BrandonE
King of Parentheses
The new folks are a mixture of people new to the area, some of whom were UUs already, and people who just heard about UU and decided to try it out. We run adds in the weekly "arts and entertainment" paper, spots on the NPR station on Friday afternoons, and a few other forms of advertising all of which draw in a small but steady stream of folks. We also have a well respected art school in town and several other small community colleges.
The classes are three two-hour sessions on a weeknight. The first covers the basics of what UU is (as some folks are still fuzzy on this when they come), a brief history of how UU came to be, and most of the rest of the time is spent in group interaction. Some icebreakers that are good at starting small discussions, personal introductions around the room asking what brought you to the church and what you hope to get out of the class, which usually sparks some side discussions, and a question and answer period. At the end of the first, there is a "homework" assignment asking everyone to review materials about UU in general and our church in particular and come back with 1) a question about UU or our church and 2) something that excited, moved, or interested them about their review. The second class is a brief meeting with the executive board so they can learn about the structure of our particular congregation followed by a review of the "homework" which usually leads to a great deal more discussion. The third class usually continues with the "homework" review if the class is more than about 6 people. We usually practice "elevator speeches" where the person has to explain to a stranger in a minute or so what their church is. And finally, we review what membership entails and signifies, invite any who wish to sign "intent to join" cards until the next Book Signing, and then solicit pledge cards from those who decide to join.
A very full, but very rewarding three session series.
This class in particular is full of folks that are energetic and engaged in the classes, so it's a real pleasure to participate by leading.
The classes are three two-hour sessions on a weeknight. The first covers the basics of what UU is (as some folks are still fuzzy on this when they come), a brief history of how UU came to be, and most of the rest of the time is spent in group interaction. Some icebreakers that are good at starting small discussions, personal introductions around the room asking what brought you to the church and what you hope to get out of the class, which usually sparks some side discussions, and a question and answer period. At the end of the first, there is a "homework" assignment asking everyone to review materials about UU in general and our church in particular and come back with 1) a question about UU or our church and 2) something that excited, moved, or interested them about their review. The second class is a brief meeting with the executive board so they can learn about the structure of our particular congregation followed by a review of the "homework" which usually leads to a great deal more discussion. The third class usually continues with the "homework" review if the class is more than about 6 people. We usually practice "elevator speeches" where the person has to explain to a stranger in a minute or so what their church is. And finally, we review what membership entails and signifies, invite any who wish to sign "intent to join" cards until the next Book Signing, and then solicit pledge cards from those who decide to join.
A very full, but very rewarding three session series.
This class in particular is full of folks that are energetic and engaged in the classes, so it's a real pleasure to participate by leading.
How are you doing, Amy? We in DC are shaken by the proximity. Most of us know people who know people... I can only imagine that it's worse for you.
