“GETTING TO KNOW UU”
SPRING 2010 UUCE NEWCOMER ORIENTATION    

The Orientation series is designed to elicit and answer many questions that you as a newcomer might have, to help you identify what you are looking for in a church home, to share what your own and others’ spiritual journeys have been, and to help you get to know UU philosophy and values. There will be times for asking and answering questions and for sharing with others in smaller groups. You’ll learn about our church’s programs and operation as well as meet some of its members.   

In this four-session series, you’ll learn about some of the highlights of our Unitarian Universalist history. You’ll have a chance to share your religious ideas and values with other newcomers. You’ll meet potential new friends. Even if you have been a member of other UU congregations, you’ll find this series a great way to begin to be part of this community.

The Orientation series is designed to elicit and answer many questions that you as a newcomer might have, to help you identify what you are looking for in a church home, to share what your own and others’ spiritual journeys have been, and to help you get to know UU philosophy and values. There will be times for asking and answering questions and for sharing with others in smaller groups. You’ll learn about our church’s programs and operation as well as meet some of its members.

     Class #1: Thursday, March, 4, 2010: 7:00-9:00 pm (Introductions, overview and getting to know each other in small groups with the Membership Committee)
     Class #2: Thursday, March 11, 2010: 7:00-9:00 pm (More about UUCE, organization, committees, and social activities with the Membership Committee)
     Class #3: Thursday, March 18, 2010: 7:00-9:00 pm (Rev. Stephen Ames answers your “Burning Questions” and gives an overview of Unitarian Universalist History)
     Class #4: Thursday, March 25, 2010: 7:00-9:00 pm (Membership, stewardship, RE, Polity & Governance, and small groups with the Membership Committee)

We believe that joining this church is an important decision, so we don’t want newcomers to rush into membership. We encourage you to take your time, attend the orientation series and find your part in our community as you learn more about us. These newcomer Orientation sessions are a good way to begin. Sign-ups begin on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at the Welcome Table in the Lobby.

Contact: Marilyn Junkins 541-968-9200 or mdjunkins@comcast.net. More info at the links above left, and throughout the website.  There are also many people who are pleased to discuss this UU church (UUCE) and the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) with you, face to face.

HOW DO WE DO THINGS WORK AT OUR CHURCH?     

Ours is a fairly large church, transitioning from what is called a "pastoral church" to a "program church." Many members, especially newer members, wonder how things work. How does one get involved? How can one make suggestions?

All church meetings (committees, councils, Board) are open to members of the church, except when confidential information is being discussed. If your interest is covered by some committee or council, you can simply attend its meetings and get acquainted with the people and the operation. These groups, and their contact people, can be found in the church directory and online.

If, for example, you have suggestions and it is not clear what group should be approached or if your suggestions would impact several groups, we recommend that you take your concern to the Coordinating Council (CC), which deals with many routine matters that used to be handled by the Board when the church was smaller. If your business can be better handled by another group in the church, the CC will be able to help you determine that group, since many committee chairs are on CC. It also possible that CC will realize that your concern needs to go the Board or COCM (see below). To take your ideas to CC, and to get on the agenda of CC's next meeting, contact the chair (who is also Vice President of the Board). At this point, they are Mary Otten and Ken Ross.

Several issues fall under the SJUUCE, which includes various committees that deal with
Social Justice, including Accessibility Committee, Green Sanctuary Committee, and Interweave.

As our church grows, it becomes ever more important to include the ideas of many members. We look forward to your contributions!

WHERE DO I GO IF I NEED HELP IN RESOLVING A PROBLEM?

Depending on the kind of problem, you might want to talk directly with the person who seems to be an obstacle, or you might go to the committee for suggestions.  Or the right path might be the Committee on Congregational Ministry (CCOM), which watches over and promotes the spiritual health and ministry of the congregation as a whole, promotes the well-being of the minister and his or her relationship to the congregation, and assists UUCE members and friends in managing conflict in the spirit of promoting right relationships. Examples of issues and concerns that may be brought to the committee include situations when a person or group feels unsafe or has an unresolved conflict with a church member, staff, friend, guest, or group. CCOM is there to listen, facilitate, and support.