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Words from the Board - October 2011

A Report on our "Growing & Going Forward" Process

It has been about a year and a half since we began our strategic and operational planning process, “Growing and Going Forward.” Our Board has been using the plan that resulted from this dynamic process to guide and inform its decisions and actions.

 Together, our community has achieved many of the goals and action steps we had established for ourselves in Fiscal Year 2011. The following is a summary of our achievements, as they relate to our plan.

 In regards to Membership and Attendance, our average weekly attendance to Celebration Services has increased from 55 to 65 attendees. Our efforts in this area have included displaying a new banner outside, advertising Unity Basic  Classes in the Frederick News Post and Gazette, re-invigorating the Light Weavers Program, updating Welcome Cards and Kits, and having, for the first time, a presence at Frederick City’s annual In The Streets event.

In regards to Celebration Services, a Music Ministry was established, two members of the Music Ministry attended a Unity Music Conference, and the FY2012 Budget supports a part-time Music Director, house musicians, as well as guest musicians.

 In regards to Spiritual Education and Enrichment, a survey was conducted to identify topic areas of interest and preferred class schedules, several classes have been offered throughout the year, including an ongoing Sunday morning Metaphysical Bible Class. Additionally, a reading list intended to support personal spiritual development has been drafted.

 In regards to the Youth Program, Sandy Morrell has stepped up to work with our Uni-teens, much progress has been made to create an organized, respectful, and peaceful space for our children, and the FY2012 budget supports a part-time Youth Education Director for a full twelve months.

 Our Ministries have achieved many of the objectives they had set for themselves throughout the year. In addition, several new ministries were established, including the Tool Belt Ministry, FAN (Fill-A-Need) In-reach Ministry, and a new Healing Ministry.

 In regards to Volunteerism, a Love in Action Committee Chairperson Position was established and Sandy Souter has stepped up to fulfill this role. The Gifts of Service Book had been updated and posted on our website, formal training has been provided to our volunteers, and a series of activities have occurred to recognize, honor, and inspire volunteers.

 In regards to Money, we offered several prosperity classes and included a prosperity thread in the Spiritual Education and Enrichment Curriculum. Many members of the Board and Finance Committee attended these classes. A finance presentation was provided to the congregation on a quarterly basis. And last, but not least, we continued to make monthly deposits into our Opportunity Fund, which now has a balance of approximately $15,000.

 In regards to Technology, we acquired new microphones, began the process of updating our website, surveyed congregants about preferred methods of communication, and are maintaining a presence on Facebook.

At its retreat, our new Board spent time reviewing the existing plan, recognizing and celebrating our community’s achievements, and beginning the process of updating the plan so that we may continue to be intentional and to make decisions and take action that are consistent with our long and short-term goals. We are grateful to each and every individual that supports our community in moving us toward our vision and helping us to achieve our mission.  

Peter Shubiak, Board of Trustees, Member at Large