external “sacred” that is outside the value and worth of people. We hedge this issue by saying we create our own “sacred”, but I personally still think the word “sacred” is too loaded with sanctimoniousness to be useful. Spiritual paths I have studied teach that there is no difference between sacred and mundane. Again, I admit this is just a personal take on the matter. My view is that what we are doing might be better expressed by saying something like “We perform this service and its ceremony to commonly express our devotion to community, to the quest for truth, and for actions that bring wisdom and happiness to our members and all people.” Or something like that. This probably won’t be accepted by the UU in my lifetime, but it’s how I feel about it. One more thing. I think we put too much emphasis on traditional hymns Can we get some more interesting music? How about programs that include or explore music by Bartok, B.B. King, The Beatles, Japanese koto music, popular artists, or whatever. Traditional hymns are fine but should be less less pervasive in our musical repertoire.

Like the meditation, but it’s too short. Like the rituals, do not like the dramatic (affected) prayers, the Give the Plate is wonderful as a spiritual practice, don’t like most of the hymns (too much singing), but enjoy most of choir’s selections

I like when we great the people around us.

I like it when the children participate – older kids sing. Bring the kids back for the closing. Yes, it can be done. Sing simple chants in the closing rather than reading once again. Children’s stoy is often tooooooo long and sometimes a story they do not even understand. See UUSR. THE kids are honored right away and off they go.

I don’t see the point to the silent meditation. I am not meditating. I am just bored. I liked it better when people spoke out more about people and what was going on, not just names I like some of the songs and the choir is nice- some amazing and beautiful voices, but the piano music no and also some hymns- which is what they seem to me- Reminds me too much of Catholic upbringing

Meditation time, but I would like the bell to sound at the start to signal our minds to focus and clear away all the announcements- and at the conclusion.

Like Coffee, Bagels, Music, Piano, singing, embracing mediation, closing circle is the BEST, it feels so bonding!

I like all of it…especially the children’s story.

Time for meditation, poetry, sharing by members of congregation, closing circle. When people say a name of someone they are holding in their heart, I wish there might be space for a short description if people desired, so that we could support someone more who reached out.

I really like how the beginning has a ritual feel, though the opening words are different each time. I like the affirmation and chalice lighting and extinguishing being the same – it would be nice to go back to encouraging everyone to say the extinguishing words – put them in the order of service so everyone can say them together. Embracing Meditation: Saying the names and why a person needs healing at hte beginning and then going into silence is nice – Joyce did a good job a few Sundays ago of reminding people that was the order now – sometimes it still feels unclear when to say the names. very nice how Rabia invited the UUP kids up to say the greeting then asked all kids to come up.

love the circle at the end; love the rituals, love the readings (ritualistic and thematic), the embracing meditation, chants; love a good message (depth, intelligence, meaning/heart); love a service with theme throughout; dislike choppy services or servies that go overly long, really dislike the stop a service and get up and greet/talk/chat your neighbor then go back to the service (we can do that afterwards), elements that are theatrical dont carry that well as worship for me.

I love the gathering circle at the end of the service. It brings us together.

If the service is running long, it should be the assistant’s job to cut something out. Most people have some kind of schedule for their Sundays, and need to allot the time stated to their UUP part of the morning. Cut it down and keep to a reasonable schedule. LOSE the ending circle! We are too big now and it’s uncomfortable!

Embracing meditation, choir, children in all forms. Peace, group discussion.

I like it when services end in warm feel good ways and the ending circle I like out when we interact with each other

I’d like to see the parts of the ritual that are read each Sunday be memorized or merely spoken, conversationally. I like it when the WA seems to be having a good time leading the service.

I love the music. Couldn’t we talk David Dodd into playing more often, a solo perhaps!

9. Is there anything about the worship space or logistics you’d like us to know?

Feeling a little small now. Are ther other rental opportunities in Petaluma?

No.

Sound is consistently a problem

What is an “embracing meditation”? It makes no more sense to me than to say “we will now have our embracing collection.” or an embracing song to sing the children off. Orient the chairs so we see each other – circle, semi circle, rows on each side of the center aisle facing each other. For an hour i look at the back of necks of people. I’d rather see faces of the people i like.

I don’t really care what it looks like. Again, it is about the people

Don’t repeat all the announcements that are printed in the bulletin.

It is a great space, but could be even better. For one thing, it might help if the podium were raised so that people could see better, it’s a bummer to look at the back of someone’s head for over an hour. It is a “hard” space not really all that soft and inviting (but a really great space none the less!). Not much can be done about that until we have our own space.

In winter we need to keep the kitchen door closed.

I love when we sit in a circle for the service

Like it when we are in a circle or semi-circles facing the window. Being in the lines facing that dark drapes in the front isn’t as cheery. It would be nice to have a sacred time at the beginning rather than a social hour where the beginning of hte service is unclear – that time Clovice was playing cello it really drew people into the service and started with a nice feel of all of us together (rather than groups chatting in different areas).

like the building, the space we create together. really appreciate starting and ending on time. embracing meditation: feels limitiing when told just to speak a name.

I am looking forward to out growing our current space.

Reorienting the toom seating to face the windows at first seemed all wrong. However, with the shades mainly closed, it is just fine and certainly more can be seated closer to the speaker. LOSE the ending circle! We are too big now and it’s uncomfortable!

I actually really like the building.

I wish there was less rush to get picked up and out after the service.

No.

10. Are we touching your heart and soul and enlivening your mind?

I would like my mind to be more enlivened

There have been some good programs at UU during the more than a year I’ve attended. I especially like services that focus on people’s personal histories or talk about interesting figures like poets and artists. I think the more personal encounter sessions should be left to UU retreats and not be part of Sunday public services, ditto drum circles. Many of us think they are fun. But people deciding whether or not to come or come back to a service will will regard such participatory services as too New Age. Note that I think such activities definitely have a place at UU, but they should be less emphasized on Sunday.

At times – see other comments

I would love more contemporary music.

Jodi has the skill and confidence to lead service with joy, enthusiasm, spontaneity. This seems like a good idea. I feel connected to the leader. when I am read to I do not feel connected.

I love the people! I am not really into having my heart and soul touched- again too religion like for me. I would appreciate more intellectual services that did enliven the mind.

Yes

I’d say about 30% of the time, yes. In looking at the list of services I realized I have skipped quite a few services for fear of being bored. I skipped Elece Hemple from Petaluma People Services Center, I feel guilty saying that, but it’s true. Sometimes I’m surprised by how dry the guest speakers are. And so have found myself skipping it, if I’m not sure about it.

Yes.

Yes!

YES

sometimes.

Yes

Yes!

Yes, I do enjoy coming.

Sometimes but that has to do with where I am too.

Yes

Sometimes.

Yes – Every Sunday I find I come away with a word, or a hug or a handshake that causes me to smile as I leave.

11. Are there any other comments about worship you’d like to make?

Thanks for all your hard work and thanks for bringing on Mary

I so appreciate all the effort put out by the worship associates!

In my view the Worship Committee must serve at the pleasure of the congregation, not imagine itself somehow more “spiritual” or particularly more attuned to what’s interesting or appropriate for services. Of course we are not a commercial organization, but the fact is that the Worship Committee is actually a program committee that must sell programs that ever more people want to pay for by becoming members. And, the WC must perform this role ever more successfully if we hope to have a full time minister and our own church building. Thus, every person who comes through the door on Sunday is the WC’s customer, and the customer is king. Since the WC is most responsible and thus most accountable for UUP’s growth and success, I’d think the WC would be regularly begging for input. The most valuable input for the WC may sometimes come from people who attend once or twice and then don’t come again. Similarly, the WC must seek out input even from (or especially from) the least participatory of members and non-members and try to consider their legitimate interests, broadly interpreted. The same, naturally, goes for the minister of the church. Furthermore, I think we should emphasize to newcomers and the public at large that this is the orientation of the church . There should be something like this on the Sunday program, “The Unitarian Universalist Association of Petaluma creates itself from the interests and insights of its members and visitors, the people like you who come to our Sunday services, social events, and informal get-togethers. We respect your life experience as a rich soil from which we grow our intellectual, emotional, and spiritual insights. We also take inspiration from courageous individuals in all walks of life who have sought out and held fast to the quest for truth, non-violence, and justice, people who adhere to a path of transcendent vision even during high tides of injustice, hatred, and ignorance. We know that you personally have valuable life experience from which we can benefit, and we hope our community can be a place where this benefit can be realized. We aspire to serve your spiritual, intellectual, and emotional life, and with your participation, we constantly reinvent ourselves to better meet this goal.”

I appreciate all of the time and effort and thoughtfulness which is put into each service.

Go to other churches, say UUSR, and get ideas, for example how to do silence. We have three periods of silence in the first 20 minutes of service – i’m counting the collection musical interlude. Our embracing meditation and when to start saying names is awkward. Rework.

I really don’t want this to seem critical. I think this is a very difficult job and totally appreciate your efforts. It amazes me that so few people can even come up with services every week. So hats off to you all !!!! But I do appreciate being asked and think being asked should be a regular thing. I also think that anyone with energy to contribute should be included and accepted. […] Why is it called a worship committee? What are we worshiping? I would not be a UU if there was a dogma or anything to worship. I am either an atheist or at least very agnostic. Inclusion is a major UU principle and of course you always need new blood, new ideas. I understand you may run into obnoxious, overly talkative, opinionated etc etc people but you should not be making policy around this fear. You need to just deal with this on a case by case basis. I also think there is perhaps too much worry that everything be perfect, ritualized, the same time and methods every week. I feel there could be some more variation from week to week depending on the topic or activity. I do very much appreciate the concern about sticking to the time limit for speakers. That should not go but it could maybe be a tiny bit more flexible. But again- thank you so much for all you do!!!!!

Each time I hear Mary Foran speak I have a deeper respect for her ministry.

I like hearing from the congregation, as in the Day of the Dead ritual, there is good sharing going on. However, as with the other services like this I feel it goes on for too long. maybe could be broken up with song more or something. or just orchestrated more with other things going on? Moments of silence, to let it sink in, poetry? Music? or maybe that’s already in there, I can’t remember. At any rate, my impression is that it goes on for too long.

I think it is thoughtful and kind. That is all I hope for.

I’d like to invite John Records, Ex. Dir. of COTS, to speak. Also love the book “Bless the Space Between Us,” by John O’Donohue…full of thoughtful blessings for many life experiences. Perhaps it could be used more in connection with difficult or significant experiences members of the congregation are having (and perhaps even have a few moments to share in the service?).

I love the idea of Dance church – any way to have it a little later? – with people there to help set up the service maybe it could be from 9 – 9:45 rather than 8:30 – 9:30??

I appreciate the clear and significant effort and heart of all the worship leaders. thank you.

Thank you to the committee that puts all of the services together! We are grateful!

Everyone seems to work together well and to “pull it off.” And, it’s done very well almost all the time.

I would like to hear Mary speak in a way similar to the meessage that she sends every week, they always seem to hit close to what I am working on within myself. I would like less political, I am surrounded with that all the time, and more about the deeper parts of all of our lives and how we can get through and use those times.

I enjoy almost any service that is presented with passion.

I really appreciate the hard work of the WAs.

I am happy to be able to attend services and am delighted that so many of you younger ones are taking responsibility for the week to week services as I did once upon a time at other UU’s. I am so impressed with the work you are doing at UUP. What a great group!!

Worship Feedback Circle Held on Sunday, January 29, 2012

Present: Harriet,  Cindy, David and Florence, Dick, Jean, James and Harriet, Jan, Ruth, Nan, Lara, Hope, Andy and Lisa, Park, Diana

From the WC: Jodi, David, Joyce, Greg

The following notes were taken during the feedback circle:

What I like (general):

Lisa: I like learning something new (informational), along with something interactive.

Andy: in Ohio UU congregation, they would introduce controversial ethical issues to encourage dynamic debate.

Lisa: Agreed; likes debate about issues.

Ruth: I like to sing songs that we already know.

Dick: I like “greet your neighbor.

Dick: I love to sing songs that I know; it’s best when you don’t have to look at the page, think about the tune…

Dick: I like when the teens and kids are taking part in the leadership of the service. Also join us in the closing circle.

Cindy: It’s about balance.

Phil: prefers non-informational talks.

Cindy: music is really important to the service.

Hope: Likes starting the service with a song, e.g., what the choir did on Jan. 29 service.

Lara: music worked well today (Jan. 29) to close the “greet your neighbors” session.

Jan: I come to UUP for inspiration, spirituality and to learn how to connect with others and with community. Actions are an important

Outgrowth of our spirituality.

Jan: Announcements are important!

Dick: supports announcements.

Ruth: I always come for the personal stories and like when the UU principles are woven in. (Many echoed this love of personal stories)

What I don’t like (general):

Lara: I like learning, but am less moved by factual presentations, such as Petaluma People Services (Elece).

Dick: dislikes when the WA reads the ritual words ver batim. Would like more variety/free form/conversational.

Jean: I don’t like lectures/facts.

David: I don’t like the labyrinth, mandalas, mazes.

Topics/Subjects of Services

Harriet: sometimes I feel like taking the Sunday off, but I read the blurb and realize that I have to go. I appreciate the hard work of the WC members.

Andy: I like This I Believe; you connect with each other by telling your stories.

James: This I believe is great. It weaves in what UUP is about, along with a wonderful person message.

Phil: This I Believe is moving.

Jan: doesn’t like drum circle.

Andy: doesn’t think drum circle should be part of a service.

Andy: wants topics that address central spiritual issues. Loves to hear about great, inspiring people, artists, political dissidents.

Nan: likes a strong theme that is manifested in all the elements.  Makes it feel like a whole.

Speakers

Several people: John Crowley was both informative and spiritual, very personal presentation. (Cindy, Ruth)

Lara: Elece Hemphill- too much info, not enough personal.

Cindy: Alex Mercedes was really moving (movement and music).

Cindy: Perry Pike was great (Sufi dancing).

Hope: loves the services that Jodi and Meredith did.

Elements of worship

Hope: I love the routine (ritual words); it feels spiritual to recite the same words every week.

Lisa: sometimes, I find the ritual words boring.

Lisa: I don’t like the silent meditation. I want more detail when names are said aloud. Why did that (more detail) stop?

Harriet: I love the Story for All Ages; love to listen to the story and watch the kids listen.

Harriet: I love the ritual words. Embracing meditation—make it longer.

Harriet, David and others: I love participatory services.

Cindy: likes when the children’s story is on the shorter side.

David: likes soft music for interlude.

Dick and others: like greeting your neighbor after announcements.

Lara: likes the musical interlude to separate sections of service.  Prefers when used to bring people back from greeting neighbors like 1/29.

Seating

Florence: When we face the window, it is hard for me to see the speaker. The person looks like a shadow.

Ruth and Harriet: like facing the window.

Dick: likes circles and arc seating.

Suggestions:

Jean: When introducing a new song, have a song leader teach us the song, so it won’t feel so awkward.

Cindy: ask the teens to come up with a subject for a service. Involve them in service content.  Likes guided meditation.

Dick: sing simple chants (e.g., Go now in peace) in the closing circle. Also invite people to connect with each other after the service.

Park: “Polylog” – services followed by dialog multiplied.

Dick: follow a theme for a month, e.g., study a book. Offshoot might be a study group at someone’s home, thereafter.

Ruth: end with a question: ask your neighbor, “What do you believe?”

Dick: the congregation is growing. Add a second collection basket to the offering.

Phil: try to bring Agnes more into the service.

Diana: next time it is time to turn the banners, do it intentionally. Thanks Nancy and T for creating the banners.

Park: introduce a “text for the day” to enable members of the congregation to offer something during the service.

Dick:   In an upcoming service when there are lots of newbies, like today,  i recommend someone during the service tell about the Family Retreat –  that this can be the best way to get to know others in the church, and that it’s a ton of fun. Then, same service,  in closing circle, at the very end, the WA says, “if you have been to a family retreat in the past take a step forward.  Now turn around.  Face the others.  Ok, now, if you haven’t been in the past and are curious, ask that person close to you to tell you about it.”