April 2017 Chalice PrevUUs Calendar Newsletter of the Chalice Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Escondido, California

2324 Miller Avenue, Escondido, CA 92029 Phone: 760-737-0393 Website: ChaliceUUCongregation.org

Vol. 18 # 4A

April 2 Rev. Elizabeth Bukey “The Beauty of Awkwardness” It’s human nature to seek comfort. We like routine, familiarity, and ease. We need safety. But we also need enough discomfort to grow. And sometimes life is just…awkward. Come explore humor, disruption, and the beauty of being uncomfortable. April 9 Rev. Sharon Wylie “About Truthiness” What is true and what is not suddenly seems a matter of debate in our culture. Studies show that learning facts don’t actually change people’s minds. How do those of us who value reason make sense of a world that seems increasingly unreasonable? April 16 Rev. Sharon Wylie

“Flower Communion” Multigenerational Service Please bring a flower for the altar as we mark the Easter holiday and revel in the beauty of our diversity.

April 23 Rev. Sharon Wylie “Compassion of a Global Citizen” Developing compassion requires more than cultivating empathy. Real study and learning is also a benefit. This is the eighth in a 10-part sermon series on Compassionate Living, inspired by Karen Armstrong’s book Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. April 30 Rev. Sharon Wylie “Adoration Sunday” Multigenerational Service To adore is to love deeply and fully. But we can feel embarrassed to show our love openly and unabashedly. This May Day, we celebrate the beauty and blessings of loving with our whole hearts. We’ll dance the maypole between services.

Please email photos of those you adore (human and animal) before April 23 to revsharonwylie@gmail.com for inclusion in our service.

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Get on Board the Chalice Bus! 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

April 22 – San Diego March for Science!!

On Earth Day, April 22, there will be a peaceful March for Science in San Diego -- a companion march to the big March for Science in Washington, D.C. The San Diego March will take place from 10-12:30, with a route of about a mile. Our Chalice bus will leave at 8 a.m. and return to Chalice at 1 p.m. $14 will cover round-trip transportation!

As the organizers write, “There are certain things that we accept as facts with no alternatives. The Earth is becoming warmer due to human action. The diversity of life arose by evolution. Politicians who devalue expertise risk making decisions that do not reflect reality and must be held accountable. An American government that ignores science to pursue ideological agendas endangers the world.” Learn more about the march here: http://marchforsciencesd.com/

If you are interested, contact Deb Coon at [not for public]. Co-organizers are Jerry, Susan,, Michele, and Kathy. We need all reservations and money by Wed, April 5 in order to reserve the bus!

Welcome Lunch & Newcomer Orientation

Sunday, April 30, 12:30-2:15 Chapel

Are you new to Chalice? Join us for a light lunch and conversation about Chalice's vision, programs, and leaders. You'll meet with some of Chalice’s leaders and learn more about groups and ways to get involved at Chalice. Information about pledging and becoming an official member will also be available for those who are interested.

RSVP to revelizabethbukey@gmail.com to reserve your food and to request childcare.

Ken Coulson Chalice member Ken Coulson passed away on March 24. Ken began attending Chalice in August and was diagnosed with cancer in November. He especially treasured the support and friendship he found in our Cracker Barrel group. A memorial service for family and close friends was held at Chalice on March 27.

Public Edition

Music Ministry

Calendar of Upcoming Music Department Events

Chili, Brews ‘n’ Blues May 6 @ 5 pm Sisters In Treble benefit concert May 7 @ 1 pm Speed of Sound Concert May 13 Don Anderson and Friends in Concert May 21 Spring Music Service June 25 @ 9am & 11am Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing and Church Potluck Supper Oct 28 @ 5pm

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More Auction Concerts Our wonderful musicians here at Chalice bring fun and affordable auction events to Chalice members and friends each year. Here are several events you won’t want to miss – and all are $15 a person or less. Put them on your calendar now!

Chili, Brews n' Blues – Saturday, May 6 at 5 pm Come eat, drink and drown your sorrows with an assortment of chili, local brews and down home blues by local Chalice musicians and friends. If you have a strong urge to sing the blues or bring your own secret chili recipe, let them know; they will be glad to accommodate! Brought to you by Dean Goddette, Kensington (Dean’s band), Stuart Holmes & Sarah Shapard, Paula & Vince Gonzales, and Mark & Marianna Bacilla. $15/person. Contact Dean Goddette to reserve your spot.

Speed of Sound Concert – Saturday, May 13 Chalice's own Mark Bacilla and his band Speed of Sound will do a backyard concert at Mark and Marianna's house in Poway on Saturday, May 13th. This is a family-friendly event. Those who have been before can tell you what a rare treat it is to have such a talented professional group to support Chalice. $15/person. Contact Mark or Marianna Bacilla to reserve your spot.

Musical Rockin' Good Time with Don and Friends – May 21 Join Don Anderson and his musical friends on Sunday, May 21st for this down-home concert. This is an annual treat and a good time each year! $15/person. Contact Don Anderson to reserve your spot.

Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing and Church Potluck Supper! – Saturday, October 28, 5-8 pm It’s nearly Halloween and you’re worried about things that go bump in the night. Why not drive those ghouls away with an old-fashioned Protestant hymn-sing from the Methodist and Episcopalian traditions — original lyrics and all! We’ll probably throw in some UU favorites to restore balance in the universe. Lena Wellman, Deb Coon, David Peale and Paul Dulany will lead us in four-part harmony accompanied by the masterful Tim McKnight on piano. We will provide beverages like lemonade, fruit juices, beer and wine, as well as spiral-cut ham for dinner. You contribute a classic church supper side, salad, or dessert if you’re willing! Costumes welcome! Kids 12 and under are free. $10/person. Contact Deb Coon to reserve your spot. ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

To reserve space at an Auction Event: First, contact the host (party giver) for the party and be sure there is space available. Write your check to Chalice and either mail it to Chalice, or put it in the offering basket with note indicating which auction event(s) you are buying. Paula (Chalice Office Administrator) will see that the money gets recorded as auction income and that the party-giver knows that you have paid. If you are not sure, just call the office - (760) 737-0393.

Music Ministry page continues on page 3

Keyboard Kaleidoscope 5 Auction Concert : Bravissimo! The Keyboard Kaleidoscope 5 concert on March 4 summed up in one word: WOW! Our own Tim McKnight and Dr. Deborah Morton teamed with Dr. Clarence Perry and Tessa Heunis to present an amazing evening of piano music. The repertoire ranged from well known and beloved composers such as Schubert, Bach, Gershwin and Copland, to a few names that may not have been so well known, such as Ginastera, Bolcom, and Dohnanyi. There was even a piece by William (aka Billy) Joel! The audience had a lot of fun with the “Piano Puzzler Contest”, won this year by Maria Pia-Duffy – though Tom Carlstrom was a strong runner up! Two hands, four hands, eight hands – our performers brought the music to life and made us forget our troubles for a few glorious hours.

Sunday Worship Music April Highlights

Apr 2: The Chancel Choir will present “A Gaelic Blessing” by Daniel E. Gawthrop. Tim McKnight will be our worship musician.

Apr 9: Steve Withers will be our worship musician.

Apr 16: The Chancel Choir will present “Sakura,” a traditional Japanese folk song arranged by Michael Scott. Tim McKnight will be our worship musician.

Apr 23: Justin Gray will be our worship musician.

Apr 30: The Chancel Choir will present “Cantate Domino” by Natalie Sleeth. Tim McKnight will be our worship musician.

Family Ministry

Kathleen Swift Director of Family Ministry Dfm.chaliceuu@gmail.com Office phone: 760.737.0393 Office hours by appointment

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Music Ministry Contnued . . . . .

Chalice Annual Easter Egg Hunt

The Family Ministries Team has gotten word that the Easter Bunny is expected to go wild again at Chalice this year! She is expecting a windfall of extra stuff after her normal deliveries overnight, and is planning on hiding a large number of them at Chalice. Expect lots of fun surprises--most of which can fit inside of an egg.

So, plan on bringing your kiddos and a basket or bag to Chalice on April 16. The line to hunt (youngest first) will begin immediately after first service at the garden archway. It's the annual Easter Egg Hunt--we'll see you there!

Looking ahead to this summer in RE!

This summer we have a great curriculum for children from preschool to grade 5. It’s based on the popular Eric Carle books and features helping the children grow and care for a garden. It’s going to be a container garden with a drip system; Patrick McConnell is our lead gardener. We are looking for volunteers for the story part as well as the garden part. We also would love to borrow any very large nursery containers (20-30 gallon size) if you have some around the house. Meanwhile the middle and high school group will be participating in a Drama Club. Led by Sabrina O’Gwynn, the teens will be learning valuable theater skills and building confidence. The activities will culminate in a performance this fall. We are looking for assistants to work with Sabrina.

Women’s Book Discussion Join us on Tues, April 18 at 7:15 in the Common Room to discuss The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey

Niffenegger. The story of Clare, a beautiful, strong-minded art student, and Henry, an adventuresome librarian, who have known each other since Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six, and were married when Clare was twenty-three and Henry thirty-one. Impossible but true, because Henry is one of the first people diagnosed with Chrono-Displacement Disorder: his genetic clock randomly resets and he finds himself misplaced in time, pulled to moments of emotional gravity from his life, past and future. His disappearances are spontaneous and unpredictable, and lend a spectacular urgency to Clare and Henry's unconventional love story. That their attempt to live normal lives together is threatened by something they can neither prevent nor control makes their story intensely moving and entirely unforgettable. Victoria Cagle will lead the discussion. We meet the third Tuesday of every month at 7:15 PM in the Common Room. Please come and join us for a stimulating and fun evening, discussing the book and all the other topics, ideas and experiences that

we share at our meetings. Newcomers are welcome. May's Book : Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger Facilitator: Ann Cunningham Please contact Dani Comer at [not for public].

Yoga Class meets at 7 pm each Tuesday evening in the Chapel. These are friendly classes, with gentle teachers and appreciative students. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. A $5 donation is suggested, but not required.

Cracker Barrel is a group of liberal thinkers; they are friendly, supportive men who meet each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. for breakfast, and discussion at 9:30, at Marie Callender’s in Escondido. New friends are welcome. Contact Marty Schwartz at [not for public].

This is open to all men of Chalice. If you are looking to meet life-long friends with a sense of humor, Cracker Barrel may be exactly what you are looking for.

Zen Meditation - Chalice Friend, Dr. Al Zolnyas, offers instruction and Meditation practice on Thursday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30 am and on Sunday afternoons from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. This group welcomes both seasoned meditators and those new to the practice. Meet in the cottage.

Women’s Meditation & Buddhist Study Group meets every Thursday This group focuses on mutual support and the practical implementation of Buddhism in order to

enrich our daily lives. Our format is to check in, read aloud from our selected book, discuss what we have just read, and then meditate for 30 minutes. Our readings about Buddhist practice and philosophy are written by contemporary writers and Buddhist teachers and are chosen by group consensus. We meet in the chapel from 10:30 am until 12:00 every Thursday. Newcomers welcome. Contact: Carol Bagguley [not for public].

Weekly and Monthly Community Pages - You are welcome here too:

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April Circle Suppers Join us for Circle Supper on: Saturday, April 15 at 6pm.

Circle Suppers are monthly dinners in a pot-luck format with usually eight people at a host's home. The number of dinners each month depends on how many people participate that month. This is a great way to get to know each other better and further our sense of community. Newcomers are welcome.

If you are interested in attending please contact Dani Comer by Thurs. April 6 at [not for public].

Chalice Readers On April 28th at 7 pm at Chalice we will discuss Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. It presents a

portrait of the title character and a number of recurring characters in the coastal town of Crosby, Maine. It takes the form of 13 short stories that are interrelated but discontinuous in terms of narrative. It won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and was a finalist for the 2008 National Book Critics Circle Award. HBO produced a four-part mini-series, based on the novel, featuring Frances McDormand in the title role in 2014. The series won eight awards at the 2015 Primetime Emmys.

You've got questions? Email them to John Drewe at [not for public].

Fiber Artists The Fiber Arts Group meets the third Wednesday of each month. You are invited to join us

Wednesday, April 19 at 1 PM in the Common Room at Chalice. Come sit for a couple of hours in the pleasant company of Chalice folks with busy hands. If you don’t sew, knit, crochet, or your quilt-in-progress is too big to carry, just bring a coloring book and join us anyway. If you have any questions, please contact Bonnie Packert at [not for public].

Ladies Out to Lunch Bunch The Ladies Out to Lunch Bunch will meet on Friday, April 21, at

Romano's Macaroni Grill, located at Westfield North County Mall. The address is 202 East Via Rancho Pkwy, Escondido. We meet at 11:30 AM and welcome newcomers! Please RSVP to Carol Simpson at [not for public].

Chalice Dine-Out We now meet the 3rd Monday of the month instead of the 4th Wednesday. Dine Out Group will be dining at the French Market Grille on MONDAY April 17th at

6:00p.m. The restaurant is located at 15717 Bernardo Heights Parkway Rancho Bernardo. Please RSVP to Cindy Carter at [not for public]. Singles and couples, all are welcome for conversation, catching up and getting

acquainted. This is an open group that enjoys breaking bread together.

Readers’ Theater Our April meeting will be held on Monday, April 24th at 6:45 p.m. in the common

room. Newcomers and listeners are always welcome at our gatherings. This month we'll be reading aloud one of George Bernard Shaw’s comedies: Arms and the Man. In the opening scene, a young woman learns of her suitor's heroic exploits in combat. She rhapsodizes that it is "a glorious world for women who can see its glory and men who can act its romance!" Soon, however, such romantic falsifications of love and warfare are brilliantly and at times hilariously unmasked in a comedy that reveals George Bernard Shaw at his best as an acute social observer and witty provocateur. First produced on the London stage in 1894, Arms and the Man continues to be among the most performed of Shaw’s plays around the world.

Please contact Deb Coon [not for public]. in advance, so that we'll know to expect you.

Men’s Support Group

The Chalice Men’s Support Group has several openings and we are extending an invitation for men to join our group. We currently meet in Escondido the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM. The group uses the structure and focus provided by the UU Men’s Group guidelines. Basically we get to know and support each other by sharing experiences, thoughts and feelings from our lives.

If you are interested and for more information, please contact Phil Comer at [not for public].

Weekly and Monthly Community Pages Continued:

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everyone is aware that Rev. Elizabeth Bukey will be leaving Chalice by the end of June. Her position, Minister of Congregational Life, was funded for three years, and unfortunately, we will not likely be able to fund the position going forward.

A bit of history: In spring 2014, we had a task force studying

church growth issues (called the “Size Transition Task Force”). Members of that task force were Deb Coon (chair), Ann Cunningham, Karen McComb, Peter Armstrong, and Colette Jones. Members of the task force approached me to discuss the possibility of a new staff position to support two areas of congregational life that had traditionally been areas of struggle for us: social justice and membership. We crafted a job description for a position we called “Director of Congregational Life.” We thought there would be an added benefit if the position could serve as an assistant minister position, with that staff person qualified to preach and lead worship.

Believe me, this all seemed like a crazy pipe dream when we talked about it for the first time. To fund even a part-time position with appropriate pay and benefits would take $35,000 a year. It was clear to me that there was no way pledging was going to increase that much.

But ministers are supposed to be optimists! We agreed to make this new position a featured idea in our pledge drive for the 2014-15 church year. I preached about it in a sermon (called “What’s Next for Chalice?”) kicking off the pledge drive. Many congregants were excited about the new staff position, and pledging increased by an average of 10%. But with other financial commitments we needed to make in the budget, the increase was nowhere near enough to fund a half-time position.

Congregational leaders and I were beginning to consider if we could start with a quarter-time position to support our social justice work when a generous (and anonymous) congregant stepped forward to donate $105,000 to fund the half-time Director of Congregational Life position for three years. What a gift! What a blessing! What an investment in our future!

At the June 2014 congregational meeting, the budget presented to the congregation for approval included the new Director of Congregational Life position, funded by the anonymous gift. There was much discussion about the new position; some congregants wanted to slow down the hiring process in order to learn more about the envisioned responsibilities. I spoke in favor of going forward because going slower might limit our applicant pool: if we hoped to hire a minister, June and July are the times for hiring; new clergy positions typically start in August and September. In the end, a motion to defer the line item with the new staff position was defeated 59-15, and then the budget was approved unanimously.

Three weeks after the congregational meeting, we held an informational session to answer questions about the Director of Congregational Life position, for those congregants who wanted to know more.

The hiring task force for the new position was chaired by Lloyd Kelly and included Deb Coon, Ann Cunningham, Colette Jones, Elijah Jones, and Karen McComb. Of five applicants, Elizabeth Bukey was the unanimous first choice, and she began her new position at Chalice on September 1, 2014.

When Elizabeth started with us, she had just completed her year as an intern minister. She was welcomed into fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association (i.e., she became a minister) in fall 2015, and we changed her job title to “Minister of Congregational Life.” Chalice ordained her to the ministry in January 2016.

Three years ago, we hoped that hiring a new staff person might result in a substantial increase in membership, and that more pledges would result in enough money to continue to fund the staff position. That has not happened. Continued on page 8

April 2017 Chalice PrevUUs Magazine Section Newsletter of the Chalice Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Escondido, California

2324 Miller Avenue, Escondido, CA 92029 Phone: 760-737-0393 Website: ChaliceUUCongregation.org

Vol. 18 # 4B

Page 7

Minister’s Message

Page 8

Volunteer Spotlight on Kathy Florendo

Coordinating Team would like to thank and recognize Kathy Florendo for her work as lead for the Sunday Refreshments Providers. WHAT MINISTRY / GROUP / TEAM DO YOU VOLUNTEER WITH? Sunday Refreshment Team, Memorial Refreshment Team WHEN DID YOU START COMING TO CHALICE? Fall 2013 WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER? I believe in giving back in whatever way I can. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT VOLUNTEERING? Getting to know others in the congregation. DO YOU VOLUNTEER WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, OUTSIDE OF CHALICE? No. WHAT PURPOSE/VALUE/FEELING DO YOU FEEL/GAIN/HAVE WHEN YOU ARE VOLUNTEERING? When you do something for others you are rewarded by feeling good about yourself.

ABOUT YOU WHERE WERE YOU BORN/RAISED? McKees Rocks, PA. (just west of Pittsburgh)

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY? Each year during the summer, staying for a week in a cottage at Lake Erie, PA and swimming in the lake.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO SAN DIEGO? Our daughter’s family and wanting to retire away from the Los Angeles area. We lived in South Pasadena for almost 30 years. WHAT IS YOUR JOB/PROFESSION OUTSIDE OF CHALICE? Homemaker and sitter for grandchildren. (trained as a Vocational nurse)

MARRIED/FAMILY/CHILDREN? Married to Rey, two sons, one daughter, four grandchildren.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? The Sound of Music. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GET BURRITOS? Rubio’s.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM? Not really into sports, but our growing family cheered on the LA Lakers.

COFFEE OR TEA? Both, depending on the time of day and weather.

What has happened is that we have developed a social justice program where we didn’t really have one before. Our “pathways” (i.e., membership) program is much more robust and structured than it was three years ago. And we have grown accustomed to consistently professional preaching and worship leadership on Sunday mornings.

We have been very fortunate to have this staff position for the past three years, and even more fortunate to have the same person in that position the whole time. We will feel the loss of Elizabeth’s presence and leadership at many levels in the congregation.

But rather than bemoan the loss of the person and the position, I hope we might focus on our gratitude that we were able to have this position at all, if only for a few years. And hopefully the day will come when we can again afford a Congregational Life position at Chalice.

Bright blessings, Sharon

Minister’s Message - continued from page 7

Page 9

Long Range Planning Task Force

On Saturday, March 18, sixteen Chalice congregants gathered to reflect on our congregation’s social justice calling. We considered joining a public statement that “At this extraordinary time in our nation’s history…we will oppose any and all unjust government actions to deport, register, discriminate, or despoil.” We brainstormed possible new social justice initiatives at Chalice, and formed three groups to explore working on homelessness, working with local youth on art/justice, and doing more actions from https://www.womensmarch.com/. We committed to answer the call of love in tough times.

First, we considered whether Chalice should sign the UUA’s “Declaration of Conscience” (available online and on page 29 of the spring edition of UU World magazine). This forum was required by our policy on taking a public position on social justice issues. Board President Kathy Zapata gave a brief presentation on the Declaration, and explained that if approved, it was the intent to distribute this action widely in the community. After Kathy’s presentation there was an open discussion. Several members spoke in strong support of the Board signing the Declaration; no one spoke in opposition. A straw poll was taken and the vote was unanimous in favor of our Board signing the Declaration. Full notes from this discussion are available on the Chalice wiki.

In the second half of our meeting, we reflected on the many other issues that face our local, national, and world communities. Local homelessness, engaging local youth, and following up with the Women’s March organization captured the attention of those in attendance. Our Immigrant Justice Team also continues its work. If you are interested in starting a new social justice initiative, please let us know!

Long Range Plan

Vision Statement & Goals

Our Vision Chalice will be a vibrant center of liberal religious values, a beacon to the communities we serve, with innovative ministries and thriving activities.

Our Goals

Goal 1: Enhance programs and ministries that nurture congregants’ spirits within a caring community.

Goal 2: Grow the number of congregational participants and diversity, including families and people of all ages; and expand the facilities and grounds.

Goal 3: Become increasingly active with local social justice, community service and immigrant rights organizations.

Goal 4: Place more emphasis on religious education programs for children and for adults. Goal 5: Foster increased music, performance and other creative endeavors.

Feedback about the Chalice Vision Statement and Goals for 2017-2022 The Long Range Planning Task Force has been working with Chalice members and participants to create a Long Range Plan for the next 5 years. The Congregation will vote on the new Vision and Goals in June. If you have suggestions for the current draft of these, please email them to Nancy Bowen, Chalice Board Vice-President at [not for public].

Report on March 18 Social Justice Forum

Pastoral Care Team The Pastoral Care Team, in consultation with Rev. Sharon, provides support for those in the

congregation in need. This can take the form of cards, flowers, meals, temporary transport, and personal visits. We also visit members who cannot attend services.

If you or someone you know is in need of pastoral support, please contact Rev. Sharon Wylie at RevSharonWylie@gmail.com or Nancy Hurt, Lay Chaplain Convener, at [not for public].

PARKING REMINDER Please do not park on Miller Avenue in front of Chalice. We have an agreement with the community because the street is too narrow. If there is no room in the lower parking lot, please use the upper lot or you may park on Hamilton, on the right side - going up the hill. You can park on Miller, over by the fields but not in front of our neighbors’ homes. Thank you for your cooperation.

March Board of Trustees Highlights

The board continues to direct attention to finalizing the long ranch planning process and focus groups. Now we start to prepare for budgeting, the annual meeting and rolling out our Strategic plan and goals. It is an exciting part of the Chalice year.

New Members: Ken Coulson and Carol McAllister are new members. Membership resigned: Joanne Mettrick has moved to San Dimas.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 11 at 6:30 pm instead of 7 pm

February Coordinating Team Highlights

• Conversion of the Chalice public website to the UUA template is progressing. • A team is working on making improvements to, and cleaning up the Members Only website. • The Elaine McDaniel stairs, with railing are complete. Sign, Sunday barrier, and lighting to come. • New playground swing set seats have been installed with thanks to Doug Key. • CT is looking into new outreach opportunities. • CT members attended a joint retreat with the Board to discuss 2017-18 goals and priorities.

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Chalice Building Status Our revised Conditional Use Permit (CUP) was submitted to the Escondido Planning Dept. on February

20th. The original CUP was withdrawn for revision after the city imposed significant additions to the scope of the multipurpose building portion of the project which would have increased the cost beyond our apparent resources. They have indicated that our proposed change of scope will eliminate their demand for the additional items and we expect the process to be smooth. The revised CUP application, project description and plot plan are posted on the Chalice wiki website under the Renovations Committee heading. The entire revised CUP is a huge document that is too large to post on line. Paula has CDs of the complete document for those interested in pursuing it further.

Pete Bussett, our architect, has generated an optimistic and aggressive schedule that predicts approval of the CUP and submittal of the construction drawings in July, drawing approval and start of construction in October and occupancy of the multipurpose building in April 2018. However, we are at the mercy of the city for the two longest events, the review and approval of the CUP and the approval of the construction drawings.

A detailed schedule and chronology of this activity is posted on the bulletin board by the mail slots. Please contact Bob Nelson, [not for public]. if you have further questions.

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Pathways Team “From Visitor to a Full Spectrum of Member Engagement”

A report on a UU Leadership Institute Class, by Jerry Carter

I just finished taking this online class on member engagement. It was not my first experience in taking a course online, but it was my first online course in “things UU.”

The course was about that journey we all take from our first UU experience to becoming deeply involved. Perhaps some of you, reared up in the UU tradition, can’t recall that first UU experience. Some, like me, do recall our first time in a UU church, our first service, and when we joined, and then somehow got “involved.” The focus of this course was on that path, and how can we assist others to make that journey in the most comfortable way.

But first: what is the value, if any, of “growth” and what does that mean? Some consider membership a metric, but the goal is larger. It is not only who 'belongs', but whom do we impact? How are we impacting and transforming lives, and how do we get better at doing that? This returns us to the idea that “membership” is a ministry. Looking back, many say they come to the congregation to have their lives transformed. There is also the value of a larger pool of talent in the congregation, a growing pool of volunteers, and the benefit of a stable budget. Growing the congregations gives us more strength to do the good we are already doing. When we welcome newcomers, this is also OUR opportunity to connect and make friends.

Most church-goers would say the process is: “visit, attend a membership class, make a pledge, become a member.” But belonging includes more than membership. That difference between belonging and membership is different for each of us, and different for each congregation. But one place to begin to understand that is in a congregation’s mission statement. Here at Chalice that is:

Open hearts, open minds, open doors, nurturing spirits; seeking justice within the wider world. Note that “open” is here 3 times. We reach out. For much of us our personal ministry is to reach out to others, to

be ‘open’. So considering that we reach out to more than visitors and members, how do we see the full spectrum of Faithful Relationship?

The course covered many of the ways we at Chalice can make that path easier. Here are some easy things to do or to consider:

• Think of the congregation’s work as missionary work.

• Remember that our visitors come to us “pre-qualified,” meaning they have checked us out online. How do we look, virtually? Sure, we put facts on our web page: events, times and dates. But today, we need to do better than just facts. How do we share our values in our online presence? Will what newcomers see in person match what we presented online?

• The job of the “Greeter” is our first line. Do we recruit, train, support, follow and have on going training? Do we schedule to be sure our greeters are truly available to “greet”? Do we have greeters for other than Sunday, ready for off site events, or for events through the week? Another good win/win for greeting our guests is to have some youth greeters, and some greeters who are involved in our religious education program.

• How do we go beyond the traditional greeter role to include many of us in the welcoming process? We need to look for ways to create a welcoming culture throughout the congregation, like writing newsletter articles about welcome as a spiritual practice. (Hey! I think this is one.)

• Today, no one likes to appear the rookie, the new kid, the newbie. And congregations often offer newcomers a blue cup during social hour? Awkward! What if we help our guests blend in, and we identify some “old hands” around here? If you know the ropes, would you choose a coffee cup with “ASK ME” printed on it? Or a big green tag on your badge to announce “ASK ME” to our guests? Then with your “ASK ME” label in place, you could keep an eye open for new faces and temporary name tags.

• Sometimes we welcome newcomers OUTSIDE of Sunday Morning. There can be multiple entry points to begin the path from visitor to involvement. They may attend something other than a Sunday service.

The course covered many more topics and gave plans and suggestions to assess people at all steps along the path to belonging in community. For me, the three key areas from the course were: there is a lot to be learned from the UU Leadership Institute, and even lay people can benefit. Second, the way people make informed decisions is ever changing based on lifestyle and technology. If you don’t keep up, your outreach becomes obsolete and ineffective. Finally, congregations, just like any large group, will have members who are no longer there for any number of reasons. Effective outreach to bring in new people is important not only to grow, but just to maintain membership levels. Go out there and bring them in. And help make the path to belonging easier.