Getting Congregational Input
Members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Milford (UUCM) engaged eagerly in the Search process as we began our search in 2018. The initial survey was completed by 94 out of 140 members (67%), as well as 9 friends of the congregation. Fifty people participated in at least one Focus Group. A second, shorter survey in 2019 was completed by 83 members and friends, providing important information not covered by the 2018 survey.
This high level of participation provided the Search Committee with valuable information about the congregation’s hopes and visions for the next Settled Minister.
The Survey
Links to the 2018 Survey in bold red. Links to the 2019 Survey in bold green
About Our Congregation
The majority of the regular attendees at UUCM have been members for more than 15 years. (Quite a few began attending as young families and “raised their children” in the church.) Almost half of the congregation is 65 years or older. The ratio of women to men is approximately 3 to 1. Roughly two thirds of the survey respondents are married or living with a partner.
Most of UUCM’s members identify as heterosexual and cis-gender. About 8% are lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender.
We have about 10 children (ages 1-11) and 5 youth (ages 12-18) participating in our programs currently. (The information on Question #8 of the 2018 survey is incorrect. This may be due to confusion about the wording of the question). Many congregants express a strong hope that the next settled minister will provide us with ideas and support to bring more families with children through our doors.
Members and friends of UUCM hold a wide range of spiritual and religious beliefs. The majority of survey respondents indicated that they found meaning in more than one form of religious/ spiritual/ philosophical expression. This is in keeping with our 4th principle, “A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” The responses to Question #9 on the 2018 survey suggested that Ethical Religion, Eclectic, Earth-centered spirituality, and Humanism were the most widely held beliefs.
Many members take an active role in the life of the church. About half of the 2018 survey respondents are serving or have served on one or more committees, with a smaller number taking on the role of committee chair. Many UUCM members have served on the Board at some time. Composition of our nine-member Board changes each year, with Board Vice Presidents and Presidents typically serving one-year terms. Board members at large may continue for up to four years, but new members join the Board each year as seats open up. Responses on the 2019 survey indicated that church members feel a high level of confidence in our leadership.
There is very strong support for the social responsibility activities and projects that UUCM currently engages in. Many members and friends participate in one or more actions of social responsibility. UUCM shares the Sunday offering each week with carefully chosen organizations that promote social welfare and justice. Many members work to provide a free supper for the larger Milford community once a month. During Autumn 2019, church members have participated in weekly rallies about Climate change held in front of the church. During the focus groups, people expressed a wish to see more social justice activity, especially if a large part of the congregation (including children and youth) can be involved in a particular project. When asked on the 2019 Survey if they would volunteer more time if needed to work on a social justice project, many indicated that they would be willing and able to volunteer (Question #15 ).
Congregants share a wide range of social concerns. We are strong supporters of protection for the rights of LGBTQ individuals, people of color, and immigrants/ refugees. The Climate crisis, peace movement activities, women’s issues, safe schools/gun safety, homophobia and racism are other topics sometimes covered in Sunday services and adult RE discussions.