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The January 2012 GNUUS (Gwinnett News for Unitarian Universalists) is available.  If you'd like to be added to the distribution list, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Printed copies are available on the bulletin board at UUCG.

Please submit your This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and items for the February GNUUS by January 25.

2011 is a big year for UUCG. We celebrated our 30th anniversary and called Rev. Jan Taddeo as our full-time settled minister. It is a time for honoring our past and looking to the future.

Over the course of the stewardship drive for 2012 (approximately 3 weeks), young and old alike were invited to write their dreams for UUCG on leaves and attach them to the dream tree. By the end of the pledge drive the tree was covered with dozens of multi-colored leaves expressing hopes and dreams alongside green leaves of financial support from our congregants.

The dream leaves seemed to fall in fairly neat piles: Facilities (41%), Growth & Membership (17%), Social Justice/Faith In Action (15%), Music Programs & Music In Worship (9%), Religious Exploration (9%), and Congregational Life (8%).

The 87 dreams included broad aspirations as well as very specific wishes. Here are the dreams that were randomly shared by more than one person. We would like to point out that there was no voting on these dreams. The percentages simply reflect the number of times these dreams were articulated. Download the full list of dreams here.

Aspirations included:

• Every person in Gwinnett County knows we are here. (6%)
• Our good works are well-known and respected in the wider Gwinnett community (e.g., homeless, LGBT). (6%)
• Increase membership: the sanctuary is so full each Sunday with new and current members that we need a larger sanctuary with separate fellowship space. (5%)
• Robust Adult Religious Exploration offerings. (5%)
• Become a certified “Welcoming Congregation” (2%)
• Become a certified “Green Congregation” (2%)
• UUCG is involved in the community with ecumenical outreach (2%)

Specific dreams include:

• Separate sanctuary & fellowship hall spaces (8%)
• New, upgraded kitchen & serving area (8%)
• More and better parking (6%)
• Music Director is part-time paid position and expands music programs for children. (6%)
• Marketing team, budget, new website to get the word out about UUCG (5%)
• Complete the memorial garden (4%)
• Meditation space: room or garden (3%)
• Connect to sewer line (2%)

You are invited to think about these dreams. They are helpful as we revisit our vision for UUCG in this large, multi-dimensional Gwinnett community. Both “Who do we want to be?” and “What must we do to fulfill our mission?” are important questions for the congregation. Consider, too, how you would like to be part of this exciting journey. This is a great time to share your talents, learn new skills, develop deeper friendships, and progress on your spiritual path.

Namasté

The congregation approved the proposed 2012 budget without modification at the December 4 meeting.    Packets with the budget and cover letter from the board were available for pick-up on November 20 and unclaimed packets will be mailed on November 21.  Or,  download your copy today.