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Search InterConnections for resources relevant to your interest and role: whether you are a lay or professional leader, there's information here to help you fulfill your ministry and carry forward your mission more effectively.
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Q. We're thinking about changing how we address absentee and/or proxy voting rights in our bylaws. How do other congregations handle absentee and proxy voting policies? A. Some congregations permit absentee voting, considering it an appropriate way to involve people who may be incapacitated or...
August 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations -
Carmen McDowell, membership director at East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue, WA, invites friends and members to welcome visitors by thinking of three personas: "First there's the Forrest Gump introduction. Forrest wouldn't miss a beat if he inadvertently mistook a founding member for a newcomer.
By Donald E. Skinner | August 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Membership in Congregations, Music in Worship -
When the board of trustees of the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church of Annapolis, MD (500 members), completed a strategic plan a few years ago it realized it would also have to revamp the way it did business....
By Donald E. Skinner | August 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development -
Jeff Hutchins hasn't seen the start of a church service in years at the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church of The North Hills in Pittsburgh, PA (174 members). The reason: He's out in the foyer welcoming just one more late-arriving visitor. When InterConnections asked congregations for names of...
Leader Resource | By Donald E. Skinner | June 15, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Membership in Congregations, Membership Growth & Outreach -
Q. Do any churches have a formal policy on calendar setting? That is, how do you decide when the building may be rented to outside groups and when it should be reserved for the congregation's use?...
By Donald E. Skinner | June 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Facilities Management, Congregational Administration, Governance for Congregations -
Sometimes it's not the big things we do for children, but the little things that show how much we care for them and how vital they are to our religious communities. Certainly it's important that we pair adults and children in Secret Pal Sundays and do Youth Sundays and Religious Education Sundays.
By Donald E. Skinner | June 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: High School-Aged Youth Faith Development, Membership in Congregations -
When a man who had just joined a West Coast congregation volunteered to take care of the grounds, the overworked folks in the congregation were thrilled. But when he hacked off all the branches of several small trees, they had second thoughts. More alarms sounded when he forcefully criticized the...
By Donald E. Skinner | June 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Conflict Management in Congregations, Leadership Development, Safe Congregations -
We all know the purpose of the annual canvass is to fund the operating budget, and that if we do it right, we're set for another year. But the reality is that the canvass sometimes falls short. Consequently many congregations rely on smaller fundraisers to fill the hole. We also know these other...
By Donald E. Skinner | June 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Fundraising for Congregations, Finance for Congregations -
When people join our congregations, how much do we ask of them? Are we so grateful they've chosen us—and so fearful they might leave—that we ask little? Do we create the impression that our congregation is a place where they will be served without having to do much? That may be true for some...
By Donald E. Skinner | March 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Membership in Congregations, Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development -
There comes a time in the life of many congregations when they feel the need to take a public stand—as a congregation—on a compelling social issue, such as war with Iraq. The way in which a congregation takes such a stand is important. In most congregations there will be a group that may not be...
By Donald E. Skinner | March 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations -
When members of All Souls Unitarian Universalist (UU) Church in Kansas City, MO (400 members), began having trouble finding a place to sit on Sunday morning they knew it was time to face the future. There are two solutions to crowded Sundays—expanding the building or adding a service. For All...
By Donald E. Skinner | March 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Facilities Management, Music in Worship, Governance for Congregations, Membership Growth & Outreach -
Should members of a congregation be hired for staff positions? Members bring enthusiasm and insights to a job that an outsider might not have. But if the relationship goes sour, the situation can be difficult. InterConnections put this question to the Unitarian Universalist Association's (UUA's)...
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Congregational Administration -
When a minister announces plans to take a sabbatical it can strike fear into the heart of the congregation. The prospect of being leaderless for months can be daunting. But to congregations that plan with care, a sabbatical not only gives the minister time for rest, reflection, and renewal, but...
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2003 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Support and Caring in Congregations -
Danvers, MA (221 members), gather for a service honoring "memory and tradition." The service includes awards for church and community service, a naming of those who have died (including dropping a stone for each into a bowl of water), a short sermon, and a meditation period....
By Donald E. Skinner | October 1, 2002 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Music in Worship, Support and Caring in Congregations -
Q. We lose a lot of members within several years of joining. Should we be talking to these people to find out why they left? Is there an established way to do this? A. Unfortunately, many congregations lose a significant number of members within three years, says Rev. William Zelazny, District...
By Donald E. Skinner | March 1, 2002 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Congregational Administration, Leadership Development, Safe Congregations -
At First Unitarian Universalist Church, Rochester, MN (322 members), people who used wheelchairs had to be pushed up a steep hill to get into the sanctuary. And then they still couldn't get to other parts of the building without help. It was an awkward situation. Other people worried that if they...
March 1, 2002 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Membership in Congregations, Disability & Accessibility -
Many congregations struggle to find volunteers to do their financial work. If that's your dilemma, consider hiring outside financial help....
By Donald E. Skinner | March 1, 2002 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Finance for Congregations -
Need a way to finance a special project? Do it one square foot or one piano key at a time. For instance: to buy a new piano, take the total cost and divide it by eighty-eight, then "sell" one key at a time....
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2002 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Fundraising for Congregations, Finance for Congregations -
Use caution when discussing congregational issues on email, reminds Rev. Bob Hill, district executive for the Unitarian Universalist Association's (UUA's) Southwest District. "Email is wonderful," Hill says....
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2002 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Conflict Management in Congregations, Leadership Development -
When high school youth leave your congregation for college, jobs, the military, or other endeavors does anyone other than their parents notice? An increasing number of congregations are marking that transition from teendom to young adulthood with bridging ceremonies. A bridging ceremony is a...
January 1, 2002 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Membership in Congregations, Young Adult Faith Development (ages 18-35) -
It's been the big question behind the door: Would September 11 terrorism and economic downturn hurt contributions to congregations during 2001? Would congregants who gave generously to the Red Cross give less to their churches?...
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2002 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Fundraising for Congregations, Finance for Congregations, Leadership Development -
What is the difference between management and leadership? Rev. Dr....
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2002 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development -
Q. My congregation had a very difficult time last spring finding anyone to serve on the governing board and an even harder time getting someone to agree to be president. It also seems to be a perennial struggle to keep our committee chairs filled. People just don't seem willing to serve here. Can...
By Donald E. Skinner | August 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development -
Q. We moved into our new building this September and now need a policy on the use of alcohol at church functions. The issue seems to be freedom and personal responsibility vs. our church condoning potentially destructive, dangerous, addictive behavior....
By Donald E. Skinner | June 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Safe Congregations -
When a wedding guest at a Unitarian Universalist church in the Southwest had too much to drink and fell down the basement stairs, he sued the church for many thousands of dollars. The church's insurance company settled the case for $2,000. Said the church administrator, "Had we been actually...
By Donald E. Skinner | June 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Facilities Management, Congregational Administration, Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development -
There are times in the life of every congregation when despite the best intentions of everyone there are details that don't get tended to. Well-meaning volunteers forget to do something, or take on more than they can do, or a family crisis intervenes....
By Donald E. Skinner | June 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development, Membership Growth & Outreach -
The archives of First Universalist Church, Denver (609 members), used to be one of its best-kept secrets. Tucked away in boxes in a basement room, few knew the historical documents were there. ...
By Donald E. Skinner | March 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Records & Security, UU History, Congregational Administration -
When visitors decide to join the congregation, we celebrate in a number of ways—with ceremonies, by taking them to lunch, by giving them books, with a hearty handshake. Then comes the hard part. How do we integrate these new folks into our religious communities? And not only how, but when? The...
By Donald E. Skinner | March 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Membership in Congregations -
A church in New Hampshire learned a hard lesson last year when an electrical fire heavily damaged its 120-year-old building. The Nottingham Community Universalist Church's insurance coverage fell far short of costs of restoring the building. The renovations are expected to cost around $275,000.
By Donald E. Skinner | March 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Facilities Management, Congregational Administration, Governance for Congregations -
Each year, core leaders agree on short-term goals. They agree that barring an emergency, they will not be diverted from these objectives. Leaders trust one another, respecting the work each does. They resist micro managing....
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development -
Q. We are dealing with a class that has a couple of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and the teachers are having difficulty. Any ideas? A....
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: High School-Aged Youth Faith Development -
Q. Our church bought enough copies of Singing the Living Tradition so each person attending a service can use the hymnal. Since we have made that purchase, do we have automatic permission to excerpt readings, hymns, etc. to print as inspirational messages in our newsletter that circulates to more...
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Music in Worship, Safe Congregations -
It often seems that new members of our congregations have no place to connect with others except the Sunday service, committee work, and teaching religious education. But consider what the creation of small 6- to 12-person covenant groups is doing for some congregations....
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Covenant Groups & Small Group Ministry, Leadership Development, Membership Growth & Outreach, Support and Caring in Congregations -
Those of us who have served on nominating committees know the experience can be either a joy or a tragedy. Some years everyone we call says yes, grateful for the opportunity to give something back to the congregation that means so much to them and wondering why we hadn't called sooner. In other...
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development -
Music directors are third in line when it comes to getting paid in some of our congregations. Congregations that struggle to pay the minister and director of religious education at responsible levels often find they have little left for music. At First UU (Unitarian Universalist) Church of...
By Donald E. Skinner | January 1, 2001 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Covenant Groups & Small Group Ministry, Membership Growth & Outreach -
Q. I have always understood that the check-in process should be brief, personal, and without interruption. Is it possible that some of the objections to the process are due to sometimes letting check-in become too lengthy and more interactive than it should be? Many of us may have a totally...
By Donald E. Skinner | October 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development, Support and Caring in Congregations -
When recruiting volunteers for committees, rather then telling them "we need you to fill this slot," tell them why they’re the best person for the job. Elaborate on their qualifications, insights, and experiences. Tell them how it fits into the mission of the congregation and how their...
By Donald E. Skinner | October 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development -
Rev. Jacqueline Ziegler, interim minister at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, PA (281 members), holds an annual service where members and others may come to remember an animal companion. People are invited to bring pictures of animals that have been part of their lives. At the service they are...
By Donald E. Skinner | October 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Music in Worship, Support and Caring in Congregations -
Q. The idea of providing child care for church and committee functions has not been a priority in our congregation....
By Donald E. Skinner | October 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development, Membership Growth & Outreach -
The membership committee of the Unitarian Universalists (UUs) of the Cumberland Valley, Boiling Springs, PA (126 members), gives each first-time visitor a Newcomer Bag on Sunday mornings. The bag is stuffed with Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) pamphlets, a letter from cominister's Duane...
October 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Communication -
When congregations set out to renovate their buildings, they're thinking primarily about the work to be done, how to pay for it, and how much better the building will be. They're generally not thinking about catastrophes that can happen while the work is taking place....
By Donald E. Skinner | October 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Facilities Management, Fundraising for Congregations, Congregational Administration, Governance for Congregations, Leadership Development -
For those small congregations which aren't able to muster many volunteers for the Membership Committee, here is one that operates with just three leaders....
By Donald E. Skinner | August 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Membership in Congregations, Governance for Congregations, Support and Caring in Congregations -
Q. We are developing a policy on accepting gifts to our congregation. We want to accept them, but many come with stringent conditions and restrictions. What should we do? A....
By Donald E. Skinner | August 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Planned Giving for Congregations -
Q.A.Notice to Visitors: People who attend St. Mark's regularly are for the most part kind and friendly people, but they tend to be a bit shy and self-conscious with strangers. They are afraid of greeting people they think are new and discovering that "the visitors" have been attending St....
By Donald E. Skinner | August 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Membership in Congregations, Music in Worship, Membership Growth & Outreach -
Every congregation has lots of visitors who come once, twice, even sign up for the newsletter, but never return. We wonder if we did something wrong, if no one spoke to them, or the coffee was bad. If we have our act together we have someone from the membership committee call all visitors within...
By Donald E. Skinner | August 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Membership in Congregations, Music in Worship, Membership Growth & Outreach, Support and Caring in Congregations -
Sometimes, through no deliberate fault, a congregation becomes, well, complacent. It still functions week to week, but there's no fire. Rebuilding that fire can happen several ways. A new minister or lay leader can do it. Sometimes a church event or a new way of doing things can do it. At...
By Donald E. Skinner | August 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations, Membership Growth & Outreach -
When visitors come through our doors on Sunday morning most of us know what to do. We greet them warmly, talk to them during coffee hour and invite them back. What happens next is more challenging. If they become interested in us, then we are expected to teach them about our faith....
By Donald E. Skinner | August 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Membership in Congregations, LGBTQ Welcome & Equality, Communication, Membership Growth & Outreach -
The Caring Committee at the UU Church of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel, CA (234 members), once sandbagged a member's house to protect it from a flood. Last year it secretly delivered 31 Easter baskets to people who needed a boost. Another time it weeded an elderly woman's garden....
By Donald E. Skinner | June 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Governance for Congregations, Support and Caring in Congregations -
Many of the ten congregations in metropolitan Pittsburgh, PA, have fewer than one hundred members, but together they have nearly 1,000 and in recent years they've found more and more ways to come together and make their numbers count. For about six years representatives of the congregations have...
By Donald E. Skinner | June 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Music in Worship, UUA Districts & Regions, Leadership Development -
When Mitch Levy's wife asked him for a divorce three years ago, he hadn't seen it coming. He'd just moved to the Seattle area for a new job and she was to join him. But then she called, saying she'd decided she didn't want to be married. In shock, and in a new town with no friends and no support,...
By Donald E. Skinner | June 1, 2000 | From InterConnectionsTagged as: Membership in Congregations