Who brought up the idea to move and when? How long was it before the Congregation heard anything?
Where did all of this come from without the congregation being informed?
Where did all of this come from without the congregation being informed?
JUC has been wrestling with space issues since the 90's. The first round of searching for options resulted in the renovation of the Mills building and construction of the chapel and RE wing in 2004. The second round resulted in the formation of the Evergreen satellite campus in 2012.
Workshops for congregants to share their dreams for living more fully into our mission were done back in 2011-2012 with the Gathered Here focus groups and the follow up leadership meeting held in 2013 with some 42 Congregational leaders. These visions were augmented by a series of 100 one on one interviews by the Social Responsibility Council in the fall of 2017 seeking input on priorities and dreams for social action from the Congregation.
The Board evaluated all of this material and input and chose the BHAG and associated evaluation of options at their fall retreat in 2017. The Board began "socializing" the goal with the Congregation at the Fall Congregational meeting in October and through articles in the monthly newsletter also in October.
Workshops for congregants to share their dreams for living more fully into our mission were done back in 2011-2012 with the Gathered Here focus groups and the follow up leadership meeting held in 2013 with some 42 Congregational leaders. These visions were augmented by a series of 100 one on one interviews by the Social Responsibility Council in the fall of 2017 seeking input on priorities and dreams for social action from the Congregation.
The Board evaluated all of this material and input and chose the BHAG and associated evaluation of options at their fall retreat in 2017. The Board began "socializing" the goal with the Congregation at the Fall Congregational meeting in October and through articles in the monthly newsletter also in October.
Why the arbitrary deadline? Is there time to evaluate?
The May date in BHAG isn't arbitrary but rather a goal the Board to allow time for the initial evaluation of options that are viable to pursue.
Are there other UU churches and fellowships in the metro-area growing? Is JUC unique in growing?
Yes. The 5 largest UU churches in the Denver/Boulder area all saw growth over the past 3 years - with increases between 4 and 25%. Moreover, two churches have undertaken expansion/renovation projects this past year: First Unitarian (downtown) raised $2.6M in their capital campaign and First Universalist (Hampden) is raising $4M for their expansion.
Finally, 4 of the top 5 churches in terms of membership have all had expansions or currently under renovation within the last 5-7 years.
Finally, 4 of the top 5 churches in terms of membership have all had expansions or currently under renovation within the last 5-7 years.
Ask Keith before he goes on sabbatical what is needed RE: Music?
All of the ministers have been deeply involved in both describing their aspirations for as well as the current constraints in our current facility. Keith has been extensively consulted on the limitations of our current facility on our music ministry, as well as outlining for us needs that would allow the program to bloom.
What is our current financial situation?
Our current budget and balance sheet are always available to any member by request to Carol Wilsey. In short, the finances of the church are strong. Notably:
· Pledge income and operating expenses are tracking with the projected budget
· We have finally met the goal of having an operating reserve that is 25% of the operating budget
· In 2017 we paid off the outstanding balances of loans from members and the EMGT for the building renovation
· JUC achieved the 3 year goal of full fair share payments to the UUA
· JUC was honored to receive nearly $300,000 in unrestricted bequests in 2016 and 2017
· Pledge income and operating expenses are tracking with the projected budget
· We have finally met the goal of having an operating reserve that is 25% of the operating budget
· In 2017 we paid off the outstanding balances of loans from members and the EMGT for the building renovation
· JUC achieved the 3 year goal of full fair share payments to the UUA
· JUC was honored to receive nearly $300,000 in unrestricted bequests in 2016 and 2017
If JUC grows, what are the staffing limitations?
How much growth can be absorbed by the existing staff?
How much assumes new staffing?
What staffing costs will go hand in hand with growth?
How much growth can be absorbed by the existing staff?
How much assumes new staffing?
What staffing costs will go hand in hand with growth?
Our staff is on board and excited about Making Room. We believe in JUC, as well as the power it holds to make a difference in people's life within and beyond our church walls. That said, our staff size will need to increase to address anticipated growth. Rev. Wendy will be bringing a plan to the Board in the coming weeks that addresses future staffing needs in the context of various growth scenarios.
What other UU churches across the country are similar in size to JUC and what are their campuses like?
JUC is the 10th largest UU Congregation in the U.S. based on membership. We don't have data on the physical dimensions of the other large churches. All Souls Tulsa church, our largest with membership of 2172, voted to move from their suburban location to downtown Tulsa in 2017 to occupy a city block.
The remaining top five UU churches by membership are:
First Unitarian Society, Madison, WI - 1457
All Souls Unitarian, Washington, DC - 1104
First Unitarian Church of Dallas, TX - 1069
First Unitarian Church, Portland, OR - 1043
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, MN - 1026
You can use Googlemaps or GoogleEarth to view the layout of their campuses.
The remaining top five UU churches by membership are:
First Unitarian Society, Madison, WI - 1457
All Souls Unitarian, Washington, DC - 1104
First Unitarian Church of Dallas, TX - 1069
First Unitarian Church, Portland, OR - 1043
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, MN - 1026
You can use Googlemaps or GoogleEarth to view the layout of their campuses.
What are the pros and cons of adding an “annex” site that can be used for large meetings and family promise while services are still held here—though we might need to add a 3rd service? It seems some constraints can be met at this site.
Adding an “annex” site doesn’t address the space constraints we have on our current site including overcrowding in the RE wing, lack of office space, adequate rehearsal space for the choir and musicians, storage space and parking issues.
We have been adding services at various times during the week as well as up to 4 additional services at Christmas. Adding a third service on Sundays was tried prior to the last expansion of the church and proved very difficult logistically for the staff and choir to fully support. While we can (and do) occasionally add an extra Sunday service successfully, the demand on staff and volunteers is too large. Something suffers whether it is the welcome we offer to others or consistent and robust music and/or religious education.
We have been adding services at various times during the week as well as up to 4 additional services at Christmas. Adding a third service on Sundays was tried prior to the last expansion of the church and proved very difficult logistically for the staff and choir to fully support. While we can (and do) occasionally add an extra Sunday service successfully, the demand on staff and volunteers is too large. Something suffers whether it is the welcome we offer to others or consistent and robust music and/or religious education.
Why create one large church? If UUism is growing, why not start another separate church so that there are more locations? What are the pros and cons of splitting congregation into multiple congregations at multiple sites? Maybe the other in a more urban setting?
The growth in Unitarian Universalism is in large churches. The resources, professional staff, and consistent quality offerings seem to be what attracts people. Further, JUC has long had a bold sensibility about the impact it wanted to make.
Our mission statement calls for us to transform the world beyond our walls. Recent leadership gatherings and interviews of over 100 members revealed our desire to be the convener of social justice in Jefferson County. We can't have that sort of impact by dividing our number.
Finally, Jefferson Unitarian Church has grown into an integrated whole. We are one church. As far as additional sites or campuses; our five year effort at a second campus in Evergreen taught us many things. First, if we truly want that to succeed, we would have to fully staff it with less than optimal utilization of those staff. Second, we found that essential elements of church programming were very difficult to create at the second campus including adult programming, youth religious education, and vibrant music programs.
Our mission statement calls for us to transform the world beyond our walls. Recent leadership gatherings and interviews of over 100 members revealed our desire to be the convener of social justice in Jefferson County. We can't have that sort of impact by dividing our number.
Finally, Jefferson Unitarian Church has grown into an integrated whole. We are one church. As far as additional sites or campuses; our five year effort at a second campus in Evergreen taught us many things. First, if we truly want that to succeed, we would have to fully staff it with less than optimal utilization of those staff. Second, we found that essential elements of church programming were very difficult to create at the second campus including adult programming, youth religious education, and vibrant music programs.
How much square footage would we need to add to get a combo bigger sanctuary/big meeting space? Plus more RE rooms?
We currently have approximately 20,000 square feet. We feel that nearly double that square footage would give us room to grow for the future.
What is the extent of the decision we will make at the April 15 congregational meeting? Will we give the Board permission to decide to purchase land or a building and proceed with plans, architects, etc. or will there be additional forums, cong. Meetings, etc. to get input and permission from the congregation.
The vote at the April meeting will be to support the Board in continuing the effort to find and ultimately procure a suitable property/facility. It will NOT be to vote on purchasing a specific tract of land or property. We anticipate and hope that a recommendation to do that will be put in front of the Congregation at a subsequent meeting.
