Open Doors - Two Services Proposal for the

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sterling by the

Open Doors - Two Services Task Force

May 18, 2014

The following four pages, presented at a forum on May 4, 2014, constitute the aforementioned proposal.

Two Service Concept

• Beginning in September 2015 (Delayed from Sept 2014)• Two services: 9:15 AM and 11:00 AM each service generally the

same, i.e., the same readings and sermon at both services. (For example: On Sundays when she is in the pulpit, Rev Anya will preach at both services.)

• Full Children‘s Religious Education at 11:00 AM service• Small group RE at 9:15 AM service – such as presently done in

the summer• Both services similar – possibly time for more polylogs at first

service• Band plays five times per year at both services• Choir sings five times per year at both services, fifteen times at

second service only and twice during vespers services• Social hour between services, and after second service• UUCS is growing both spiritually and in membership. We want

to expand our reach and our presence. We are limiting our potential to increase in attendance and membership by celebrating only one service each Sunday. More flexibility in times is a big reason to move to two services.

UUCS Vision Statement:We are building the world we dream about, where all souls thrive in a diverse and loving community, acting daily on our commitment to justice.

Open Doors – Two Services

From the UUCS Mission Statement:•In the Experience of Worship we express our awe, contemplate the Sacred, interpret the wisdom of religion, and explore the insights of science.•In Community we listen to and empower one another to seek, doubt and grow.

•More room at fellowship•Allows us to grow numerically without renting more space•More space for parking to accommodate our growth•Have one service that is intergenerational and one that is not (i.e., Animal Blessing Sunday) •RE volunteers can attend one service and serve during the other •Option to be a “morning person” ...•Services reasonably comparable - so the congregation has a similar experience •There are literally hundreds or thousands of people who could benefit from our religion if they new it existed and if they felt comfortable coming here.•With expected membership growth, we will begin studying the acquisition of our own church property with move-in expected January 1 2018 (to be discussed)

Why Two Services?

Challenges?

• Costs: Our preferred scenario will cost $23,000 per year. This would increase the DRE (Linda Weaver) and the Music Director (Kris Adams) to half-time, as well as increased accompaniment costs, 2 additional paid Child Care Providers, and one additional paid teacher.

• Depending on the final results of 2015 pledge drive the costs we expect enhanced Children’s Religious Education and additional music support to increase by between $13,000 and $23,000.

• Should the 2014/2015 pledge drive not raise enough additional funds, the Board would like the Congregation to specifically authorize raising the necessary funds in a different way, perhaps by borrowing the money internally from the existing Endowment or from individuals within the Congregation.

• Maintain connectionso Friday social events (one or two per month)o Wednesday vespers (one per month)o Encourage joining covenant groups

2 May 2014

Items Whose Costs Depend on the Number of Services

One Srv Two Srv dif %dif Guest Speakers 2,000.00 2,400.00 400.00 20 RE Supplies 500.00 600.00 100.00 20 DRE Compensation 19,801.00 26,111.00 6,310.00 32 Teen Nursery Provider, 2nd service 1,170.00 Adult Nursery Provider, 2nd service 1,560.00 MultiAge Teacher, 2nd Service 1,520.00 SubTotal Child Care 4,000.00 8,250.00 4,250.00 106 SubTotal Children 24,301.00 34,961.00 10,660.00 44 Guest Musicians 1,000.00 1,250.00 250.00 25 Musical Accompanist 2,153.00 3,230.00 1,077.00 50 Music Director, to 1/4 time 7,750.80 9,070.86 1,320.06 17 SubTotal Music Level 1 10,903.80 13,550.86 2,647.06 24 Music Director, to 1/3 time 12,094.48 4,343.68 56 SubTotal Music Level 2 16,574.48 5,670.68 52 Music Director, to 1/2 time 18,141.72 10,390.92 134 SubTotal Music Level 3 22,621.72 11,717.92 107 Total Level 1 37,204.80 50,911.86 13,707.06 37 Total Level 2 53,935.48 16,730.68 45 Total Level 3 59,982.72 22,777.92 61