After 30 years of striving “to make good things happen in San Ramón” and “building ties of peace and friendship,” our life as a powerful and loving force in this large rural county is coming to a close. We are heartbroken, as you probably are, too, incredulous that something so positive and life transforming for so many, cannot find a way to continue. Because of the instability of the country at this time, we closed our tourism business, which was the source of much of our income and generated support and additional donations. In addition, the Board of Directors is aging and not able to be as active as is needed to handle all the challenges that are part of running an NGO from afar.
News Items
Return to Two Worship Services
After a three-and-a-half-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, Rev. Jacqueline Brett, Lead Minister of ERUUF, has announced the return to two Sunday morning worship services, beginning September 3, 2023.
A 9:00 – 9:50 am service will place greater intention upon quiet centering and contemplation, while an 11:00 am – 12:10 pm service will offer a livelier program. Both services will include the same sermon, though music will be different in each and, due to current staffing levels, only the second service will be livestreamed.
Sunday Religious Exploration (RE) Classes for Children and Adults
After consultation with families this past Spring, the 9:00 am Sunday service will include the nursery for children under age 3, however RE classes for older children will not be offered until the 11:00 am worship time. Children accompanied by an adult are of course welcome to attend the 9:00 am service. At 11:00 am, the nursery will again be offered, as well as classes for older children who will begin in the Sanctuary through the Time for All Ages, after which they’ll depart for RE classes, which are scheduled to end at 12:15pm.
Adult classes and Fellowship Time will take place between the two services (a plan is being developed to offer childcare for parents who wish to attend a class between services). A Fellowship Time will also follow the second service.
“We’re hopeful this return to two services will be an opportunity to broaden ERUUF’s worship offerings,” said Rev. Brett. “Let us all hold a spirit of innovation and patience as we bring about these exciting new changes.”
Pulse of the Congregation Results - 2024
- Category: Pulse of Congregation Survey Pulse of Congregation Survey
- Published: Jun 28, 2023 Jun 28, 2023
Results of the 2024 “Pulse of the Congregation” Survey
What is the Pulse Survey?
The ‘Pulse of the Congregation’ is an anonymous survey that the Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (ERUUF) conducts every year to obtain the input of members and friends about how we are doing as a congregation. The survey is administered by the Committee on Evaluation of Ministry, a subcommittee of the Board of Trustees.
This year, the survey was significantly refined to facilitate the development of a comprehensive story centered around ERUUF. Areas of focus included:
- Overall perceptions of ERUUF
- Progress made on ERUUF’s Mission, Ends Statements, Annual Vision of Ministry, and the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
- Members’ and friends’ connection and engagement with ERUUF, as well as their perceptions of the various programs and groups at ERUUF
- Congregational post-pandemic experiences
- The current health and well-being of members and friends
- What the congregation desires most from ERUUF, and
- Overall compliments and/or concerns members and friends had about ERUUF.
How Are the Pulse Data Used?
Your input is shared with Rev. Jacqueline, the Senior Ministerial Staff, the Board of Trustees, and the office staff. The report is also shared with the broader congregation in a variety of ways, including through the website, at the annual meeting, and through leadership forums. Results are actively used in program development, program refinement, and/or services offered by ERUUF (e.g., Pastoral Care, Religious Education, etc.).
Pulse Suvery 2024 Executive Summary
Pulse of the Congregation Results - 2023
- Category: Pulse of Congregation Survey Pulse of Congregation Survey
- Published: Jun 28, 2023 Jun 28, 2023
Results of the 2023 “Pulse of the Congregation” Survey
What is the Pulse Survey?
Over the past 14 years, ERUUF members and friends have completed an annual survey known as the “Pulse of the Congregation,” administered by the Committee on Evaluation of Ministry (CEM). The survey includes closed-ended questions that ask respondents to rate their experiences at ERUUF and the quality of ERUUF’s programs. These results are compared to results of previous years to identify trends over time. The survey also includes questions about respondents’ experience during CY2022 compared to their experience prior to the start of the pandemic. An open-ended question asking about any compliments or concerns respondents want to share is also part of the survey. A total of 217 individuals responded to the 2023 survey.
How Are the Pulse Data Used?
The presentation is shared with the Board of Trustees, and it and the open-ended comments are shared with the Lead Minister, who use them in planning and work with other staff. The report is also shared with the broader congregation in a variety of ways, including through the website and at the annual meeting. The Committee on Evaluation of Ministry reads every single comment to identify themes mentioned by multiple individuals. It is not possible for staff or programming to address every individual comment because they are trying to meet the needs of the many different members and friends of the Fellowship.
Here is an Overview of the Results of ERUUF’s 2023 Pulse Survey
Newsworthy Conversations
Rev. Jacqueline Brett
October 31, 2024
As we move deeper into this time of anxiousness, stress, and fear, may we embrace the shift of daylight to a cocoon of more dark, where there might be repair in the place where seeds grow.
Rev. Jacqueline Brett
May 30, 2024
We must believe we are worthy of rest. We don’t have to earn it. It is our birthright. It is one of our most ancient and primal needs.~ Tricia Hersey, Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto Each year, I reach this point in time with one most significant thi...
Rev. Jim Lewis
May 08, 2024
I will let you in on a (not-so-secret) secret. Unitarian Universalists are not the only folk who hold pluralistic and non-conforming beliefs! For some of us, this is not news. But for myself, around the year 2007 living in Missouri, it wa...
ERUUF Coronavirus Updates
April 27, 2023
A new phase has been reached in the COVID-19 virus.
As a spiritual community, we at ERUUF strive to create a culture of respect and care for one another. Our Covid-19 policies have been guided by serious concern and consideration for the safety and well-being of all ERUUF members, staff, and visitors, with a commitment to equity and care for the most vulnerable among us and those who are marginalized both at ERUUF and in the larger community.
