Dear UUCPA friends,
I write to you to address the concern that many of us are feeling about membership at UUCPA. As we consider a major capital campaign, some are wondering if we are capable of such an undertaking with fewer members than we had before COVID. We are unsettled by the feeling of fewer people in the Main Hall, fewer folks to talk to on the patio, and fewer kids running around. While we know we are not the only religious community struggling from the effects of COVID, we know we need to act.
I want to assure you this issue is extremely important to the Board. We fervently want UUCPA to touch more lives than it does right now. We know that many of our neighbors are searching for a spiritual home: a place to grow, connect, and be held in love. That’s why even before COVID made membership growth extra-challenging, we created the Membership Engagement Coordinator position that was so ably initiated by BJ Wishinsky and is now continued with energy and warmth by John Wright.
So, what else has UUCPA been doing to grow our membership? Click on the links below to learn more details about what’s being done to…
- Attract new people to UUCPA
- Welcome newcomers on Sunday
- Retain newcomers
- Ensure the long-term vitality of UUCPA
What does the Board plan to do about membership in the future?
- Working with the Membership and Growth Committee, we will develop a strategic plan for further, coordinated outreach to our neighbors who need a spiritual home.
- Our next Board meeting is Jan. 25th at 7pm. All are welcome to attend. You can simply show up on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7pm in the library. You can also drop me a note (brooke_b@uucpa.org), and I’ll send you the zoom link if you would like to attend remotely.
What can you do to help grow our membership? (click for more details)
- Attend the Social Networking for Good event this Sunday, Dec. 11 at Second Sunday Lunch.
- Bring more people to UUCPA.
- Welcome newcomers and help them “stick” at UUCPA.
- Contribute your ideas and time.
- Strengthen the programs of UUCPA.
On a personal note, I want to tell you that while I’ve been president, I have asked many folks to consider joining the Membership & Growth Committee, and many have respectfully declined because they don’t feel qualified or comfortable with this work. Yet we all care deeply about the health and vitality of our spiritual community— the place that grounds us for the week ahead, feeds our curiosity, promotes social justice, and embeds us in a warm-hearted community of genuine people. Please join us in this worthy effort to reach those who need a spiritual home.
Yours in faith,
Brooke