October 2025 Board Meeting
Splinters from the UULansing BoT meeting, Wednesday 2025 October 22
1. Updated Ends: After analysis of the feedback from the spring questionnaire, small-group meetings (see below), letters and notes sent to the board, staff input, and congregant discussions in person, we have adopted the following updated “ends”, which we share below. These values will serve to guide us as we move forward with the day-to-day work and future planning for the church.
As congregants of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs, we:
• Explore and articulate our Unitarian Universalist values
• Share our UU values across the generations.
• Practice radical love and acceptance for all.
• Connect in loving community and cultivate belonging and inclusion.
• Work for peace, justice, and sustainability, in partnership with the larger community.
• Provide a haven for spiritual growth through the church experience.
2. Congregational Small-Group Discussions: From August to October, ~60 UU Lansing congregants met in small groups with Board members to connect and communicate, sharing memories, insights, and aspirations for our beloved community. The conversations were organized around five questions:
1. What first drew you to UUCGL?
2. When was UUCGL most alive to you in the last 6 years?
3. What is most alive for you about UUCGL right now?
4. What would you like to see us look like in 10 years, and how do you see yourself engaged in making that happen?
5. Are we missing something? What other questions should we be asking?
Each meeting was staffed by two board members, one to moderate, and one to record responses as the conversations proceeded. A thematic summary of these lively and meaningful conversations, were developed – see separate blog posting.
3. Current budget: The Treasurer’s report noted that income and expenses are within acceptable range relative to the planned budget for this time.
4. Please pledge! Pledges are coming in, but we have not heard from a significant number of congregants, a point of concern as the next year’s budget, to be voted on at the November 16 congregational meeting, is defined by pledged funds.