From Jay Lavelle

1. How do we define ourselves?
 
The liberal/progressive church in Central Massachusetts
The church that looks to the future without ignoring our history and our Judeo-Christian heritage
 
 
2.  What is our "brand identity"?
 
o       21st Century Church
 
 
3.  How do we brand the experience and not just the product? (this ties in with leveraging)
 
o       Emphasize our uniqueness, downplay connections to UUA and other churches
o       Publicize existing events to community
o       Create and/or sponsor events aimed at community
o       New technologies:  web, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, podcasting
o       Old technologies:  radio, print, CDs
o       Open houses once or twice a year with lots of advertising
 
 
4.  What will the hardest part of this?
 
Motivating the congregation
 
— Jay Lavelle

From Randy Ingham

The one area where Worcester is expanding is in academic and scientific institutions. It appears to me that, this segment of the population is a natural for the message of Unitarianism. But, it has been my experience that very few of these people have any real knowledge about our religion. It is a positive thing that proselytizing is frowned on by Unitarianism; but, there are tasetful ways to educate a group about our values and religion. The fact that this segment of the population has more resources is not a negative thing. If we are to expand our service to the most needy, we will need more resources.

Another way to serve the community, would be to host self-help and networking groups for professionals who have been recently terminated. Such groups have been hosted by churches in the New York area. Although a lot more is going on at Church, it would appear that there is room for further expansion in the use of our great building. Such expansion should be done with one eye on service and the other on bringing in new parishioners.

Finally, Worcester has a growing population of people with oriental heritage (much to my joy). Again, it would seem to me that the Unitarian message would be appealing to many from this expanding segment. Of course, it is always hard for new groups of people to be comfortable, until one reaches a certain mass. But, my hope is that we will be as welcoming to them as we are with those rejected by other groups.

Change is difficult, but it is also exciting and brings many rewards.

Respectfully submitted,
Randy Ingham

From Leon Scanlon

I want our church to be known for nurturing the spiritual life of individuals and families so that all go out into the world revitalized to suport ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Thanks, Committee members.

Leone Scanlon