Unity Church of Tucson

by Tom Kelley, Board President

On Sunday, July 15th, the Board had an information sharing session with interested members of the congregation. After some opening remarks and introductions, I facilitated a brainstorming session, exploring three areas of interest by inviting everyone to share their ideas with the group. I also asked people to write down their ideas, so we could have an accurate record. If you were not able to attend the session, but would like to contribute your own ideas, feel free to email them or write them down and give them to Larry, Mary Ellen or any Board member. The Program Development Committee will be coordinating with committee chairs and the volunteer coordinator to follow through on these ideas. So, if you would like to participate in helping to bring any of these suggestions into reality, speak up. We will schedule a second session sometime after the first of the year to follow up and co-create more ideas.

The three areas of interest we explored are listed below, each followed by some of the ideas people shared.

1. What activities would you like to participate in at Unity, and in what capacity?

a. Visitor Welcoming: “Getting to know you” events, such as pot lucks and games to help new people feel welcome / mentoring for new members / beginning Unity classes / designated visitor greeters / New Member Committee

b. Social Events: Movies at a theatre or the Church / lunches / day trips / dancing / hiking / art / crafts / concerts / attending sporting events

c. Education: Classes, study groups, retreats, and lectures on topics such as Unity principles, 4T, tai chi, co-creation, specific books, videos, or authors, “Emotional Freedom Technique,” speakers

d. Resources: Recommended reading list / info on Unity Village / list of book authors and titles for various categories (prosperity, spirituality, health, etc.) / contact information or directory of congregants who want to share that information

e. Service: prayer chaplain / Board member / greeter / facilitator / mentor

2. What skills or areas of expertise do you (or someone you know) have that you believe would be interesting or useful to offer to the congregation or to the Tucson community?

Many people responded with one or more of the following: facilitating, event planning, interviewing, public speaking, prior board service, organizational skills, astrology, energy medicine publicity, marketing, strategic planning, leadership roles, assessment and evaluation of programs, consulting.

3. What are you passionate about?

Many people responded with one or more of these passions, too: Unity, Jesus, spreading the word, metaphysics, astrology, art, architecture, energy work, children, creating peace and harmony, interviewing interesting people, social activities, dogs, health, well being.

I speak on behalf of the Ministers and Board when I extend our gratitude and appreciation to everyone who shared, or simply blessed us with your presence. This was a wonderful experience, and we look forward to working with the congregation to move ahead with many of these exciting ideas.