Board of Trustees: Summary of 2025 Small Group Sessions
Cross-Cutting Insights (Across All 5 Questions):
• Music, Social Justice, and Community are the enduring lifeblood of UUCGL.
• Leadership communication, transparency, and pastoral care are the most urgent areas of concern.
• Members deeply value connection, participation, and shared ownership over hierarchy.
• Contrast of hope for renewal and fatigue from disconnection suggest a congregation in transition.
• The vision is of a diverse, intergenerational, justice-oriented, spiritually grounded community—but
realizing it will depend on inclusive leadership and authentic relationship-building.
1. WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO UUCGL?
1. Religious Education (RE) for Children & Family Connection
o Many were seeking a spiritual home aligned with their values for their children.
o RE programs and intergenerational community were major draws.
o Longstanding families and newcomers alike emphasized UU values taught to kids.
2. Community & Belonging
o A strong desire for friendship, shared values, and meaningful connection.
o Several mentioned being welcomed personally or seeking an inclusive, safe space.
3. Social Justice & Shared Values
o Drawn by activism, progressive stances, and alignment with UU principles (post-2016 election was a
catalyst for some).
o Interest in ethical action, equality, and local outreach.
4. Music & Worship Experience
o Choir, music programs, and uplifting worship experiences were key attractors.
o Musical community as a way to combine art, spirituality, and fellowship.
5. Spiritual Freedom & Liberal Theology
o Desire for a non-credal, open-minded space beyond traditional religion.
o Humanism, Zen ideals, and intellectual exploration frequently cited.
2. WHEN WAS UUCGL MOST ALIVE FOR YOU IN THE LAST 6
YEARS?
1. Community Engagement & Shared Purpose
o Social justice programs (RDC, SCK, gardens), outreach, and small groups fostered vitality.
o Congregational collaboration (e.g., 175th anniversary, coffee hours, fundraising) gave energy.
2. Music & Worship Connection
o Music Sundays, choirs, lay-led services, and thematic integration of music with social issues inspired
people.
o Women’s chorus particularly mentioned as a high point.
3. Leadership & Ministerial Influence
o Positive energy under previous ministers (Kathryn/John) noted; contrast with current leadership
mentioned often.
o Periods of transparency, inclusivity, and authentic communication created a “living church.”
4. Moments of Shared Challenge & Growth
o COVID-era adaptations—Zoom coffee hours, mutual support—felt alive and connective for some.
o Others found that period isolating, underscoring the importance of personal connection.
5. Lay Participation & Empowerment
o Congregants leading services, teaching classes (“Build Your Own Theology,” “New to UU”), or
taking initiative created a sense of ownership and vitality.
3. WHAT IS MOST ALIVE FOR YOU ABOUT UUCGL RIGHT NOW?
1. New Energy & Emerging Connections
o Excitement about new members, younger people, and post-sabbatical renewal.
o Small groups, book/bike clubs, and circle suppers help rebuild relationships.
2. Lay Leadership & Member Ownership
o Pride in lay-led services and congregational collaboration during minister’s sabbatical.
o Sense of shared responsibility replacing passive “membership.”
3. Music, Creativity & Shared Spirituality
o Music remains important to spiritual engagement--folk band, choir, LB introductions.
o Likewise, religious education story time, participatory worship inspire family connections.
4. Social Justice & Community Action
o Programs like RDC, SCK, ESL, and community gardens give life and purpose.
o Church seen as a vehicle for living UU principles through tangible service.
5. Efforts to Rebuild & Heal
o Honest conversations about grief, conflict, and institutional change seen as signs of growth.
o Hopeful tone about reconnection, sustainability, and inclusion (ASL access, family involvement).
4. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE US LOOK LIKE IN 10 YEARS,
AND HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF ENGAGED IN MAKING THAT
HAPPEN?
1. Growth, Diversity & Inclusion
o Desire for more young families, racial/cultural diversity, LGBTQ+ visibility, and community
representation.
o Radical hospitality and outreach to South Lansing emphasized.
2. Vibrant Programs & Participation
o A thriving RE program, active small groups, covenant circles, and community partnerships.
o More music, creativity, and intergenerational activities.
3. Improved Governance, Leadership & Communication
o Strong call for transparency, collaboration, communication between board, minister, & members.
o Many envision participatory structures (program councils, team coordination, volunteer systems).
4. Financial & Organizational Sustainability
o Staffing expansion (assistant minister, RE director, admin), facility improvements (signage,
accessibility, solar power), and strategic planning.
o Stewardship and long-term planning seen as essential to stability.
5. Deepened Spiritual & Social Mission
o Be known as a beacon for justice, compassion, and courage.
o Members want to help through mentoring, volunteering, and community-building acts of love.
5. ARE WE MISSING SOMETHING? WHAT OTHER QUESTIONS
SHOULD WE BE ASKING?
1. Leadership & Governance Concerns
o Significant frustration with perceived lack of vision, communication, and responsiveness from
leadership.
o Policy governance model questioned; many call for more transparency, training, and dialogue.
2. Ministerial Relationship & Worship Quality
o Repeated dissatisfaction with sermons (uninspiring, disconnected).
o Desire for more relational ministry, visible leadership, and clearer expectations for accessibility.
3. Communication & Connection
o Need for clear channels: who to contact, how to form groups, how decisions are made.
o Suggestions for visible board photos, regular Q&A, suggestion box, and improved website/newsletter
info.
4. Community Healing & Covenant
o Calls to nurture fellowship, practice love and repair when harm occurs, and honor the covenant.
o Acknowledgment of trauma, disconnection, and the need for mutual care.
5. Visibility & Outreach
o Want more presence in the community, stronger recruitment, better signage, and public identity as a
UU hub.
o Music and public engagement named as key avenues for growth