A Great Church!
By Tom Kelley, Board President
In case you weren’t aware, Unity of Tucson’s Board of Trustees consists of Revs. Larry and Mary Ellen Swartz plus six members of the congregation. Each February, at a brief meeting immediately after the annual meeting of the membership, the Board of Trustees officially select who will fill the four offices of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer for the following year. I sometimes joke that I became President of the Board by being the last one to say, “Not me!” but I really do consider it an honor and privilege to serve in this capacity. Among my joys as President, I get to speak to the congregation every other month in an article here in Expanding Horizons.
Every year, the Board has a two-day retreat in the Fall, and a one-day training session in the Spring. For the past dozen years or so, Barbara O’Hearne, Management Consultant with the Association of Unity Churches, has blessed us with her presence and amazing talent as communicator and facilitator during our Spring training sessions. Barbara met with us on March 10th, 2007 to conduct management training and to help us further develop our strategic planning concerning the future direction of Unity of Tucson. Among other topics, we discussed ideas presented in Jim Collins’ book, Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t, and his follow-up book, Good to Great and the Social Sectors: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great.
Of course, the words “good” and “great” are relative and subjective terms, especially when applied to social and spiritual organizations. Churches have some easily quantified metrics, such as attendance, financial figures, and event statistics. But there are many more aspects of a church that cannot be easily measured, such as the spiritual growth of individuals or groups, the value of the comfort and support offered to those in need, the social contact, and the joy, love, prosperity, peace of mind, and wholeness experienced by those who learn and apply Unity principles. One’s spiritual journey is, indeed, priceless and immeasurable.
We could say that Unity of Tucson is a great church, and we would be right. We could also say we could do more things, do different things, or do some things better. Again, we would be right. We could, individually as a congregation, become greater than we are at this instant. Remember the law of attraction is always at work, bringing whatever you focus on into your experience. Great people, great ideas, and great actions produce great experiences and great results.
During our Spring training sessions, the Board agreed that one opportunity to enhance our Church’s greatness is the development of our leadership team. The leadership team consists of all the people who are involved in various events and activities at the Church, including the youth groups, health ministry, prayer ministry, bookstore, grounds keeping, and the heavenly host of volunteer angels who participate through their gifts of time, talent and treasure. The Board recognizes and appreciates you and all you do. We also want to encourage current and future leaders by providing opportunities for your personal growth.
Of course, we want everyone in our Church to undergo spiritual growth. We also want to direct energy toward cultivating the personal development skills of our congregants. You can then become more confident and apply those skills by participating in various leadership capacities, such as event coordinator, committee chair, group leader, or Board member. Perhaps you aspire to become a licensed teacher or Unity minister. The Board is committed to assisting you through training and experience opportunities that will help both you and Unity of Tucson become even greater. Imagine that! If you would like to become more involved in your Church, just talk to our volunteer coordinator, the ministers, or anyone on the Board. At Unity of Tucson, we love you just as you are. We also love what you are about to become!
Posted: July 20th, 2007 under Presidents Message.
Comments: none