we worship together with loving hearts and open minds,

promoting peace, equality, and respect for the Earth.

Questioning, reflecting, learning, leading . . .

we change ourselves as we change the world."

If you are interested in our process, you may read further.

Below, you will see sample mission statements created by the Board as points of inspiration and as examples to respond to as we collect feedback from members and friends about what resonates when we think of UUCMP and our overarching purpose.

Remember, a mission statement is a clear, concise and compelling statement that explains our core reason(s) for being. It is one thing that helps newcomers decide if this congregation is the kind of place they want to visit or join or become more deeply involved. It offers some guidance and accountability to committees or groups to envision how their program can not only be successful in itself, but contribute to the success of the congregation as a whole. And, it is a statement forged by all the members that gives direction to the leaders working with the Board of Trustees and the Program Council to understand the collaborative goal of the church when all individuals and programs are working together. 

At each Sunday service in April there will be an insert in the Order of Worship which will have some sample statements.

Please take the opportunity to read the statements below and then answer the following questions.  We will use your responses to develop a final draft that will be submitted for consideration at the May congregational meeting.  Thank you!

• After looking through these four mission statements, please circle all words or phrases that you believe effectively describe who we are / or who we strive to be at UUCMP.

• If there is any essential aspect of UUCMP, or purpose we serve that you do NOT see reflected in these mission statements, please include it here.

• If you would like to write a mission statement describing UUCMP’s reason for being, please include it here.

• These four mission statements are written in different styles.  One includes bullet points.  Three are narrative, two of which are written in one long sentence.  Some are more “poetic” than others.  What style do you feel is most appropriate for our mission statement?

• Please include any other comments that you would like the Board to consider as it integrates congregational input into a final draft of a mission statement.

There will be a box in the church foyer marked "Mission Statement" to turn in your written comments.

You can also send your input to Diane in the office (office@uucmp.org) - please put "Mission Statement" in the subject line.

In addition, conversations will happen from 12-12:30 on April 3, 10 and 17 after the service where you can hear other ideas.

We look forward to hearing from you. 

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Sample Mission Statements

The following represent different ideas of what a possible UUCMP Mission Statement might look like. These were created after looking at comments from members and friends that came in during the April 2008 Worship Service, the 2009 and 2010 canvass as well as other conversations where we recorded responses. We are not choosing one, but rather using all to be able to identify the words, ideas, phrases that most closely capture our identity.

Sample Statement #1

 

We, the Unitarian Universalists of the Monterey Peninsula, provide a religious community to nurture spiritual, intellectual, and emotional growth. We celebrate the individual worth of all human beings and life in all its diversity. We promote caring and responsibility for each other and our children, the larger community, and the environment. We work for social justice, peace, and a more humane world.

 

Sample Statement #2

 

Welcoming all, honoring diverse perspectives, sharing worship and leadership, and cultivating care and collaboration, we come together to transform ourselves and the world through love, learning and service

 

Sample Statement #3

 

UUCMP is a religious community working to create a sacred space of love, peace, gratitude, and safety so that we may cherish and nurture the gifts of our members, soothe their souls in times of trial, and transform ourselves and society in the pursuit of justice and reverence for all living beings.

 

Sample Statement #4

(Mission statement that has been being used by the staff and the board)

 

Transforming toward the common good through Love, Learning and Service.

We:

• Foster self-acceptance and curiosity about others
• Educate for leadership
• Cultivate interdependence
• Celebrate life
• Build community
• Work for justice