© 2010
The New UU program provides important tools to help congregations welcome, orient, and integrate newcomers into their faith communities. The program addresses the needs of newcomers who want to know more about who we are and what we believe. It provides opportunities for members of your congregation to share with newcomers what it means to them to be a Unitarian Universalist. It gives newcomers a chance to examine their own personal stories in the light of our Unitarian Universalist tradition and heritage. It provides a chance for newcomers to the congregation and long-timers to connect. It provides an explicit invitation to become a member.
Contents
Acknowledgments
From The New UU
We gratefully acknowledge the use of the following material: Excerpts from Cathedral of the World, by Forrest Church, copyright 2009 by Forrest Church. Reprinted by permission of Beacon Press, Boston. "The Founding of the Dedham Church," from Our Covenant: The 2000-01 Minns Lectures, The Lay and...
Preface
From The New UU
People come to our congregations in many ways. Some research carefully, devouring every word on a congregation's website before entering the building. Some are drawn in by a newspaper story or an event poster, and decide to come and check the congregation out....
Introduction
From The New UU
The Program Give the people something of your new vision. You may possess a small light, but uncover it, let it shine, use it to bring more light and understanding to the hearts and minds of men and women. Give them not hell, but hope and courage... — John Murray, Early American Universalist...
Program Structure
From The New UU
The New UU consists of six workshops, 90 minutes in length. Each includes suggestions for shortening the workshop if you only have an hour and Alternate Activities you can use to lengthen the workshop. Each workshop includes these elements: Introduction The Introduction summarizes the workshop...
Materials
From The New UU
Name tags, durable or single use Bold markers Paper and pen/pencil for sign-up sheet Small table Optional: Refreshments...
Leader Guidelines
From The New UU
Participants will come to The New UU with different levels of exposure to Unitarian Universalism. Many will have explored Internet resources extensively. Some will have friends in the congregation. Others will have only recently stumbled onto your congregation and know very little. Do not assume...
Implementation
From The New UU
The workshops are independent of one another, but are best completed as a series. They may be offered weekly over a period of six weeks, as a weekend workshop (Workshops 1 and 2 on Friday evening, and Workshops 3-6 on Saturday), or in other formats that your congregation can accommodate. Ideally,...
Before You Start
From The New UU
Coordinate with the minister and Membership Committee. Because the goal is to prepare newcomers for membership, planning with relevant leaders is essential. Decide what information to include about your congregation and plan to welcome new members in a congregational worship soon after the program.
Facilitator Feedback Form
From The New UU
We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations....
Participant Feedback Form
From The New UU
We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations....
Principles and Sources
From The New UU
Unitarian Universalist Principles There are seven Principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote: The inherent worth and dignity of every person Justice, equity and compassion in human relations Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our...
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