Thanks very much to everyone who completed the search survey! We’re excited to have 135+ individual responses, ~40% overall return rate. There was a solid mix of newer and longer-term members’ and friends’ participation. Review is underway, with summaries to be shared soon.

We’re moving into the next phase of gathering input: ministerial search listening circles. The first one is this Sunday after the service, in-person during Lifespan RE Hour. More search listening circles, in-person and via Zoom, will be held the first half of October.

If you have a chance, please think about these questions beforehand:

1. What do you think makes for a good Sunday service? Consider all aspects of the service including the minister's role in the sermon, readings, and so forth.
2. Why do you think current members stay involved in the Fellowship, and what can we do to keep them from leaving or participating less often? What could the new minister do to help keep members involved and committed to the Fellowship?
3. What do you think attracts visitors and new members to the Fellowship, and what should we do to attract more of them? How could the new minister help attract new members and visitors?
4. How do you think the pandemic has affected our Fellowship? In addition to aspects of the Fellowship that may have declined, are there others that have grown or have new energy?
5. Tell us the one most important thing that we should look for in our new minister and briefly tell us why it is so important. Related to this, what is the most important part of the minister’s work?

Your participation is invaluable as the Ministerial Search Committee will use this input in describing our Fellowship — in the UUFCC Congregational Record, which potential candidates can see in December — and while assessing possible candidates starting in January.

Hope you’ll join us at one of the search listening circles!