Responses to Congregational Survey

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SECTION I.   YOU AND THE CHURCH

1. What is your affiliation with the UUCinCH?
  181   Member
   18    Friend

2. How long have you been associated with UUCinCH?

  18    Less than 1 year
  50    1 -5 years
  38    6-10 years
  41    11-20 years
  42    21 years or more
  6    Founding Member

3. Is your spouse/partner affiliated with UUCinCH?

  105    Yes
    36    No
    57    N/A

4. About how long does it take for you to travel to UUCinCH from home?

  88    Less than 15 minutes
  85    15-30 minutes
  19    30-35 minutes
   6     Over 45 minutes

5. During the last year, approximately how often have you attended church on Sunday
morning, either as an attendee or as an R.E. teacher?

  103   3 or more times per month )
    67   1 or 2 times per month
    20   Rarely (a few times a year)
      0   On holidays
    10   Never

6. What are the reasons you attend UUCinCH?

	Very Important	Somewhat Important	Not Important
Adult Programs	49	95	38
Building/Grounds	54	97	29
Children's Religious Education	75	33	60
Choir/Instrumental Music	63	82	36
Family	59	49	53
Minister	138	36	9
Social Justice Activities	58	91	27
Unitarian Universalist Beliefs	154	22	10
Religious/Spiritual Experience	119	49	19
Worship	87	61	27
People with common concerns and interests	139	40	4

Other (specify): Write-in responses from surveys:

People with diverse ideas
theology, philosophy, church administration
Most of our friends are here.
Sense of community
worship "service" is very important
Community
Members sharing the ministry
Socializing
Welcoming community which includes gays
Hugs
Fellowship
Fellowship
Fellowship very important
Intellectual stimulation
Intellectual and Ethical Experiences
Community
accepting community
to support the church
Fun social activities
Womyn in Religion
Experience diversity
Buddhist Sangha
building community and family
Fellowship with like minded Unitarians
friends
friendships
habit
Sanctuary, UU Purposes
Sense of fellowship and community
stimulating friends
Welcoming community

7. In which of the following church activities have you participated during the last year? (Check all that apply.)

  48    International Dinner
  82    Auction
  85    Holiday activities
  27    Extended family
  41    Choir and/or other music performance
  17    Denominational meetings, workshops, or camps (JPD, DVAC, or UUA)
  74    Committees, Board of Trustees, or Task Force
  36    Fundraising
  51    Canvassing
  49    Youth Religious Education
  54    Adult Education
  49    Social Justice Activities
  78    Social Activities
  124   Sunday Services
    6    Support Groups
  26    Teen and Youth Social Activities
  44   Spiritual activities related to groups such as Womyn and Religion, the Buddhist Sangha, Sanctuary, the Pagans,
              and Journeying Circle
  59   Work on Building and Grounds

Other (specify)" Write-in responses from surveys

Committees (ERC, Transylvania, COGS, MSC), Daniel Ordination, coffee hour, BOD
Building our Dream
Have given a fair amount of money in pledge. Have responded to a variety of fund raisers.
Construction of new building.
BOD
Archives Newsletter
I will purchase items for church as needed when I am financially able above my pledge. Fruit for the week.
I just became a member today May 6, 2001 so I have not had an opportunity to participate fully.
Interweave and membership/orientation
So far, I have not had time for activities, but hope to in the near future.
Attended Paul Daniels ordination
Discussion group Wednesdays
food bank
I am particularly critical of extended family program and consider it a source of church dysfunction
Interweave
Lay Caring
Library
Transylvania connection
Web site design e-mail address book

8. For how many hours a week, on average, did you participate in UUCinCH activities
(including Sunday services, coffee hours, religious education, committee work, etc.)
during the most recent church year?

  93    2 or fewer hours
  61    3-5 hours
  16    6-9 hours
   9     10-14 hours
   5     15 or more hours

9.Which of the following reasons for attending worship services are important to you.

	Very Important	Somewhat Important	Not Important
Celebration of common values	134	58	6
Intellectual stimulation	142	51	1
Fellowship time after service	76	100	17
Hearing, playing or singing music	86	79	29
Mystical, spiritual experience	61	73	55
Personal reflection and meditation	122	62	9
Sense of belonging	118	68	6
Support and encouragement of social action	62	104	24
Uplifting emotional experience	87	83	21
Having a variety of services	99	70	23
Natural setting	91	81	22

10. How important or unimportant are the following specific items which relate to the Sunday service?

	Very Important	Somewhat Important	Not Important
Announcements	56	104	28
Chalice lighting	71	85	31
Instrumental music	92	82	13
Meditation, prayer and silence	106	67	15
Story for all ages	60	88	38
Readings	95	85	8
Responsive readings	41	98	48
Joys and concerns89	89	69	30
Sermon	161	30	1
Polylogue (sermon discussion)	55	85	48
Singing by the choir	80	89	24
Using dance or drama in the service	15	73	97
Singing by the congregation	75	81	36
Following the order of service	33	91	60
Varying the order and format of the service	36	102	48
Completing the service on time	28	87	68
Coffee and fellowship after the service	97	82	14
Welcoming visitors	123	55	10

Other (specify) Write-in responses from surveys:

a regular space to come to be with my thoughts
cohesive service with a message.
decorations/flowers
Diversity of membership; Ease in traversing activities (i.e., parking, getting a cup of coffee, finding a hymnal).
Flexibility - "go with the flow"
Please get rid of joys and concerns.
political announcements
polylog is very, very important
spiritual stimulation
Stimulating the spirit
Attending to the acoustic problem that our new sanctuary seems to have
creating a safe haven for all
flowers and display, having the kids with us at the start
I haven't been attending cause I didn't like Vanessa's sermons
Once a year, as one variety of religious experience, it would be meaningful to me to experience communion. Of course, it would be optional for members to participate or not.
Prayer and communion are very important
silence before service
silence before service
The extended family system, I believe thwarts the experience of visitors feeling fully welcome
Worshipful, respectful behavior (No haranguing)

11. Do you feel our current congregational lay leadership:

Is representative of different segments of church membership? 149 Yes  14 No
Encourages and supports development of new programs?         134 Yes   17 No
Is responsive to concerns of all segments of the congregation  113 Yes   35 No
Is responsive to the vision of the minister?                                    110 Yes    9 No

12. What is the main challenge you feel our church will face in the next three to five
years? Write-in responses from surveys

Integration diverse beliefs in the community-----financial
$$ Money $$. Growth of membership. Change of the dynamics of the congregation.
(1) Being able to support church and its growth. (2) Finding a minister who can both stimulate all and support individuals -- mediate between "factions" and be a shining light in the community.
(1) Financial--to increase membership and thereby increase income (2) Continue to welcome diversity. Black Hispanic Asian not well represented
1. Finding a minister who can bridge all the diverse groups within the congregation. 2. Paying the bills.
Ability to serve a growing membership.
Accommodation of a wider band of diverse thought - it may be our church's strength but it will challenge "Individual" tolerance.
Achieving its full potential, I do not think we have drawn in or attracted the number of people who share our values. Nor are we aware of the type of people who make up our congregation.
Attracting and keeping new members. With this we need to create a strong  financial bases. This will enable us to hire and keep a new minister of high caliber and pay for our new building.
Attracting permanent members, etc. through inspirational speakers (minister) and educational (religious) and having skills in today's materialistic climate emphasis on values of spiritual vs materialistic.
Becoming connected with electronic communicating and health services and ecological concerns.
Becoming outward centered vs. egocentric as it seems to be today. Otherwise, it will suffocate.
Being friendly to new people so that they can become an active part of the church. This includes being open to new ideas/ways of doing things.
Being relevant to changing world conditions.
Beyond getting a wonderful minister our main challenge will be to maintain and build our vibrant community based on principles of peace, love, and tolerance
Bringing in more members and a broader spectrum of members, i.e., different races, singles, youths -- delivering the message -- we are here.
Building our congregation. Building our finances. Building our "fellowship" to the above.
Building the membership (pledging) enough to support maintenance of facilities AND staff to be commensurate with the scope of our facilities and its position in the community.
Choosing a new minister who will help develop a welcoming church community, leading to a growing congregation.
Church must address needs of young adults under 30; Must use sanctuary for lectures, meetings, visiting organizations, musical events; facility can become a cultural center for UU related thought; must become financially stable
Continuing to grow and change while remaining true to our basic principles.
Developing goals for reaching out to the greater community and being a positive force for change in the community and the country.
Developing membership
developing sense of stability after so much change
Economic. Membership
Effective ministry without playing politics with segments of the congregation.
Encouraging expansion of membership. Finding use of new building for outside groups.
Expanding its membership, hopefully with more diverse members.
Finance
Finances. Attracting new members -- growing. Meeting varying spiritual/religious needs of the congregation.
Financial needs. Growth in membership
Financial obligation (new mortgage, higher bills)
Financial stability. Increase membership.
Financial stress from new Building & recruitment of members to help pay without allowing these problems to interfere with the life of the community.
Financial support. United front & obtaining new members.
Finding a level of comfort and meaning for a BROAD spectrum of religious beliefs. Finances! (mortgage, operating expenses).
Finding a minister who will visit people, the sick, homebound, a warm outgoing friendly, spiritual, open-minded person; a person in tune with the UU issues, especially those raised in the UU World; someone who is not afraid to raise controversial issues.
Finding a minister with the right match to bring the majority of members to service each Sunday. Increasing membership to help with congregational growth and financial needs.
Finding an interesting. inspiring minister. Also maintaining the church building financially
Finding and setlling in with a new minister.
'Finishing' the celebration of our new building and turning our energies to social service, membership outreach and other 'stretching' activities.
Fiscal soundness. Meeting the needs of such a diverse congregation.
Fitting itself to the new and as yet (?) mission. Growing enough in breadth as the congregation grows to accommodate each new person as "part of the family".
Funding the new building. If we would focus energy on the concept of UU-ism and feel healthy about what activities we provide and promote, I feel we can get people to stay and join, participate and grow the Church. Thereby increase financial support.
Getting a minister like Ed Hand or a combination of Ed and Alice Wesley - one with spiritual depth. Rudy had this.
Getting a responsible well educated minister preferably married.
Growing a larger population of people of color or Asian  persuasion. Keep momentum going now that the building is just about complete.
Growing membership and meeting our financial bottom line.
Growing the congregation.
growth
Growth
Growth and greater congregational involvement.
Growth in membership
Growth into the new building, opening back up to the community, adapting with a new minister --> working together on personal & community vision & commitment to challenging AND supporting each other.
Growth will be a major issue as well as maintaining and making good us of our new facilities for ourselves and the community.
hard to resist the need for more and more money.
Healing divisions from past 2 years -- music leadership, lay services. Encouraging past members to return. Funding this huge plant. Find ways to involve ALL members in decisions regarding programs and services.
In addition to the financial challenges, having a minister who will relate to all members and encourage participation.
increase membership.
Increased membership such that new expanded facilities can be supported at a reasonable level of contribution
keeping building going
Keeping members!!
Keeping membership and covering operation cost.
Keeping up with budget. Changing members with the responsibilities of the church.
Maintain property. Attract new and equally diverse membership.
Maintaining (or improving) the quality of services during a time of rapid ministerial turnover.
Maintaining a sense of momentum and growth even though the church building itself is built. Now is not the time to rest on our laurels. But balanced with a sense - one home - same minister. Keep the good work going!
Maintaining cohesion as more and more new members join. Unitarian - U - Cohesion -- there's a thought.
Maintaining the new building.
Making a conscious decision to grow larger and creating the necessary support structures without losing our identity and friendliness.
Making a smooth transition to new leadership...Increasing membership...Creating a new identity in our new building, or maybe seeing how the new building impacts on our definition of who we are and what we do...Finding the right minister.
Managing the (hopefully) explosive growth in numbers of the congregation, at the same time as we are getting to know a new minister (and s/he, us) -- Possibility for loss of cohesion and continuity as a community.
Meeting our financial needs and building a larger congregation.
Meeting our financial obligations and maintaining our physical space.
members actively taking responsibility for ministry/facilitating through transitions
Money. Adapting to a new minister.
MUSIC PROGRAM! & MEMBERSHIP. NEW LEADERS --->
Pay off the debt
Paying off our debts.
Paying the bills--acquiring new members and friends.
Pledging (&collecting those pledges) enough to meet our operating budget. Paying off the debt. It's all about MONEY!
Publicizing what we offer in religious experience. Building membership & expanding pledges.
Raising money - membership to support the new building.
Raising money to complete, maintain and/or renovate our physical plant.
Reducing our concern with finances so we can concentrate on programs and service to the community
Reflecting the diversity of society.
Retaining an inspirational minister who balances the needs of various segments of the community
retention of current members
Selecting a new minister and working to develop a sense of community / belonging/ closeness with that minister.
Serving a diverse community without becoming too fragmented
Stimulating growth through ministerial direction.
Supporting diversity -- all types. Expanding in a healthy way. Increasing a community feeling and enthusiasm.
Teaching people to accept all peoples and not to discriminate.
To become more inclusive and responsive to the needs of our church financially, and spiritually, as well as to the members of our church. Social Justice can be internal as well as for greater society.
To become recognized as an effective and responsible voice for liberal religion in South Jersey.
To decide how aggressive we must be in getting new members to keep up with our financial obligations.
To develop a welcoming atmosphere through high growth. . . . assist new and "old" members to achieve connectedness to the church community.
To find a minister able to "reach" most of the membership, especially new members; able to provide an interesting and stimulating worship experience with sermons on today's issues.
To grow and maintain growth
To grow and survive.
To grow and sustain our membership
To integrate and keep new members thru dynamic programs.
To maximize on our new building and provide the services and programs that will keep the new people that I feel will come.
To pay for the mortgage. To grow.
We will be challenged to grow and still remain friendly, open & caring. Some of us will be tested in our ability to be tolerant. Personally, I'm still smarting over what was done to the music staff in the previous year and I'm still struggling to forgive some board members.
Welcoming new people well and getting them involved effectively
1. Financial accountability 2. Reestablishing community programs that used our church space 3. Developing new programs for community outreach 4. Developing programs that allow a liberal philosophy to be heard.
Getting firm operating base...getting new members...providing programs open to public
1. Find competent minister 2. complete building 3. stabilize finances 4. improve membership
1. Getting firm operating budget base 2. Getting new members 3. Enlarging influence in community
1. Growing in a diverse way: including all types of peoples racially, economically, etc. 2. Educating new members about our tradition 3. Supporting the church financially
As an open community without creed, people come and go. We built a church building based on the wishes of those truly committed and the fleeting thoughts of those passing by, fully vested with the right to vote. The church is good in that it exists, not it is on a mission. I fear that we will be mislead to grow through evangelism. I also believe we are in danger of holding ourselves above others not recognizing the common concern for offspring felt by all religions. Finally, I think we delude ourselves thinking we are more friendly and open than we really are.
Being open enough to allow new people to join without feeling like they are left out of a clique.
Choosing a new minister, and then supporting him or her, and remaining inclusive
Clearly, financial which leads to a need to grow. Bringing in and retaining new members. If this happens, other things will fall into place.
Continued growth
Continued growth
Continued growth. In the past few years, I have felt left out. I feel that s you're not part of the core group, you're invisible. I have not been canvassed in the last 2 years. I know people fall through the cracks, but I used to be very active and am not now. Does anyone else feel this way? I don't get calls to be on committees or projects. I don't feel valued.
continued growth...numbers and broadening our experiences
continued vitality, relevance, and growth
Controlled growth within the new buildings and programs offered by UUCinCH. I see a steady growth to the congregation.
Coping with the growth of the congregation, and all that implies in moving from many informal traditions to more formal practices-(For example, can we continue "Joys & Concerns" with a congregation of 450-500 when it already takes 10-15 minutes of service time with only 300 members.)
Dealing with the attrition of older members by recruiting new members. Also doing this while searching for a new minister
Dealing with the diverse religious/non-religious groups in the church..
Ensuring that new members are fully integrated into the church community
Establishing a mission and increasing the healing, support, and inclusions of all members.
Expanding the activities to support spiritually and financially the dream which was built
Extending a feeling of inclusiveness to newcomers. As membership grows, those who have assumed leadership positions in the past will be expected to share more of theses responsibilities with concerned new members. Control and power is somtimes difficult to relinquish and has been a deterrent to some individuals who were seeking greater involvement, making their efforts seem unwelcome & unwanted.
Financial x
Financial challenge. Retaining new members especially in the face of financial challenge. Not turning off new members due to the size of the financial challenge.
Finding a minister who can relate to the people, not read his or her sermon and try to meet the needs of all people (or at least mend wounds like Alice Wesley did.)
Finding a new minister
Finding a new minister who can represent all groups in the church and speak to the spiritual as well as the intellectual
finding common ground
Finding the best fit of a minister, maintaining an operating budget, and coming up with new uses fo the new building
Finding the right minister - financial difficulties
Finding the right minister to attract new members to help pay for the new facility
Funding maintenance costs /programs/ new minister
Gaining a lead to counter the "Right Wing" agenda in the Bush Admn. Topics which need attention: 1. Space age re-armament at what cost and for what purpose? 2. Environmental policies of Bush Admn. 3 . Education 4. Judiciary 5. Social Welfare
Gaining new members and then figuring out what to do with them-how to successfully integrate them into the community x
getting and keeping new members
Getting good ministers (for one year and for "permanent" position) Increasing membership/pledge base x
Getting new members
Great leadership and completing church!
Growing the congregation...operating budget
Growth Finding a good minister Broadening church visibility in area religious community and community at large
Having a minister who reflects and fosters the values and concerns of the congregation and who can bring the congregation together to further those values and concerns. An equally important challenge is keeping the congregation fiscally sound.
I think the financial burden of the new building and mortgage has the potential to exubarate frictions between self-perceived "interest groups", as dose the process of selecting a new minister. If we choose our leadership wisely, and remember that we are all in this together, we can surmount these difficulties, but it will take much sacrifice on our part. x
Increase membership by 200-300. Bring people and organizations to our facility as renters. Make our presence and views known in South Jersey. Find a minister who will help make it all possible.
less focus on crisis and more on looking ahead
Maintaining membership while integrating new members
Meeting the operational budget, hopefully through new membership
Money, growth, religious direction
move forward
move forward and pay bills x
Moving from being a medium sized church to a large church
Need to rebuild interest in social justice activities.
New minister/new building. This can be a very exciting but challenging few years. It is almost like we are completely given the opportunity to renew ourselves.
paying bills
Paying the mortgage and bills for operating the maintenance of church. Therefore, there's a great need to acquire new members to alleviate expenses.
Reaching out to create a strong, vibrant, and fiscally sound congregation-reaching out to newcomers-reaching out to those who have drifted away (there are many-some may be curious and return with a new minister) others may be waiting for someone to express concern -Creating programs that reach out to the South Jersey community and invite others in _Creating a unified community while having the diverse views we bring x
Recruiting members from lower economic groups
Resolving conflicts and problems arising from people who do not follow or understand UUA purposes or principles i.e. denigrating and criticizing Christian theology and attributing that to typical Unitarian values. Undermining the democratic process by using less than democratic forums, to determine decisions about major conclusions.
Rudy told a "New UUCinCH" class that our congregation is 1/3 Christian, 1/3 Agnostic, and 1/3 atheist. The challenge is for our members not only to tolerate that diversity, but to celebrate it!
Social responsibility- positive force in the community based on UU ideas.
Supporting the building/mortgage, etc and maintaining a "warm fuzzy" for new members and visitors
To bring more families into Church. Redo the fellowship for young adults.
to develop a vision for the church
To find a minister that will balance intellectual and spiritual stimulation. Someone like Vanessa

SECTION II. YOUR BELIEFS AND SPIRITUALITY

13. What was your own religious participation before joining a UU church?

16    Have always been a UU
1      Islamic
105  Protestant Christian
1      Hindu
46    Roman Catholic
4      Buddhist
14    Jewish
35    No Organized Religion
1      Eastern Orthodox
3      Pagan (Nature religions)

17 Other (please specify) Write-in responses from surveys:

Religious Science
American Baptist, where we sing Hymns with Rhythm
Atheist
Atheist as an adult
course in miracles
Did not participate Reform Jewish
Ethical Culture
lapsed Lutheran
Mother had humanistic beliefs
non-believing Protestant
Pretty much nothing. Family Protestant and Catholic.
Still Protestant Christian
Almost Lutheran; didn't make it.
Ecumenical-MCC
Lutheran
not an issue
Presbyterian
Agnostic who never joined a church but always attended one
atheist
Dignity Gay/Lesbian & Allies Catholic
Episcopalian
Methodist
Methodist
Methodist
mystic, Friend
Quaker

14. Please indicate which of the following, or what combinations, best describes your religious orientation.

52     Find support and challenge in a God* with whom you feel a personal relationship.
18     Believe that there is a God with whom one cannot have a personal relationship.
18     Believe there is no God of any kind.
35     Undecided, unsure about whether God exists or not.
49     Believe one cannot know whether God exists or not.
100   Human beings define "good" and "meaning" and must rely on one another for support.
119   Find support and value in the fullness and connectedness of all things, with or without God.
46     Attribute conscious life to nature or natural objects.
81     Equate God with the forces and laws of the universe.
36     Believe that the human intellect provides guidance without spiritual assistance.
97     Many belief sources feed into your beliefs.
59     Believe in an earth-centered spirituality which celebrates the sacred circle of life and instructs us to live in harmony with the rhythms of  nature.

          *Some people may use terms such as the Goddess, Great Spirit, Higher Power.

Other: ( please describe) Write-in responses from surveys:

None of the above are even close. All things are primarily spiritual. Physical is just one aspect of the whole. All spirit is connected. The entire spirit (consciousness) energy is available to each of us.
Believe that each of the great religion has hit upon a truth - Christian , Hindu, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, etc. and we can learn from these.
Believe that we each have a responsibility to lead lives of respect and concern for ALL life -- whether or not a "God" exists.
Believe there is a God, but if there is a "God", believe that such a being would not care about our theological beliefs so much as how our ACTIONS reflect & reinforce our beliefs (and are CONSISTENT with our beliefs).
Believe there is/are a greater power/powers that are helping to guide us through our journey.
Find support an value in the fullness and connectedness of all things, WITH God.
God is a force of love and goodness which can be found in all people.
God IS love in each of us!
I believe that God is within
I believe there is good and bad in each of us and that the love of all mankind is important. Also that some of us need help and advise from a minister or other qualified professional.
I have shifted from defining myself primarily as an atheist to "humanist." I don't think there is "God," I do not perceive "God," but I do believe in people.
I see God in everyone.
Life is good! Love is better!
Try to live the UU principles.
apply Unitarian rationalism to judge religious beliefs and practice
Believe in mind, body, soul, spirit but unable to define soul/spirit but feel that without it there is nothing at the end of the rainbow, but an empty closet
Believe that if there is a God, he/she cannot be so narcissistic to care if we worship him/her.
God exists only in one's mind
I believe in "faith" and the power of human experience in places like churches as a UU that does not limit my belief in "faith" as a unique experience to one denomination.
I believe in that spirituality that comes from connectedness with other people and with one's self.
I'm a mystic and enjoy studying and practicing a variety of mystic practices of many religions
Jesus was a human being who personified the spirit of god. God is a spiritual, not personal being. That spirit is what empowers us to be our best selves, to be alive and loving, connecting us to one another and to the natural world around us. Jesus teachings can guide us through our lives.
Place high value in ambiguity and chance
This religious orientation exercise is too simplistic
Would like to see Judeo-Christian heritage acknowledged and honored-teachers from all religions & philosophies

15.  i) Do you pray?
          38 often
          53 occasionally
          31 seldom
          63 never

      ii) Do you meditate?
          29 often
          80 occasionally
          48 seldom
          28 never

16. Do you attend any other religious services or meetings? (Please list) Write-in responses from surveys:

Alcoholics Anonymous
Buddhist Sangha
Buddhist Sangha weekly. Daily meditation.
Catholic (wife is Catholic)
Interested in Quaker faith and want to learn more. Know very little at the moment.
Meeting @ my child's school (Friends)
Native American
Occasionally, as guest when visiting with relatives or friends.
Roman Catholic Jewish
Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Easter Orthodox, Jewish
Sometimes I go to Christian services at a friends church.
When I travel with my Catholic friend, I attend Mass; I go to bar mitzvahs and visit mosques etc. when I travel
Womyn & religion sabbats. Often celebrate the sabbats at full moons as a solitary.
Yes, family ties.
Yes, I still enjoy & maintain my religious Jewish connection. Support Cong. Beth-El in Hammonton (Costs half of my commitment her!) I've encouraged newcomers who are embarrassed or ambiguous about maintaining "old ties" to do so. UU's don't need to make people forsake or spurn their heritages!
Alcoholics Anonymous
Always open to spiritual meetings-retreats, workshops, etc.
Buddhist, Christian, Jewish services occasionally
conservative Judaism
Hindu, Buddhist & Unitarians
I will go once a year to an Episcopal/Eucharist communion service, for the spiritual experience of Jesus living in me.
Jewish services on holidays with my parents, Mass on Christmas with my husband's parents.
no, not even weddings
Not currently, but previously 12 Steps and visited Sangha
Not lately, have attended others in past.
Occasionally attend Christian worship service
Occasional prayer around the Cross.
Only with extended family members
Presbyterian Church
Protestant, Unity
Quaker, Roman Catholic
Sanctuary
Society of friends-Jewish renewal Sabbat -UUC Burlington Co. I will walk into any place of worship on a whim and worship with them. Especially if I don't think our sermon topic is interesting.
UU in Princeton

17. How do you identify yourself?

148    Unitarian Universalist
7        Jewish
25      Agnostic
12      Buddhist
16      Christian
7        Pagan
3        Ethical Christian
6        Atheist
14      Secular Humanist
1        Hindu
8        Eco-Feminist
0        Muslim
24      Unitarian
8        Universalist
8        Theist
18      Other (please specify)

Write-in responses from surveys: Responses to item 17 (How do you identify yourself?)

religious humanist
Human Being.
I don't fully relate w/any one religion.
Reverent Agnostic (Rev. Ed Lane term)
Humanist
Deist
neo-pagan
"Religious Liberal Humanist" for lack of a better description
AN OLD HIPPIE. Love, Love, & Love. All you need is love, da-da-da-da-daaa! All together now!
born of spirit
catholic (little c)
Ecumenical liberal Christian.
I am an agnostic UU, as are many others. The idea God has never got into my mind.
I am not comfortable with hyphenated UUs-if a belief is yours, you "own" it-not sit on the fence
Mystic -Wiccan, Jewish, Native American, A UU Mystic
Neither agnostic or theist. The "God" question is a nonsense question
Spiritual Being
transcendental pantheist
Would join UUCinCH if it were called a society instead of a church
Reluctant Christian

SECTION III. YOUR VIEWS ON PROFESSIONAL MINISTRY

18. The UUA General Assembly adopted an equal opportunity policy in 1989 which supports "ministerial settlement procedures without discrimination because of race, color, disability, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, age or national origin."

Do you have any reservations with this policy in regard to our church?

If yes, please elaborate:

16      Yes
172    No

Write-in responses from surveys:

As long as new minister will enthusiastically embrace needs of our congregation.
Cannot really understand homosexually - prefer a "normal" ? minister.
However, a person's sexual orientation etc. should not be so overpowering that the focus of teachings and sermons is skewed heavily in a particular direction.
I also believe in affirmative action and so have difficulty reconciling both viewpoints -- bit I am committed to our policy.
I suspect that few, if any, churches follow this procedure literally and to the extreme. For example, suppose that a ministerial candidate has a severe speech impediment. Are we going to choose him or her?
I think that our minister must be physically and mentally able to perform the duties we expect of a minister . I would have reservations about having a blind minister.
I wish to see a heterosexual Caucasian woman or man in our pulpit representative of the majority of our congregation.
Living with diversity makes us stronger as individuals but weaker (at first) as a congregation,
No answer but like a male minister.
No problem with sex, age or national origin or age. Some reservations as to sexual orientation. Should not be gay or lesbian.
Only if minister draws an over abundance of a certain population. Would not like our congregation to stray too far from current mix.
Philosophically I agree , but I have to admit that I might not find it easy to have an openly gay minister. I would try hard to be comfortable but I can't guarantee I would be. You asked for honesty.
Request a heterosexual oriented minister.
Slight reservation about person of a different sexual orientation leading our church. Worry that person might not fully connect with all our members.
The minister should be acceptable to the majority of the congregation.
This is fine as long as no one recruits a minister as a statement to promote or affirm equal opportunity. The minister should be appropriate to this congregation regardless of the attributes cited above.
While I consider myself to support diversity and to be unbiased, I would probably not vote for a new church leader if he or she were a "biased" member of a different approach/background -- for example, race, religion, color. . . .
A combination of most or all of the above would probably cause too many problems for the church (not me!)
As long as it's not an "issue" with the chosen minister
In a very small way. A lot of our "good" comes from being a part of a community, and having area religious leaders recognize us. If we go very extreme, we loose a foot in the door to helping others see us as a certified faith.
Just someone inspirational on Sunday
not too old, white race-(no blacks have stayed with our church)
Our minister must be able to empathize and support people unlike him/herself - to the extent that a candidate's beliefs make this impossible, that person would be unacceptable
Since we went to considerable expense to expand our youth facilities, I think we should seek a family person as leader. Target our growth thru family participation.
Some reservations about "affectional" or sexual orientation only.

19. Responsibility for a successful church is shared among the minister, other staff, and
lay leadership. In terms of personal capabilities and time and attention, please rank
the following priorities for UUCinCH's next minister.

	Very Important	Somewhat Important	Not Important
Assuring effective church administration	95	87	9
Caring for and counseling individual	137	48	7
Creating a sense of spirituality in Sunday service	130	49	12
Encouraging UUCinCH social justice programs	72	110	7
Encouraging volunteers and developing lay leadership	104	85	4
Fostering a sense of fellowship and community within UUCinCH	169	21	2
Guiding/facilitating committee work	35	106	41
Adult education programs	34	116	35
Religious education for children and youth	78	85	18
Presenting stimulating and challenging Sunday services	175	10	1
Providing visible leadership in the UUA	49	97	35
Providing vision for the future	134	43	6
Participation in financial aspects of church life, especially fundraising	36	107	36
Appreciating and promoting the arts	26	104	55
Supporting various theologies and practices within the church	114	56	13
Home/hospital visitation	68	94	20
Representing the church well in the community	126	55	6
Promoting membership growth	112	67	5

Other (Please specify) Write-in responses from surveys:

Welcoming and helping to encourage participation and integration into church community.
We must be realistic. No one person can be everything to all people.
This church is one of the largest and therefore an important example of a UU church in South Jersey. We must be one of the shining stars in all possible ways. The success of our denomination depends on our successfully achieving our full potential. We must be dynamic and strong.
There is a difference between "encouraging" and "facilitating." Encourage the lay members to take stronger leadership roles yet be supportive.
The minister needs to use practices to be accessible to members -- such as posted hours, voice mail or evening hours.
The minister needs to be able to guide the BOT into an efficient and effective body; counsel our members; express the importance of financially supporting the church and encourage all members in their spiritual journey. Help our church to have fun at all of this.
Most are very important but it is hard to find one person and define one position to address all of these.
Minister needs good sense of humor. Someone like Vanessa.
I'd like the minister to be pan-theistic & religiously inclusive. Rudy announced that he was an agnostic - full stop! Whatever the minister's personal theology, I'd like her/him to be "inclusive" by referring to God/Goddess(es) at times. Referring to various other religions - "For those of you who love Jesus, welcome in his name." "May the words of the Buddha give you strength and peace (then quote)." Use various quotes, theologies, beliefs -- atheistic quotes as well.
I would like to see a minister who was willing to share the pulpit with other guest ministers. I would like the minister to act like board adviser to give a sense of continuity. I would like to see the minister come to the board without a personal agenda.
I think we should keep Vanessa. I think she is exactly what we are looking for.
Being there!
Affirming members. Able to minister to diverse theologies (inclusive).
A good sense of humor is essential
Financial support not minister's responsibility. This is responsibility of lay leadership. Most of above are important in varying degrees, but no human can be "all things to all people." No minister can possibly do all the above equally well. Aspirations may be high, but expectations must be realistic.
Good sense of humor
I hope we can get someone who will be able to minister to needs. To do emotion/crisis management. We can do our micro-meeting-management. The minister should minister.
If the minister can present interesting, stimulating Sunday services that appeal to a broad spectrum, all else-growth in membership, fundraising, and vital committees-will follow
Inclusive, not "cliquish"
Items checked as somewhat or not important should be led by committees. Minister should not be member of or vote in committees. He can express his thoughts, but the committees must make decisions.
Minister represents the social and moral conscience of the congregation
Must be of unquestionable integrity. Must respect all people. Must not manipulate people or situations. Must not divulge info that is private. Must be genuinely caring. Must not play favorites. Must not insist on his/her own way. Must not be devious. Must be able to admit being wrong. Must be a good listener and not judgmental.
Not enough choices. Should be a continuum of choices from very important to unimportant as I have tried to indicate with my check marks.
Of course, I think all of these are very important so it was hard to choose among them
Our next minister needs 3 primary qualities: Intelligence, to see, evaluate, and guide the congregation spiritually- Love to reach out to people within and beyond our church community who are in pain, and courage to act on issues that arise using that intelligence and love to support and encourage others to active ministry also, lay and ordained.
provoking consideration of new perspectives
spiritual leader/mentor exemplary
The ministers' primary duties should be focused on responding to the congregations need for spiritual leadership. Social, political, economic, etc. concerns are primarily the responsibility of the congregation. While ministerial support and interest is important, direct involvement is less required.
The next minister should strive to bring comfort in the words "God" and "faith" and "spirit" in the minds of all the congregation.
This is a loaded list. All of the above are worthwhile. The question is "What % of the minister's time should be spent on each item?" e.g. Committee work is good but others in the church should be responsible for guiding that. Same with Adult Programs
will support our partner church program

20. Which of the following qualities do you think are the most important considerations
in screening ministerial candidates? (Please check five from the list below)

103     Character (strong moral consistency, stability, reliability)
  52      Facilitative and cooperative approach
  54      Spiritual depth
  87      Excellent preaching
  49      Creativity (able to develop and present new ideas and methods)
  47      Scholarship (educated, informed, interesting)
109     Empathy (genuinely interested in and concerned about others)
  32      Humility (aware of his/her limitations)
  48      Intellectual depth and rigor
  70      Open mind (receptive to other ideas)
116     Professional competence (ability to communicate, counsel, empower)
  36      Sense of calling (motivated, enthusiastic)
  86      Sense of humor
  27      Catalytic (helps make things happen)
  55      Personal and professional ethical conduct
  66      Friendliness and warmth
  6      Other (Please specify) Write-in responses from surveys:

All these qualities are most important
Being a risk taker
I hesitate to judge anyone else's moral fiber. Hopefully telling the truth no matter what is important to confident counseling, sermons, co-operation & communication.

I want someone who can deliver Sunday sermons that can challenge my way of thinking. I want someone who preaches like Rudy.
I have to add a sixth-excellent preaching.
Should be fully positive about youth and family issues to build a strong church family.

SECTION IV. OUR CHURCH'S DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

21. What is your gender?
     123     Female
      71    Male

22. What is your age?

   1    18 or under
   1    19-29
  15    30-39
  56    40-49
  61    50-59
 23    60-69
 20    70-79
 15    80 or older

23. What is your current marital status? (check one)

  21    Single (never married)
111    Married
  41    Divorced/separated
  10    Widowed
    8    Same sex partnership
    3    Opposite sex partnership

24. What formal education have you completed? (check highest)

    0    Less than high school
  13    High School Graduate
    8    Associate Degree
  67    Bachelor's Degree
  79    Master's Degree
  25    Doctorate

25. What was your total household income before taxes last year? (check one)

  15     Less than $25,000
  30     $25,000-$50,000
  34     $50,000-$75,000
  24     $75,000-$100,000
  10     $100,000-$125,000
    5     $125,000-$150,00
    6     $150,000-$200,000
    4     over $200,000

26 . If you have children, please enter below how many are in each group.
Grade               Number
Nursery                       5
Preschool                    5
K-3                             14
4-6                              19
7-8                              11
9-12                            34

SECTION V. WRAP-UP

27. Are there any special issues you would like our Ministerial Search Committee to consider and on which you would like to express your views?

• Write-in responses from surveys:
• Please find lots of ways to help the congregation share this information to learn more about one another -- our diversity is our greatest strength.
• First impressions are important to visitors and prospective members, so sermons should be interesting and not appear to be read (even if they are).
• no
• I think it is just as important that our new minister be "warm & fuzzy" as that he/she be an intellectual with stimulating sermons. I would hope the new minister knew the needs of individuals in the congregation -- those who are going through difficult times with their health, emotional state, etc. . . . . I would also hope the new minister would go out of their way to welcome all new members + those who visit to help them feel they have a home with our congregation.
• The ministerial candidate needs to know we are very demanding of the minister's time. This is not a 9-5 position -- there are lots of evening & Saturday committee meetings. I think the new minister needs to reach out to those who have become inactive and to home-bound members. It can't be left to lay committees. We need someone with a lot of stamina! Great job, Committee!
• Thanks to you for the difficult job you all are doing. Do your best; I know you will. Remember you won't please everyone. Please consider that the minister understand 7 (or 9) years he/she must move on as her/his feet of clay become [?evis deut?]. Good luck to us all!
• Re: Lay Leadership -- Cannot answer as leadership has changed throughout the year and too many lay services. Current lay leadership is limited to too few active members.
• The Sunday service is an INAPPROPRIATE place for ANY political statement or viewpoint. Most announcements can be handled in the Order of Worship or Newsletter. "Joys and Concerns" is generally misused -- is not a public pulpit. May I recommend a possible candidate? Don Hoekstra, Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• No.
• I trust your collective judgment.
• Guys, try to find someone like Vanessa. If you do that, you will do fine. Good Luck!
• Should be kind hearted, or in other words NICE!
• Clone Vanessa.
• A warm community-building person - a woman would be a great change. Someone committed to social justice and committing this congregation to those actions that would stand for commitment in this area. A music lover who could lead us toward excellent music as an uplifting part of the service. Not a Christian based theology. A strong speaker. Good luck in this challenging task.
• Not particularly. One I can think of. . . . . are we taking measures to attract members, to keep our members, and be more welcoming to all races. I perceive us as being a "tad" difficult to know, and a formidable group to just "drop in and visit"!!! Could the membership committee be more activated to welcome new faces, talk to new faces, etc.? Good ?s on this survey.
• Not enough said of importance of supporting each other in development of credos.
• [Lay leadership responsive?] TOO responsive to Rudy Nemser. [Importance of Chalice lighting:] TO OFTEN; only on occasions; DO NOT like traditions; they lose their meaning. Conflict resolution -- The minister should be part of a committee or perhaps lay-caring that intervenes between "family-church" members. You cannot have a happy house without resolution and healing between members. No conflict is ever 1 person's fault alone & it is hard for many people to confront and accept their faults without help.
• Someone who can value the diversity of this congregation.
• MINISTER needs to have a balanced viewpoint to negotiate the shoals among atheist, Christian and everything in between. Constant flexibility and awareness of the breadth of beliefs are the main attributes I would look for. A sense of humor would be nice as well.
• #20 sums it up.
• Consider outreach program to members who no longer drive. N.B.- Because of age & distance much of what has been part of my life no longer applies.
• The new minister should be able to bring the diverse populations of our community together and at the same time allow each vision of the world to evolve towards the truth.
• Can we speed this up? I would like a settled minister soon?
• I hope the new minister is caring and non-judgmental, relates well to adults and children. Through strong, compassionate leadership & vision, the congregation will be strong and vital.
• Hope the new minister will live in the community - Would be happy with a "shared" ministry (2 partners, married or same sex).
• Is Lay Leadership Responsive to Concerns of All Segments of Congregation? Maybe, at times. This varies according to interests of church members. Also, I think our board needs a process to follow for meetings, decision making, etc., especially in employing the democratic process so all issues are fairly handled. GENERAL: A woman just like Vanessa. We need someone who is not afraid to say all the things we know but don't say out loud. We've got to get on the ball and develop strong leadership (minister & lay) encourage and get all involved spiritually and emotionally, physically and financially. The building's growing; we need to grow, too.
• Would prefer a woman.
• 1. Gender 2. Age for me, male or female acceptable Age under 65
• While question 20 allowed only five choices to get a predominant view of desired characteristics, I think more then five are necessary. If I chose scholarship over professional competence I would want an incompetent genius for a minister? No!
• I think you are doing a terrific job. Thank you for all of your efforts.
• Clone Vanessa!
• We need a minister who will provide leadership to grow and provide a shared vision of where our congregation wants to go. The minister should be able to stimulate spiritual growth for the church members.
• Keep the congregation updated on its search process.
• I find the joys and concerns at times too trivial, annoying sometimes, and other times upsetting to me.
• I feel our new minister needs to have the energy and enthusiasm to lead this church forward by fulfilling the spiritual needs of the membership and attracting new members. Also, full support for RE program in order to attract young families.
• The minister should support our partner church program and visit it from time to time, although, not necessarily as often as did Rudy. 2. The minister must not feel threatened by the minister emeritus.
• Flexibility is an important quality
• I wish the Search Committee lots of luck in finding this super person
• The most important quality of a minister is the ability to give an interesting and inspiring sermon or talk
• I like the qualities shown by Vanessa. She seems to really get involved with people. I notice interest by young people under thirty since she is here. I would like new minister to draw this crowd to us. Continuing the RE program would be a draw. The new minister doesn't have to be strong in children's RE, just interested.
• ensure his/her moral integrity
• My number one criterion is that the minister create a highly spiritual and contemplative mood in the service. Congregants must be enabled to step back from their busy weeks and gain perspective. Congregants should leave the service refreshed re-motivated and enthusiastic. Vanessa is excellent at this.
• I like sermons where the minister is able to share part of who he really is in such a way as to inspire growth in one's own personal journey.
• I feel that having a minister that is warm and empathetic is the most important thing since our last minister lacked these important qualities. Someone exactly like Vanessa would be great.
• I would like a minister who would continue most of the traditions of this church--things like Yom Kippur, holocaust remembrance, flower Sunday services, that seem to have been lost this year.
• Please be aware of the need for a broad understanding and interpretation of the varied religious backgrounds of our congregation. The minister has to balance this concept. Acknowledgment and respect for the celebrations and meaningful significance is essential.
• I feel I am a minority view in the church because I don't think it is appropriate to scoff at the idea of God, because I don't think it's right to put down Christian Catholics. I don't think it's right to put down any faith. I also seek a certain dignity of solemnity in our services with I feel cannot be achieved with Joys and Concerns and endless announcements.
• We need someone to help members come together and be productive. Most of us are lazy--we mean well but don't do much. I guess I would like someone with vision who can inspire. Turning water to wine is good too.
• We need a minister who can encourage growth in membership and encourage the congregation to play a more active role in our community at large. This person needs to be energetic and "young at heart" no matter what their age.
• As a young woman I may be biased, but I feel we need a young pioneer in here. I'd be willing to for go the wisdom that comes with age and experience for some wildness and imperfection. Let's shake it up and not be so safe.
• Things that are turn-offs --- references to scripture, prayer, too much "Christianity." To be specific, Vanessa was too Christian and despite her educational background and excellent articulation, she did not deliver intellectually stimulating sermons.
• I would like a female minister for a change. Vanessa has been exceptional.
• I hope the person who is a match happened to be a woman.
• Make sure minister can unite us & celebrate our diversity. Make sure minister can minister to our diverse theologies.
• Assure everyone in congregation that his/her voice is being heard. Accessibility of MSC critical to the success of the goal of a settled minister.
• Vanessa is outstanding. Her qualities of ministry -- caring, ideas, sermons, approachability --> this is what I hope we find!
• I'd want a person who can inspire & lead. A person w/ strong personal spirituality & an open & encouraging view of all spiritualities.
• I'd like to see less pomp & formality in the service and replace it with some amount of give & take/questions. Our new minister should be open to the idea.
• Rudy is a tough act to follow. Perfect role model for what we should be looking for.
• I think one of the most challenging tasks of a new minister will be to unify an admittedly disparate congregation. Rather than drawing dysfunctions between groups, I would hope that our minister would focus on creating bonds between and among congregants. We will need unification in order to survive, both spiritually and financially. I think this will require a leader with a secure sense of self and a true (not just lip service,) commitment to helping people work together... He or she must lead by a good example, not just false precepts that will lead us nowhere.
• I would like our new minister to be worldly, a leader that can share experiences and a past that we in the congregation can draw from. An intelligent man or woman like Rudy who can help the congregation grow. I would like to wish those at the ministerial search committee good luck in the search to come.
• *New minister should be appropriately interested in money. Specifically, should not be adverse to discussing pledging and monetary commitment with new members. * Be willing to take personal and professional risks.
• Be active in the community. Few people know about Unitarians. Stimulate support for UUA, Service committee, etc.
• Consider if the ministerial candidate is well traveled overseas or otherwise is well versed in other cultures there is a substantial increase in immigration during last 25 years . Immigrants from India, China, and Japan tend to be highly educated. UUA could be a great draw for this group of immigrants. Their spiritual background rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism and Shinto shares a depth of common spiritual grounds with the Unitarians. Immigrants also seek social interaction with the mainstream US society. UUA can offer a great platform for these groups. Let them know that for the Unitarians, the (?) and Jesus are not central to the faith.
• Excellent questionaire: My only advice is to choose candidates with sufficient "track records" so you can make a reasonable guess about qualifications.
• Go with the flow, don't over organize.
• Great sermons bring people to services. Minister should be familiar with and able to promote, covenant groups or mentoring to get new members involved socially.
• Hope we get someone who can preach a sermon that I can decipher, is able to connect on some level with everyone in the community and supports the Religious Education program.
• I just feel it is so important that we truly try to live up to our statement of who we are- seekers of the truth, on a spiritual journey, to define our faith in a way that is unique and meaningful to each of us, welcoming and celebrating the diversified ways that lead us to develop the highest values we can hold. Thats a paraphrase, but isn't that what we are about? My experience so far is that the atheist and agnostics are not as open to the Christian component as we are to them.
• I miss Rudy's sense of humor and intellectualism And, I miss Vanessa's warmth and ability to deliver sermons that seem to speak directly to me. I suppose these are qualities I seek in a meaningful Sunday morning worship experience.
• I trust you all. Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't split hairs. No one will fit perfectly-new shoes always pinch until you break them in. A handsome single straight older male would do wonders...I can dream can't I?
• I want the minister to support our Partner Church program to visit our Partner Church from time to time. I would not expect the minister to visit as often as Rudy did.
• I would like our committee to consider that a great many people in the congregation are looking for a spiritual leader. Someone who is comfortable addressing the needs of those people who believe in God or a god.
• I would love a minister who can give both intellectual sermons and spiritual sermons. A minister that is sensitive to multi cultures. I very much need a minister that can nourish my soul as well as my intellect.
• I would prefer that this church remain liberal "open" not take on Christian or other religious leanings to an extremem, although I would enjoy exploring other religious ideas sometime.
• I'd like re-evaluation regarding the racial diversity (or lack of it) in our congregation. I'm not actually sure if there is a solution.`
• Many members of this congregation came from traditions other than Christian. This congregation has always felt welcoming and including. However, it felt less comfortable and excluding when Vanessa announced her "Christian orientation," Given the spiritual and organizational influence of the minister; given the role of the minister as representative of and responsive to the congregational membership-I encourage the committee to consider not hiring a minister who is a "Christian UU minister."
• No, but maybe we should all pray to whatever/whomever for guidance in a positive outcome.`
• Open minded. Can preach on other than his/her prescribed spirituality
• Our faith is about upholding our faith as seen thru each of us. When one group or clique is given more power and say and value we lose a good part of our faith's meaning. We need to pick a minister who upholds all of our principles as they are the Gateway to our faith's meaning.
• Please don't get a minister who is God-focused or spirit -focused (i.e. unseen beings) (Rudy fulfilled this qualification). Please get a minister who presents an open-ended vision, as opposed to tells us the one way to think. An example of the former would be Rudy. An example of the latter is the sermon on "pantheism" given at Paul Daniel's ordination. I do not want a minister who tells us how itis or tries to convert us to his or her interpretation as the correct interpretation. Our minister at another congregation did this & it was belittling and closed-minded. Rudy did have his faults but in my mind, they were related to things political (how he went about achieving his goals) as opposed to things "ministerial".
• Please look for someone with people skills as well as intellect. Investigate any reported "negatives."
• Representation of a broad religious sensibility: Not afraid to say the G word and C word.- Commitment to broaden the racial/ethnic, etc. diversity of the congregation
• Rudy had many good qualities. However, I would fault him on 3 qualities. The first 2 are a style issue : 1. sermons were more like lectures/not very spiritual nor uplifting 2. not very warm nor approachable, The 3rd fault is vitally important to me. I would not want this quality in another minister. I perceived Rudy to be a backstage manipulator of people and events. He was secretive and his manipulations were designed to achieve his purposes. He wouldn't even answer emails if to do so would require that he have an open, honest, discussion; esp. if that discussion would mean he might not get his way on what he wanted. The UU model is based on shared-governance using a democratic model. This is not the kind of religion that looks to its pastor to lead the flock and make decisions for us because he knows best. I feel that Rudy violated that principle. I want a minister who has less power.
• The ideal candidate will possess the 5 Cs-Caring, creative, competent, challenging and a a community builder. I would like our minister to be genuinely empathetic to members and visitors-someone who can reach out and make others feel welcome- I am seeking a minister who can communicate effectively and inspire adults and youth. I am not seeking either a politician or a professor for this post. This sounds like "The Impossible Dream" to find such a wonderful caring person-thank you for taking on this task.
• Vanessa was an excellent choice. I feel someone like her would be wonderful
• Vanessa would have been an excellent choice!!
• We are a family of four who have visited several times but only a few times with Reverend Nemser. We hope to decide about membership in the next few months. Thank you for allowing us to participate in the survey.
• We came here when we were having services outside or in very close quarters. The homely friendly togetherness grabbed our hearts. I hope we don't lose that sense more moving into the new building. I hope we have outdoor services once in a while so the minister must not have debilitating allergies.
• We particularly need someone sensitive to developing true community among disparate peoples. Many people comment on feeling alone and cut-off in our congregation. This needs to change to foster more true fellowship.
• Yes. 1. Do not bring us a minister who is so confident of his/her beliefs that they (the beliefs) are exclusionary. I have seen that split a church 2. We should hire an experienced minister, not a novice 3. The minister's primary jobs are Sunday Service and Ministerial care of the congregation-If we get a person strong in these, the lay leadership can handle the rest
• Someone who can bring healing and acceptance and an ability to facilitate growth. Face challenges head on. Create energy and excitement for the good this Church can do for it membership and the community.

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