DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware 2015 to 2017 Growth Plan LINKING AND STRENGTHENING OUR MINISTRIES OF CONNECTION Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware Approved by the Board of Trustees November 14, 2015 Voting by the Congregation November 29, 2015 1
Mission and Vision Vision: Mission: Creating a spiritual community embracing universal acceptance, justice, and compassion. Nurture spiritual growth, Embrace diversity, Work for justice, and Strive for a loving world Background Since 2013, the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware (UUSD) have been guided by their Threshold Congregation Growth Plan that draws to a close on December 31, 2015. As stated in the plan document it was designed to build on the strengths of UUSD and enable the Church to grow in membership, in spiritual depth, in purposeful commitment within, and in outreach. Much of the work outlined has been completed in whole or in part. There are clear improvements and growth as a result of the guidance provided in that Plan. There are areas that need to be brought forward for consideration and action. Two transformative achievements were the revision of UUSD s mission and vision and the planning and decision-making process to purchase and develop a property for a permanent congregational home. The new vision moves UUSD toward a wider external perspective and is guided by a clear, directed mission statement. The congregation s beautiful new home is a 6500 square foot structure located on 6.5 acres complete with frontage on a large pond. It was dedicated on October 18, 2015. Like any new home, it will take a while to learn how to live in it and be comfortable. These past two years have been a time of intense change for the UUSD family. In addition to the herculean effort of building a new home with all of its challenges and surprises, the congregation said good-bye to its long-time Minister, Rev. D. Michael Smith, and appointed Rev. Paula Maiorano as Interim Minister to guide it through the work of transition and prepare for the calling of a settled Minister in 2017. Change is both UUSD s legacy and future. The challenge for the next two years is keeping all that is treasured and healthy while achieving internal and external growth that will strengthen the spirit and work of the congregation and will support the financial demands of the new land and building. It took the entire UUSD family, both past and present, to bring it this far, and it will need the help of new members and friends to reach the next milestone. This new growth plan honors all that this congregation has achieved as well as its aspirations for a universal community that stands on the side of love. 2
A New Way of Looking at Growth One of the wonderful benefits of being a UU Congregation is that you are part of a family of congregations that has walked the same path, faced the same challenges, and whose insights and experiences are lifted up by the UUA for the benefit of others. In UUSD s consideration of how best to grow in all critical ways, in this time of intense transition and change, the lesson offered by All Souls Church Unitarian in Washington, DC, in the fourth and final "Breakthrough Congregation" presentation at the 2005 UUAGA had special resonance. The members explained how the congregation's membership has been through dramatic increases and losses over the years in 1998; 160 people attended, and now there are over 500. The congregation "chose to change to meet the background of their parishioners." "If worship brings you," the presenters said, "it is the ministries of connection that keep you there. They know that people need to find a home within the larger congregation or they don't stay very long." Strengthening the connections of UUSD to its members, the increasing number of visitors attracted by the new grounds and building, the outside community, and faith is the axis around which all growth efforts will turn. Looking at the congregation s work to strengthen those connections as ministries is a new concept for UUSD and, while there may not be a formal renaming, there already exists a deep commitment to service to ministry by the existing committee system that predates this new growth plan. Clearly, this growth strategy can only be accomplished by looking at UUSD s ministries of connection through the lens of UU s Seventh Principle, Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. This new way of growing will respect UUSD s existing structures, yet call the congregation and its leadership to a higher level of recognition for the importance of cross-committee collaboration, congregational involvement, and accountability for critical outcomes. To that end, while the Finance Committee will retain responsibility for coordinating the growth planning cycle, the traditional growth planning task force model has been replaced by UUSD s Church Council, a body made up of all committee chairs and co-chairs. This group blesses UUSD with aweinspiring dedication and generosity of time, talent, and treasure. The committees represent at least half of the entire congregation. They also recognize the need to work in an integrated and cooperative fashion across committee structures to meet the spiritual, outreach, and sustainability missions and the need to involve the whole congregation in the process. What better group exists to plan and shepherd UUSD s growth than the Church Council? It also provides these leaders an opportunity to find and strengthen the spiritual practice present in this level of ministry and be supported throughout the process by each other. After the Board of Trustees and the Congregation approve a new Growth Plan, the Church Council will reconvene to develop a work and accountability plan. Meetings are open to members of the congregation and documents will be posted in a special Members Only section of the website so progress can be tracked. 3
How Are We Growing? Integral to plan development was an assessment of UUSD based on the following widely accepted growth standards. For the purposes of this document, the acronym AMINO will be used: Numerical-the number of people attending worship and programs, or number of members Maturational-the spiritual maturity of each member Organic-a congregation's ability to maintain its health and engage the world Incarnational-making real and living our values in the world Associational-participation in UU activities (outside UUSD) At the Growth Planning Meeting, held on October 24, participants were asked to evaluate UUSD in each growth area using a scale of 1-10. Numerical, Maturational, and Organic ranked in the upper two-thirds of the scale. Incarnational ranked slightly above midpoint and Associational was ranked in the lower one-third of the scale. The roots and implication for this low ranking in Associational growth is a subject for further congregational dialogue and understanding. When asked where growth should be focused going forward, the group overwhelming chose Numerical, followed by Organic and Maturational. Families with children, the under 60 population, and youth were repeatedly raised up as the groups UUSD needed as future members. Further discussion and written comments indicated a clear understanding that numerical growth would result through success in other growth areas. There were nineteen leaders voting in this process. We Are Here UUSD is located in the town of Lewes, Sussex County, Delaware. Lewes is Delaware s oldest town and is one of the primary seacoast destinations on the coastline for vacationers and retirees. Although these two groups usually range from financially secure to wealthy, there is another Sussex County within a stone s throw of their enclaves that reflects the social, environmental, and economic imbalance that is plaguing the world s people. This County, like the rest of Delaware, prides itself on very low taxes. This 4
posture results in a weak governmental safety net for at risk people and the environment, and is an incentive for exploding population growth of people over 55. Sussex County s primary revenue, other than vacation dollars, is from agriculture and the poultry industry. UUSD does not have to travel far for either new members or for the work that is needed to move closer to its Vision. It is a joyous if somewhat anxious time for the congregation as it prepares to grow again in the midst of change. The number of visitors has spiked since the new building opened in September and that trend is expected to continue. The future bodes well for this tight-knit congregation that enjoys worshipping and socializing together in equal measure. Caring for each other and having fun is very much part of the congregation s culture and great care will be given to ensure that laughter and compassion remain highlights of the UUSD experience. We Are All in This Together- Plan Assumptions The Growth Plan will build on what works; there will be no reinvention of the wheel. The Growth Plan is the Congregation s plan and needs member involvement at all of its stages of development. Growth planning meetings are open to all members, and opportunities for Congregational input into the Growth Plan will be provided. Goals, strategies, and objectives reflect the current needs and aspirations of the Congregation. The final draft of the Growth Plan will be approved by the Board of Trustees as well as the Congregation. The implementation of the Growth Plan Goals will be coordinated by the Finance Committee and the Church Council. UUA and CERG resources (consultants, technical support, seminars, and successful strategies) will be accessed to assist with the implementation of Growth Plan Goals. Any additional resources beyond planned committee allocations will be calculated as part of planning and implementation for the FY17 budget cycle. The Board of Trustees and the Congregation will receive quarterly reports on the key achievements of the Growth Plan. 5
Growth Plan Goals 1. UUSD will be a sanctuary for lifelong spiritual growth and education. 2. UUSD will be a center for progressive thought and social justice. 3. UUSD will be a joyous haven for those who choose to stand on the side of love. 4. UUSD will have the resources and frameworks it needs for sustainability and growth. Strategies to attain each goal and the timeframe are included in this document. Final timelines and leadership for the goals will be determined by January. Goal: #1. UUSD will be a sanctuary for lifelong spiritual growth and education. Strategies/Action Plans to Achieve Goals Action By Whom 1. Establish a Goal 1 Team and develop a work plan and a timeline. January Church Council 2. Develop and administer a spiritual and educational needs assessment for April members, leadership, and visitors for FY 17 programmatic guidance. 3. Expand covenant group participation through congregational and visitor 2 year goal, plan by Goal 1 Team education and recruitment. Support growth of existing and new groups. March 4. Evaluate the benefit of adding small group ministry, spiritual support Report by May Goal 1 Team groups, and women s program. 5. Develop programs and worship services for working families with children 2 year goal, plan by Goal 1 Team and for youth 5a. Expand the music program to enhance its contribution to UUSD s spiritual life, including the development of an initiative for children and families April 6. Prepare a report of preliminary program results, recommendations for FY17 June Goal 1 Team & 18 programs, and work plan at Annual Meeting. 7. Prepare and submit written quarterly reports for the BOT and congregation. March -Dec. 2017 Goal 1 Team 6
Goal: #2: UUSD will be a center for progressive thought and social justice. Strategies/Action Plans to Achieve Goals Action By Whom 1. Establish a Goal 2 Team and develop a work plan and timeline. January Church Council 2. Form a UUSD Justice Ministry to coordinate action, education, and partnership. By March Goal 2 Team 3.Continue to develop courses exploring other religious traditions that engage other 2 year goal, plan by Goal 2 Team area faith leaders. March 4. Develop a public forum series on spectrum of justice and other progressive local 2 year goal to Goal 2 Team and world issues for education of congregation and the community. begin by April 5. Develop strategies to increase congregational and youth participation in justice 2 year goal, Goal 2 Team and community outreach programs. ongoing 6. Develop a marketing program to brand and promote UUSD as a center for April Goal 2 Team progressive thought and social justice. 7. Conduct an annual Congregational review and re-approval of the Resolution of July -Dec. Goal 2 Team Conscience and Statement of Positions to focus social justice activities & outreach 2017 8. Prepare and submit written quarterly reports for the BOT and congregation. July -Dec. 2017 Goal 2 Team Goal #3: UUSD will be a joyous haven for those who choose to stand on the side of love. Strategies/Action Plans to Achieve Goals Action By Whom 1. Establish a Goal 3 Team and develop a work plan and timeline. January Church Council 2. Develop a membership growth strategy which further fosters our congregation as a welcoming and sustaining haven for those sharing our UU principles. 2. Provide special support services and programs for individuals and communities dealing with oppression and injustice. 3. Develop special worship and educational programs that re-imagine a world that stands on the side of love. 2 year goal, March 2 year goal to begin by April Goal 3 Team Goal 3 Team 7
4. Increase UUSD member participation by 10% in outside UU activities to deepen understanding of manifestation of this goal. Starting March 5. Prepare and submit written quarterly reports for the BOT and congregation. Starting March Goal 3 Team Goal 3 Team Goal #4: UUSD will have the resources and frameworks it needs for sustainability and growth. Strategies/Action Plans to Achieve Goals Action By Whom Establish Goal 4 Teams A & B and develop work plans and timelines for each. January Church Council 4A. Membership Growth and Retention 2 year Initiative 1. Conduct research project to deepen understanding of social and spiritual needs of target groups including families with children, youth, near and recent retirees, and visitors. Complete by April Goal 4 Team A a. Use that information to develop programs, worship services, cultivation events, Plan by Goals 1-4 Teams A&B timing of offerings, and communication strategies. May b. Study experiences of other UU breakthrough congregations as well as other By April Goal 4 Team A faith-based organizations experiencing rapid growth. 2. Survey congregation to determine roots of connection to UUSD By April Goal 4 Team A a. Use survey results to shape programs and services. Plan by May Goal Teams 1-4 A&B 3. Establish an annual 10% net growth rate. 2 year goal Goal 4 Team A a. Use metrics and feedback to track performance. Ongoing 4. Establish year-round volunteer recognition program. By May Goal 4 Team A 5. Prepare and submit written quarterly reports for the BOT and congregation. Starting March 4 B. Achieving Financial Growth and Organizational Stability 1. Produce comprehensive financial needs analysis for capital and operational needs May that includes: a. Five year cost projections for basic operations, strategic program growth, and creation of a six-month operational reserve. b. 10 year capital reserve study Goal 4 Team A Goal 4 Team B 8
c. Personnel needs study d. Alignment of resources with growth planning (zero based budgeting) e. Debt reduction planning f. Financial management strategies g. Membership support ratios 2. Complete a comprehensive development plan that includes: May Goal 4 Team B a. Stewardship strategies b. Donor relationship building c. Fundraising strategies d. Expansion of the Cloud Society e. Diverse streams of income f. Volunteer needs g. Reserve strategy development h. Electronic giving i. Cost estimates for development 3. Improve congregational communications pertaining to growth & finance. 2 year goal Goal 4 Team B a. Develop easy to understand report cards to track status and performance. May b. Have a complete conversion to cloud-based Power Church software. March-June c. Hold quarterly forums on the state of UUSD. Starting March 4. Develop leadership succession and needs plans. Goal 4 Team B 5. Implement LDC s volunteer growth plan Starting January Goal 4 Team B 5. Prepare and submit written quarterly reports for the BOT and congregation. Starting March Goal 4 Team B Respectfully submitted, Joanne Saltzberg, Co-Chair UUSD Finance Committee On behalf of the Ad Hoc Growth Planning Task Force and UUSD Church Council 9