Policy A: Mission

The mission of Unity Church-Unitarian is to engage people in a free and inclusive religious community that encourages lives of integrity, service, and joy.

Policy B: Ends Statements (2003–2008)

1. The people of Unity Church-Unitarian have a deeply meaningful, transforming liberal religious experience. They:

a. Find hope, beauty, and inspiration in their worship.
b. Know Unitarian-Universalist and Unity Church-Unitarian heritage.
c. Think theologically.
d. Are able to describe their personal religious identities.
e. Deepen their individual spiritual practices.

2. The people of Unity Church-Unitarian feel connected with their religious community. They:

a. Are diverse and welcoming.
b. Feel recognized and cared about.
c. Meet and connect across generations.
d. Value and respect each other, aware of their differences.
e. Respect and celebrate the traditions of their church.
f. Support their church generously with their time and talents.
g. Support their church financially by giving their fair share.

3. The people of Unity Church-Unitarian live out their liberal religious values in the world.

a. They are engaged in the betterment of their community and the world through their own work and opportunities the church provides.
b. People in the larger community recognize Unity Church-Unitarian as visibly welcoming
c. People in the larger community recognize Unity Church-Unitarian as a catalyst for positive personal change.
d. People in the larger community recognize Unity Church-Unitarian as a credible partner in community service.
e. Unity Church-Unitarian contributes to and learns from the larger Unitarian-Universalist community and other liberal religious traditions.

Policy C: Values

Unity Church-Unitarian honors the ambiguity and uncertainty that is ever present in the ongoing search for greater meaning in life. Unity Church-Unitarian strives to embody the following values in all its work:

• Authenticity
• Generosity of spirit
• Mutual respect
• Freedom of thought
• Open, broad embrace

Policy D: The Vision for Unity Church-Unitarian

Unity Church-Unitarian breathes a positive, welcoming energy on any given Sunday morning. People greet one another warmly as they pass, often embracing; they greet newcomers and help them feel at home.

Inside the simple, graceful sanctuary, the honey-colored wood strips of the great reredos soar high above the clean, hard chancel floor. The service is filled with depth and meaning. The ministers and worship associates recite passages and poetry from a wide variety of sources, welcoming congregants to their spiritual home. The beautiful music reinforces their words; it too comes from many sources. The sermon, the readings, the prayers and the music immerse the congregation in powerful beauty. The congregants understand the costs of excellence and support the church generously, creating a solid financial foundation on which to build.

After the service, congregants move to the parish hall for coffee, conversation, and more connections. The hall is filled with people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, economic strata, sexual orientation, and ideas. All appear comfortable, happy, and engaged as they chat with one another about the many groups where they share ideas and make new, lasting friendships. At Unity Church-Unitarian they find nourishment as they continue to search for greater meaning and connection with one another and the wider world.

In other parts of the beautiful building, modern and cheerful classrooms teem with activity: Adults are deeply engaged in the religious education of the youth of Unity Church-Unitarian. They feel a sense of responsibility to pass on the traditions of their liberal faith to the next generation. Sunday is clearly an important day at Unity Church-Unitarian, yet the building is active throughout the week with classes and workshops that enhance the spiritual life. The resulting spiritual practices transform personal and professional lives. Congregants improve the lives of others in the wider world through social justice, charitable giving, and numberless acts of kindness.

Because of Unity Church-Unitarian, the world is a better place.

Policy E: Moral Ownership

The moral owners of Unity Church-Unitarian are those who yearn for the Beloved Community and see Unity Church as an instrument for its realization. The Beloved Community is engaged in the work of the spirit. It is community at the highest level of reality and possibility, where love and justice prevail.

Policy F: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Stakeholders

In accomplishing its vision, Unity Church Unitarian will prioritize its planning and resources first towards it primary stakeholders, next towards its secondary stakeholders and then towards its tertiary stakeholders, as such groups are defined below:

Primary Stakeholders
a. Members
b. Staff
c. Friends who have pledged or contributed to the church but are not members
d. Children of members
e. Potential members seeking an open, liberal, and inclusive church community. This includes but is not limited to those who do not have a church because of systemic oppression, sexual identity, race, economics, or incompatible theology.

Secondary Stakeholders
a. Community outreach partners
b. UUA
c. Prairie Star District
d. Other UU Churches
e. Liberal Theology Seminaries
f. Members emeritus

Tertiary Stakeholders
a. Neighbors
b. Lapsed members
c. Community
d. Legacy members
e. Funders
f. Vendors
g. People served by community outreach partners
h. Building users & renters