First Unitarian Universalist
Church of Detroit

President's Ponderings

Happy New Year to all and what a great year we had in 2007! I have listed a few of our highlights so you can reflect and know we are moving forward together to continue the legacy of our beloved Church. Remember this is not an inclusive list but rather a sampling to inspire you as we look to 2008.

How we listen to each other…
• Appreciative Inquires to listen and understand our congregation
• M.O.S.E.S. Listening Campaign
• Planning Team Survey

Results…
• Mission Statement (completed)
• Planning Team – “why we matter at this corner”
• Sacred Places – building maintenance, use and income; new dollars for sacred places
• Finance Committee
• Religious Education Program for Youth – Bridges (best in class)
• Membership – New member orientation and sustain current members
• Advertising Campaign
• Worship Committee/Vespers
• Building a Better World program (selected to test the program)

Community building…
• Ethnic Dinners
• Kwanzaa Concert
• Noel Night
• Hosted community groups, weddings, memorial services
• Movie Nights
• Singing Circles
• Students for Democratic Society
• Women’s Alliance Rummage Sale
• Dally in the Alley
• Bridges program implemented

I invite you to become more engaged with our efforts. As your voice was heard, your hearts and hands are always welcomed.

If you have not noticed lately, your board’s motto is “inform, discuss, and decide” which allows us to look at policy and procedures with due diligence prior to any decisions. We understand our decisions have a long-term and sometimes ripple effect in our church community. With that guidance, we had a challenge before us in the form of a broken furnace in the church house (remember we have 3 total for our buildings).

As we wanted to build for the future, we committed to take care of our beloved church house by replacing or repairing the furnace with a system that is environmentally responsible and energy effective. Through the special collection, “Heart Warming, Smart Warming”, our members (that is you) raised the amount for a new furnace or half of what is required to support the decision of the Board to replace the system rather than repair (i.e. new furnace).

The Board reviewed numerous quotes from the furnace companies. There were quotes from simple repair of our furnace to complete replacement, one including the outside air conditioning condenser. Most quotes included energy saving improvements. There was also a strategic quote combining the two systems for the church house into one. This would simplify operation, including energy saving improvements, and enable further energy saving opportunities in the future.

The Board approved a motion to implement the combined system, obtain alternative bids, and approve funding. Remember, you have funded half of this amount already. This will both improve the long-term viability of the church house if we stay and make it more marketable if we sell.

Speaking of selling, given the Detroit real estate market, the church buildings have been taken off the market. We have not had any viable offers on the property over the past year. The Board agreed to take the buildings off the market. However, the option to sell is still available to us should the market conditions change. Meanwhile, we are seeking various ways to increase building use and revenue as well as ensuring security and accessibility.

As you see, our members and leaders have been busy working to sustain and grow our congregation in 2007. I expect to see more activity and more smiling, loving faces in 2008.

Remember your Board meetings are the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 P.M. in Room 212 and you are welcome to join us as we deliberate policies to ensure our future and our legacy. I hope to see you at one of these meetings.

Let’s continue to “liberate the truth, radiate kindness and love courageously”, together.

Alicia Biggers