Growth through alternative services
-Have 2 services-either both on Sunday or at separate times- one with more focus
on family, or music or meditative quiet.
- evening service @6 geared to everyone, more lively, open concept, musical, loving,
drum circles, band, dance, inspirational discussion, story sharing, open support,
get involved opportunities.
-Work at developing an alternative service at a different time – in the evening –
taping into a different style – reaching out to interfaith communities – and appealing
to a needs more spiritual
-We should grow within KUF – look at possibility of having 2 services in a week –
1 on Sunday and 1 during the week (Wed.?). This second service could be a different
format to the Sunday service. I don’t feel we need the expense of a larger building.
-less thought-based constructs, more spiritual awareness
Social Action Growth
-support the “JUST” movement we see displayed on the walls
-shared action: we develop sociall and ethically by doing together e.g. cleaning
in Spring, Prison Farm activities. We can join in other social action activities
not have to invent it all ourselves.
Growth through programs
- Have more all-age activities to attract families and young adults. Story telling
between age groups.
- Think about space in terms of activity “Christopher Alexander’s A Hidden Language”
Wonderful opportunity to grow story time (telling) that connects children-adults-
our stories and experiences – how to tell stories – teaching thru stories
-Telling our own life stories to each other (not just to the young people) in a quasiformal
manner, i.e. prepare a short (2-5minute) story of one’s life or theological growth.
-Focus on youth and young parent’s programme
-More emphasis on younger people with little kids. Have things happen in evening
when parents can attend – camping trip (maybe a camp where families could campand
older people from KUF could come out during the day to offer their skills –art class,
guitar playing with music, babysitting for kids with above activities.
-Establish Unitarian Parenting Group –once a month, probably during RE program for
younger children with lunch for the group following (to make sure parents of young
kid stay connected and overtime increase their involvement.
-young parents and children need to be encouraged-parent group; young couples(allom
thoner)(sic) can’t get to KUF regularly; need a couuerk (sic) with KUF or will be
lost to us
- have some of the RE activities (such as the Wise Woman Group) in the evenings with
daycare provided, as well as family fall fairs/family activity nights to help draw
in young families or a younger demographic.
-more groups eg. KUF RE and/or spirituality group
- Don’t want to see growth for growth sake. Yet more things are possible if we grow.
Dilemma of affordable mes (sic) premises. Need for facilities welcome to families.
Not in favour of unsustainable growth; and the music is great, and let’s share our
life stories
Other ways to grow
-Organic Growth, not corporate model. This location has a lot going for it – don’t
write it off. My 14 year old is looking forward to using the upstairs.
-Growth in Creativity
-How do we want to grow – I’d like to grow debt free The Global Recession is not
over
-There is no geographic cure for growth. A new building is a great idea – but something
to work towards (continue with bldg fund). Growth in community can be a focus in
the meantime.
- Talk to other churches – what failed – what succeeded? Musn’t assume we have all
the answers or do just what makes us comfortable.
-Need to provide place for growth in Kingston Area – Follow our Mission Statement.
- Examine the emphasis and focus of our space and activities/programming(who/which
demographic is it directed to, and does this focus represent a sustainable future
– and desirable one – for us?) --- our space focuses on adults not children/youth.
-keep it fresh
-Stay here + build on strength + experiment with expanded space (upstairs) + contact
“old members”
- Healthy Growth – Do what we do well and it will be so contagious, growth will be
inevitable
