Focus Group FAQs

by Kitty Merrill | Sep 1, 2015 | Justice Actions

Q: Why do I need to go to a Focus Group?
A: Focus Groups are a great place for the exchange of ideas, and to hear how others view the church and will measure ministerial success.
Q: I’m not a member. Can I attend a Focus Group?
A: Yes. If you attend on Sundays, serve on a committee, join us for events, etc.
Q: I’m a teenager. Can I participate?
A: Absolutely. That would be so awesome! What you think and what you say is important.
Q: How will I know which Focus Group to go to?
A: Sign up sheets for the Focus Groups are at the Search Committee bulletin board near Spiritual Growth and Adult Programs in Berg Hall.
Q: Will I need to both participate in a Focus Group and respond to the Survey?
A: Since the Focus Groups and the Survey cover different topics, it will be most informative and helpful if you do both.
Q: What happens with the information?
A: It’ll be included in the Congregational Packet pre-candidates receive. We will use your comments and responses as we proceed in the Search process.

Starting Out – Our Search for the Next UUCV Minister

by Kitty Merrill | Aug 1, 2015 | Justice Actions

Settled Ministerial Search Committee Report – August 2015

The Settled Minister Search Committee (SMSC) met in July to get to know each other and to start the business of the committee. We learned about the search process, the timeline involved, and divided up the work according to our various interests and talents. During the process the SMSC will put together a comprehensive congregational packet so prospective ministerial candidates can learn about us. At the same time candidates will have their own packets so the SMSC can learn about them
In September and October the SMSC will launch a Congregational Survey and series of Focus Groups to receive your input about selecting a minister. The Survey and the Focus Groups offer members and friends an opportunity to express their needs and wishes for the congregation’s future ministry. A high survey response rate with active and engaged Focus Group participation will give the SMSC vital information about the congregation’s make-up and future direction. Meeting, talking, and sharing in community will help us move beyond the past and think about our congregation’s dreams and wishes for the future. Your survey responses and discussions in the Focus Groups will be part of the congregational record, and will be posted on the web for all interested ministerial candidates to review. What we say about ourselves in the congregational record makes all the difference in who becomes interested in serving our church community. A high survey response participation in the Focus Groups will make the congregational record more accurately reflect who we are and where we wish to go. The Congregational Survey will be available online and in hard copy on Sunday, Sept 13.
The Focus Groups, held both at church and at members’ homes start the first two weeks of October. Please sign up at the bulletin board next to the Spiritual Growth and Adult Programs information in Berg Hall, or contact Celia Ortenberg at ortenbc@gmail.com before Oct 20 and after Oct 20 Silvia Hutchins at silviahutchins190@gmail.com.