We've had Plenty of Success!

Despite the cuts and delays, many Vision 2010 goals have been achieved and First Church remains a vibrant, welcoming community!  
Our achievements include:

• Two full-time ministers:  Drew Kennedy and Dena McPhetres.
• Three services each Sunday, September through June, since Fall 2007.
• The change from lay-led casual summer services in 2008 to weekly minister-led summer services with music, RE classes for children, and  “Introduction to Unitarian Universalism” sessions.
• A third part-time music director, a part-time facilities assistant, and part-time Religious Education staff person are on board to support the 50 additional Sunday services offered under Vision 2010.
• An improved focus on guests and new members, due to a more structured effort to educate and support them, as well as offer more contact with our ministers.
• New small group ministry and affinity groups, including Stage Left, Buddhism and Theism groups, “Interplay” movement group, and YANKS for young adults.
• Green Sanctuary certification; installation of solar panels on the roof to generate some of our own electricity; insulation of the 1892 Sanctuary roof and Max Otto Hall.
• Attendance of 200+ children in our popular Religious Education programs each year, with especially strong participation in the high school youth group and the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program on human sexuality.
• Redesign of our website; upgrade of computer hardware and software; development of a robust committee of IT volunteers.
• The first Morter Lecture program on a “personal responsibility” theme, fulfilling the terms of a bequest from Irma Morter.
• Adoption of a Council structure for Social Justice and a process which fosters member-initiated new action groups, such as our Common Ground group.
• Enthusiastic, strong participation in our Youth Mission Trip each summer.
• Recognition by UUA as a Welcoming Congregation in 2005.
• Initiation of Share the Plate, where we donate 50% of non-pledge money from the Sunday collection plate to a local non-profit selected each month.
• Creation of a strong worship associates program.

And yes—we’ve done it all without a single dedicated downtown parking space for employees and members!

NOTE:  The complete Vision 2010 document is available at http://uumilwaukee.org/Resources_and_Policies . Copies are also available at the Member Services Table.