Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church - President's Blog

Town Hall Meeting May 20

OCUUC — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:13:55 +0000

There will be an important Town Hall meeting following the 2nd service this Sunday, May 20 to update the congregation on our real estate issues.

Notice of Congregational Meeting Sunday, April 29, 2012

OCUUC — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:13:12 +0000

Notice of Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 29, 2012

Time: 12:30 pm

Agenda

I. Vote to select Members of the Settled Ministerial Search Committee

II. Vote to proceed with the Sale of Existing OCUUC Property

III. Vote to proceed with the Purchase of New OCUUC Property

More info:

The applicants for the Ministerial Search Committee have published their applications here on the website for the congregation to view.

At the Congregational Meeting on April 29th, the congregation will vote on five members of the Settled Minister Search Committee. The vote will be by ballot. Each voting member will receive their ballot as they check their name of the member list. You will be asked to select 5 people from the slate. The five people with the most votes will be representing the congregation in the process of selecting the next settled minister.

After the congregation’s selection is made, the Board will view the list and make their two selections for the committee. The Board will view the balance on the committee and evaluate if a type of member is under represented in order to make their appointment. The selection pool for the Board is the congregation. The Board may recruit a member who is not currently nominated.

Download: The applications from the six applicants are available here in a compiled pdf format.

The applications can be viewed individually here:

Congregational Meetings for April 2012

OCUUC — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:20:43 +0000

The OCUUC Board of Trustees calls two April meetings of the Congregation:

Notice of Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 22, 2012

Time: 12:30 pm

Agenda

I. Vote to proceed with the Sale of Existing OCUUC Property

II. Vote to proceed with the Purchase of New OCUUC Property

III. Introduction of Nominees for the Settled Ministerial Search Committee

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Notice of Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 29, 2012

Time: 12:30 pm

Agenda

I. Vote to select Members of the Settled Ministerial Search Committee

II. Vote to proceed with the Sale of Existing OCUUC Property

III. Vote to proceed with the Purchase of New OCUUC Property

~~IV. Proposed By-Laws Changes (Read about them on our Member Page)~~

Proposed Changes to OCUUC By Laws
April 2012

Current	Proposed
Section 1 Affiliations The Church is a member of and supports the UUA and adheres to the Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes.	Section 1 Affiliations The Church is a member of and supports the UUA, and adheres to the Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes.Section 2 The church is a member of the Pacific Southwest Unitarian Universalist Conference or their successors.
Article II. Mission And Covenant Section 1 Mission The Church can be expected to operate more cohesively if there is an overall mission or purpose underlying our actions. The most current statement will always be available in the Church office or from the Recorder.Section 2 Covenant Grateful for the religious pluralism that enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free people, we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.	Article II. Purpose, Mission, and Covenant Section 1 Purpose The purpose of this church is to foster liberal religious living through worship, study, service, and fellowship.Section 2 Mission and Covenant A covenant provides standards for conduct and a mission directs the life of the church.
Section 1 Requirements for Membership Any person who is in sympathy with the Mission of the Church; participates in worship and/or the activities of the Church; has had an introductory meeting with the Minister or the President; and agrees to make a good-faith effort to contribute annually to the Church at least the yearly Member maintenance cost for UUA and PSWD dues may become a Member by signing the Church roster.	Section 1 Requirements for Membership Any person who is in sympathy with the Mission of the Church; participates in worship and/or the activities of the Church; has had an introductory meeting with the Minister or the President; and agrees to make a good-faith effort to contribute annually to the Church at least the yearly Member maintenance cost for UUA and PSWD dues may become a Member by signing the Church roster. Any person who is at least sixteen (16) years of age may become a voting member. Persons aged fourteen (14) and fifteen (15) who have completed a formal Coming of Age program within this congregation may also sign the membership book.
Article IV. Membership Assembly Principal authority over Church affairs resides with the Membership.	Article IV. Membership Assembly Principal authority over Church affairs resides with the Membership. Authority is delegated by the congregation to the Board and Minister, in accord with the By-Laws and written policies of the church, to manage the day-to-day activities of the church. Congregational meetings are called for major decisions such as the hiring of a settled minister and the sale or purchase of property, the approval of the annual budget, election of Church Officers, Trustees, members of the Committee of Nominators and Committee of Stewards, and occur when congregational action is needed.
Not currently contained in the by-laws	Section 8 Removal of Board Members or Officers Any officer or trustee who misses three (3) or more consecutive meetings of the Board may be removed from the Board upon the vote of a majority of those members of the Board present at a meeting of the Board of Trustees. The vacancy shall then be filled pursuant to these bylaws.
Article IX. Committees and organizations There shall be four categories of working Groups in the Church: Committees of the Board, Committees of the Congregation, Affiliated Organizations and Recognized Organizations.	Article IX. Committees and Organizations The Board may appoint standing and temporary committees, as it deems necessary. All committees shall report to the Board at the time and in the form determined by the Board. All committee Chairpersons shall be approved by the Board.No member may serve as Chair of the same committee for longer than two (2) consecutive years, or be simultaneously chair of two committees. After two (2) years, the Chair becomes automatically vacant until filled by confirmation or appointment by the Board. Other than the Ministerial Search Committee, special committees may be created by the President or the Board, and cease to exist on discharge of their duties.
Section 1 Committees of the Board Standing Committees The Board shall approve chairpersons of Standing Committees. The Board shall oversee and establish policies and procedures for each Standing Committee. The Standing Committees shall include but not be limited to Membership, Religious Education, Canvass, Ways and Means and Worship.	Section 1 Committees of the Board Standing Committees The Board shall approve Chairpersons of Standing Committees. The Board shall oversee and establish policies and procedures for each Standing Committee.The Standing Committees shall include but not be limited to Membership, Religious Education, Canvass, Ways and Means, Worship, Committee of Nominators, and Committee of Stewards. Only Members or pledging Friends of the Church shall serve as voting members of the following committees: Membership, Religious Education, Canvass, Ways and Means and Worship. Only Members of the Church shall serve as voting members of the Committee of Nominators, Ministerial Search Committee, and the Committee of Stewards.
Section 2 Committees of the Congregation Committees of the Congregation will be those committees that answer directly to the Membership. Committees of the Congregation will include but not be limited to Nominators, Ministerial Search and Stewards. Membership in these committees will be open to Members of the Church only.	Delete
Committee of Nominators Nominators work to identify qualified candidates for elected office and fulfill other duties as may be assigned by the Board. Minimum duties are as follows: to propose one or more candidates to succeed each executive Officer, Trustee, Bursar, Nominator and Steward holding elective office for terms expiring at the end of the month of the Annual Meeting keeping in mind the importance of Board continuity and succession planning; to propose one or more candidates to succeed any Nominator, Trustee or Steward who holds office by appointment as a consequence of filling a vacancy; to submit to the Recorder for inclusion in the notice of Annual Meeting the list of all proposed candidates for elective office; to nominate each of these candidates at the Annual Meeting; to recommend to the Board two candidates for appointment to any elective office that becomes vacant excluding the Presidency.	Committee of Nominators GuidelinesThe Committee of Nominators consists of six (6) members and shall be selected as follows: Two (2) members each elected to serve a 1-year term, and (2) members each elected to serve a 2-year term by the voting members at the Annual Meeting.One (1) member appointed to serve a 1-year term and one (1) appointed to serve a 2-year term by the Board at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting. No member shall serve on the Committee of Nominators for more than two (2) years in succession. No member may be qualified for selection on this committee who benefits directly or through a relative, as a result of the payment of salary or other continuous remuneration authorized or recommended by the Board. The Committee of Nominators shall select their chairperson no later than one (1) month after all six (6) members are determined. Committee of Nominators Procedures The Committee of Nominators shall publicize, solicit, and submit the names of all qualified candidates for vacant positions on the Board of Trustees and Congregational committees. Members who desire to serve in positions on the Board or Congregational committees shall apply to the Committee of Nominators, pursuant to the standing rules adopted by the Committee of Nominators. The Committee of Nominators shall: Solicit and accept all nominations for officers and trustees whose terms will be continuing Confirm that nominees will serve if elected Prepare a slate of candidates for the Annual Meeting The Committee shall strive for at least two (2) candidates per office where possible. The Committee shall present its nominations at the regular Annual Meeting of the church. The election shall take place by secret ballot at this meeting, and the elected officers shall begin their terms of office following the annual June Congregational Meeting, but before the end of the fiscal year. Their terms shall continue until new officers’ terms begin.

Upcoming Events and Meetings

OCUUC — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:41:21 +0000

Delegates Needed for District Assembly and General Assembly

The board appoints delegates to vote for OCUUC at both:

District Assembly: April 27-28 at First Unitarian Church at 2936 West 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005
General Assembly: June 20-24 in Phoenix, Arizona

If you plan to attend these events, please let us know so you can get on the list to become our voting delegate!

General Assembly (GA) 2012 will be a gathering with multiple ways of engaging in justice work for people of all ages. Joining with the people of Arizona, we will worship, witness, learn and work together. We will leave General Assembly grounded in our faith, energized for justice and with resources to bring this work home to our congregations.

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Settled Search Committee Nominations

Names are due to Mary Lundholm by March 16, 2012. Signed nomination forms may be turned in by March 25th.

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Ongoing Town Halls about the Real Estate Issues: March 25th

I will be available between the services from 10:30 to 11:15 to answer questions and update the congregation as to the status of the proposed sale and purchase of properties for Orange Coast UU Church.

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Town Hall for Settled Minister Search Committee

There is a Town Hall Meeting scheduled on April 22, 2012 at 12:30 pm for the congregation to meet the applicants for the Settled Search Committee. There will be opportunities for each applicant to make a brief statement and time for questions.

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Congregational Meeting to Select the Settled Minister Search Committee’s Congregational Representatives

There is a Special Congregational Meeting scheduled on April 29th at 12:30 pm. This meeting is to cast your ballot for five (5) members of the Settled Search Committee.

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Contact: Mary Lundholm (presidentocuucorg) , President

Timeline Announced for Settled Minister Search

OCUUC — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:26:16 +0000

Settled Minister Search Committee – Process for Nominations and Applications

It’s time to get our search committee together. A special congregational meeting will be held on April 15, 2012 after the second service. At that time, the congregation will vote to form a five-member team. The Board of Trustees will then select 2 additional members to serve. In order to accomplish this, we need to have a field of applicants.

Those of you who completed Nomination forms last year are ready to fill out your Application Form/survey. This list of questions will be published on the website for the congregation to view and help them decide who to vote for during the Congregational meeting. Please fill out the form before the deadline of March 20th.

If you have not yet been nominated to be an applicant for the Settled Search Committee. Please review the following document to see the characteristics of a good minister search committee member. If you feel ready to take on the task of helping to select the next settled minister, fill out the nomination form and have it signed by 10 members of OCUUC. Deadline for nomination forms is March 15, 2012.

The work that the Settled Minister Search Committee has to do is based on the following timeline. Please review to see if you would be available to serve during these scheduled times.

Questions, or to return forms: Contact Mary.

Board Decision about Homeless Man on OCUUC Property

OCUUC — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:40:24 +0000

Update 2/9: The man has been united with his famiy and is now getting medical care. His brother came for his things and expressed gratitude for all our help.

At Wednesday’s Board meeting, the Board of Trustees discussed the issue about the homeless gentleman who has been living on our property. For those of you who don’t know, we have a homeless man who has been sleeping on the grounds behind the Boag building and leaving his belongings there during the day.

The board felt that we had three options for handling this situation:

Do nothing
Call the police and have him removed
Assist him in finding a better situation

The board looked at our principles in forming our response. Our first and second principles apply to this situation.

The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

The board has, therefore, decided that we will proceed with compassion and assist this man in finding a better situation. He will be asked to store his items away from the children’s areas on the property and to be off the property before 8AM on Sundays.

Rev. Ed will be working with SOS to find assistance and housing for him. While that is being solved, the man still needs help. I am asking the congregation to bring things to help keep him warm, dry, and fed. If you have things that can assist him please talk with me (presidentocuucorg) .

Concerns or questions can be sent to Rev Ed or Mary Lundholm

Clarification of Settled Minister Search Process

OCUUC — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:53:25 +0000

Clarification of Settled Minister Search Process

Hello Members,

We are getting ready to begin our settled minister search process. The Settled Search Committee is not yet formed. There is an applications process that will begin in February and end with a congregational vote in late April/early May. The search for a settled minister involves the whole congregation in various stages. The Congregation votes for 5 members of the Settled Search Committee to represent them in the search process.

Since our congregation is having a two year interim period, the Board chose to have a separate committee to conduct the congregational survey. The MInisterial Search Survey Committee was appointed by the board to conduct and analyze the data so that the Settled Minister Search Committee could focus on the review of the applicants.

Please fill out and return your survey when it becomes available. Attend a focus group so that your thoughts may be included in the final report.

Apply to be a member of the Settled Minister Search Committee or sign the application of someone you trust to do an excellent job. Review the statements of the applicants for the Settled Minister Search Committee. (They will be posted in early April 2012) Come to the Special Congregational Meeting and vote for your 5 top choices!

Love and Light,

Mary

President’s Report December 22, 2011

OCUUC — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:22:09 +0000

Last year the board set a goal of increasing our Sunday service attendance by 5%. We exceeded that goal! Our average attendance was 136 on a Sunday. This is an increase of 12.4% from the previous year. Please see the graphs below for the amazing increase we have had in participation in worship. This increase in connection is felt in all our programs and activities. As always, let someone in leadership know if you have a way to increase the interconnections within our community.

Together we are creating a new surge of energy to invigorate the congregation. Look for more Adult Education classes to get started in January 2012. The board hopes that you will find offerings that appeal to you and create a sense of spiritual depth to your connection with OCUUC.

This chart is just amazing to me. Look at that jump in attendance.

This chart shows that our goal for a 5% increase was an average Sunday attendance of 117 people. We reached an average of 136 people.

Covenant of Healthy Relations

OCUUC — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:13:15 +0000

At the Congregational Meeting on October 30^th, the Congregation voted to accept the “Covenant of Healthy Relations.” This document states that we really mean to live by our principles and hold each other to those standards. I am so excited that we are formalizing this aspect of our culture. It is now written in a document that will be published for all to see and to use in those rare instances when we need to remind each other to speak with compassion and understanding.

An important part of this document indicates that we will “honor established process of resolving conflict where differences become chronic.” The Board of Trustees has established new procedures to implement this Covenant. You can find those procedures in our “Peacemaking Policy” and our procedures for correcting a “Serious Breach of Covenant.”

Fall 2011

OCUUC — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:42:34 +0000

Announcements for Fall

Service times have changed to 9:45am and 11:15 am. Also, please remember Daylight Savings asks you to FALL BACK on Saturday night before you go to sleep.

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Work Party

Please join us on Saturday, November 5th from 9:00am to 12:00pm to help get OCUUC nice and spiffy for Sunday’s service and auction. Complimentary lunch will be available at noon. Please join us!

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OCUUC Fall 2011 Events, Goods & Services Auction on Sunday, November 6th from 10:30 am-2:00 pm

View the Auction Catalog here.

Get ready for different kind of Goods and Services Auction!

Silent Auction

Bidding will be available between services for early birds, and we will provide a “Buy it Now” price in case you can’t stay. Our fabulous Auction volunteers will be on hand to assist you in bidding, should you need it.
Bidding will be open between 10:30 am and 11:15 for early attendees. Bidding will close during second service but will reopen at 12:30 pm.

Afternoon Event

Lunch will be available for $4.00 starting at 12:30 pm. Beer and wine bar open.
Live music by rock/blues band “About Time” starts at 1:00 pm for your enjoyment.
At 1:45, the Silent auction ends (pencils down!) and winners are determined.
Members, recent visitors, friends, and friends of friends are invited and welcomed.
We will have age-appropriate activities for children. The nursery will be open for the youngest. In order to help us plan a great time for your children, please let us know if they’re coming. RSVP to Mary (presidentocuucorg) .

If you’d like to offer an event, goods, or services, you may use the online form to submit your information or you may print out this form, fill in your information, and turn it in at the Auction Table. Submit your items by Sunday October 30th and be entered to win $150 in scrip!

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Join us for our Annual Programs Fair on Sunday, November 13th, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on the patio.

What is the Programs Fair? It is one way that Committees, Groups and Recognized Organizations can present themselves to the OCUUC community. The goal is to provide volunteer opportunities that motivate people to get involved with the good work you do. For more information, email Mike Scott (programsocuucorg) .

Reminders

OCUUC — Thu, 26 May 2011 03:01:28 +0000

The Congregational Meeting on June 11th at 3:00 pm is very important. We will be deciding our future in terms of congregational survey, ministerial search (2012), two year interim (change from 1 year) and setting our finances for the next two years. The board needs to hear your wishes and desires so that we can lead the congregation in the right direction. Please come and let your voice be heard.

Faith in Action Agenda Item, which may be viewed here. Mike Harmanos will speak in support of this issue. Anyone wishing to speak in opposition please be prepared to speak at the congregational meeting. For more information about the bill from a UU perspective, please visit the UU Legislative Ministry Health Care Reform website and read the fact sheet in favor of the legislation.
vote for the Proposed Slate of Officers 2011-2012; click this link to view the list of names
vote for Emerita Status for Karen Stoyanoff

We will offer some snacks, so if you’d like to help bring some, they would be greatly appreciated.

Plan to attend and help shape our future! Childcare available with an RSVP to Mary Lundholm (presidentocuucorg) .

General Assembly June 22-26
Are you going to Charlotte, North Carolina? OCUUC needs a representative. Contact Mary.

Ways and Means
Looking for grant writers to work on grant applications during the next fiscal year. We would be locating grants, writing, working with Program Council and other groups (like FIA or RE or Adult Programs) to find ways to improve our programs, have outreach to the community, and become a larger liberal voice in our community. An additional outcome would be improving our bottom line by bringing in outside funding. Please volunteer to help us in this endeavor. Many hands make light work. Contact Mary Lundholm (presidentocuucorg) or Christine Hernandez for more information.

Publicity
Looking for a group of people to write press releases and to send them out to the media. Also, if anyone has access to an email list of media contacts that would be helpful to me as I want to announce several new programs and staff to the community at large. Mary Lundholm (presidentocuucorg)

Thank you Minister Party July 16 at 5:00 pm
We will be thanking Rev. Dr. Karen Stoyanoff for all her years of service. Please plan to attend this wonderful event and watch for information about it to come privately to all members and friends…The date is public, the surprise part is a secret…sshhhh…contact Mary.

Big Sunday!

OCUUC — Thu, 12 May 2011 03:07:31 +0000

It’s time to get ready. We will have 150 people come to us for projects and directions to projects in the area that need help. Check out our page on Big Sunday’s website http://my.bigsunday.org/index.cfm?x_x_=1&CFID=645341&CFTOKEN=78288989&Fuseaction=ShowProject&ProjectID=590 I need help from people to man our stations as well as pass out T-shirts and water. Here’s a short list of projects. They’ll collect books for the Early Literacy Program and toiletries to be packed in SOS tote bags. They’re also writing letters to soldiers and hosting some cool craft projects that will be donated to Free Arts for Abused Children. And if that weren’t enough, they’ll be make Big Sunday’s signature papier-mâché flowerpots and bring them to nearby shut-ins. Contact Mary Lundholm, Hub Captain at presidentocuucorg (presidentocuucorg) to volunteer to help host. Or find a project that appeals to you at http://my.bigsunday.org/index.cfm?x_x_=1

Grant Funding Available

OCUUC — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:48:13 +0000

OCUUC needs your help to apply for this grant. It requires that we include a poem about our mission, works, or service. Can you help? Deadline for the poem would be March 21st because I have to have the application in by March 28th. Please send an original poem to Mary Lundholm.

Details:

Write a Poem About Your Mission

Registered nonprofits, charities and voluntary organizations are invited to celebrate and reflect upon their work in communities around the world. Gather your staff, clients or volunteers and write a short poem about your mission. The most inspiring poem will be selected by an international panel of independent artist and producers and turned into an original song.

Grant Awards:
1st Place: $10,000 USD and an original song inspired by your mission. The song will be produced by Jim Tullio of Butcher Boy Studios and performed by recording artist Bill Dillon, recently exonerated after 27 years in jail, thanks to the Innocence Project of Florida.

2nd Place: $5,000 USD

Blogger’s Choice Award: $1,000 USD
Two First Act guitars signed by Los Lonely Boys to be auctioned by a lucky nonprofit
20 Technology Grants for nonprofits that indicate a need

Exciting Times

OCUUC — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:10:31 +0000

We are entering and exciting time at OCUUC. The search for an Interim Minister has begun. Our team is preparing the information packet for the interested ministers.

An Interim Minister is specially trained by the UUA to assist congregations through a change in settled minister. Please view the video on Interim Ministry provided by the UUA. You can access the video through the link on our website. http://ocuuc.org/ministersearch.php It documents one congregations path through this process. I found it very interesting and informative.

As president, I am wanting to hear any concerns or questions that the congregation has about this process. Please talk with me.

I would encourage all of you to attend the meeting on March 6th after second service. I will be available for questions and our VP Finance will discuss the upcoming budget needs. Most importantly, we will hear from our Ministerial Settlement Representative about the steps our congregation will go through to find a new settled minister.

I am very pleased to be helping us through these changes. I look forward to the next few years with joy and expectation of new and good things happening at OCUUC. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Wintertime

OCUUC — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:48:00 +0000

Hello All,

This is my favorite season: Fall moving to Winter. We nestle in and come closer for warmth with our family and friends.

At OCUUC, we have a number of holiday traditions. Some are newer than others. First, we have the Winter Solstice Ritual. If you can, I encourage you to come to the evening service. There is something about all the candle light glowing in the darkness. It is a beautiful and moving service.

Then, more traditionally, we have the Christmas Eve service. It starts with a cookie eating feast with spiced cider made by our own Rev. Dr. Karen Stoyanoff. Bring some cookies and enjoy the warmth of community. After that is storytime for the children, followed by a visit from a special someone in a red suit…and our visitor has a REAL white beard!

This year’s evening service will be filled with music. Come and participate in the singing and joy. During this service, the offering is to replenish the minister’s discretionary fund for the coming year. This year was challenging for many of our members. If you can at all help the minister, please bring what you can to share with those in need.

Love and Light,
Mary

Fall Goods and Services Auction

OCUUC — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:04:29 +0000

On November 13th at 5 PM, we will be having our annual Fall Goods and Services Auction. Please mark your calendars and attend. It’s not too late to donate. Contact auctionocuucorg (auctionocuucorg) to donate. The advance catalogue will be available on November 6th for you to plan your bidding.

Each fall, we build our community by raising over 11% of our operating budget through donated auction items. Why did I say ‘build our community’? Well, it’s because we have fun together-during the auction and then through the auction events purchased. Hosting or attending auction events is a good way to meet people with similar interests. In addition, you get to spend more time with them than coffee on the patio after service allows.

The auction is a really fun evening. This year’s auction will have entertainment in addition to dinner ($8 in advance, $10 at the door) and auction. As usual, childcare and activities will be provided at no cost to you.

Come one and all to this festive night of activities. Fill up your social calendar and plan your donations for the Spring Goods and Services Auction….

Oh and if you can’t attend…proxy bidders are available to get you those must have items…email me (presidentocuucorg (presidentocuucorg) ) or auctionocuucorg (auctionocuucorg)

See you there!

Love and Light,

Mary

President’s Column – September 2010

OCUUC — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:11:22 +0000

On Sunday, August 15, 2010, our Youth (Senior High RE Class) presented a vision of the church of the future. The church when they will be in charge. They did a marvelous job. The service was interactive, used videos of members of the congregation, and very inspiring.

The message was to live our principles in community, but not just the church community-with the greater society. They envision a loving and large community within our web of existence. In order to facilitate this, they rewrote our Seven Principles to be more inclusive.

The sermon was amazing because it involved the whole congregation. We divided into seven groups to discuss each of the seven principles in small groups. Then a group spokesperson presented a summary of that principle. I enjoyed the discussion and listening to all the different groups’ ideas. It’s not very often that we actually think about what we believe.

I have listed the Youth’s Seven Principles so that those of you who missed this amazing service could share in the new vision for our future:

Youth’s Seven Principles

Respect for the interdependent web of all existence
The inherent worth and dignity of every person
Justice, Equality and Compassion in human relations
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our fellowships and in society at large
A Free, respectful and honest search for truth and meaning
The right of own moral correctness and the use of a process where everyone has a voice within our fellowship and in society at large
The goal of the world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all

Let us live out our principles all day everyday.

Love and Light,

Mary

President’s Column – August 2010

OCUUC — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 15:03:10 +0000

I am very happy to be taking on the role of President of Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church. We are such a vibrant and active community. I want to help us share our vision of a liberal community with Orange County. Part of that vision is to increase attendance at the Sunday services.

Every member of OCUUC can help us reach these goals by making an effort to attend services and events at Orange Coast. Also, the Board is encouraging member of the congregation to form interest groups. These groups will help us build our community outside of Sunday service.

In addition, we hope to retain more of our Sunday visitors. One way that we can do that is to engage the visitors in conversation. Find out what is interesting and important to them. Help them find it at OCUUC.

I’m very excited about the finalized budget. The budget includes replacement of staff salary cuts and increased money for programs. The year can only get better as we continue fund raising and improving our programs.

2010-11 Board Goals

The Board’s Goals for 2010-11 are

To retain Sunday visitors
To increase attendance by 5%
To facilitate the congregation’s choice of a social action focus for 2011-12, and
To prepare the infrastructure of the church for ministerial transition