In September and October of 1998 we surveyed our congregation in preparation for our ministerial search. Our survey resulted in 170 responses. This congregational profile was derived from those survey results and it provides an insight into PBUUC's congregation at the start of Barbara and Jaco's ministry.
How did we get here?
For the most part, members were deliberately searching for a Unitarian Universalist congregation after moving into the DC metropolitan area. Others heard about us and/or Unitarian Universalism through friends or family members. The rest leamed about Paint Branch through newspaper ads, the phone book, or through non-worship church activities, such as musical concerts, CUUPS, or the Women's Center (a former outreach affiliate of the church).
Our religious backgrounds:
As with most Unitarian Universalist Congregations we come from diverse religious backgrounds. For many, the religion of our youth was the Roman Catholic. An equal number were either Methodist or Presbyterian. Many others come from a wide range of Protestant denominations. Seven were raised in the Jewish tradition and twelve are birthright Unitarian Universalists.
Community Involvement:
We asked our members about their involvement in community activities and organizations. By far the greatest number of community activities were related to Paint Branch. In fact, one response says it all: "Paint Branch is my community activity." Political activism in a variety of forms is a significant focus of our congregation's activities. Political activism was followed by a variety of social action causes, such as the homeless and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender issues.
For the most part, Paint Branch is a humanist congregation. Paint Branch has a long history of incorporating humanist thought into the "free and responsible search for truth and meaning." This is not to say, however, that we are monolithic congregation. In fact, many of us on this spiritual journey have theistic, polytheistic, or other non-rational inclinations. We have an active CUUPS group and spirituality discussion group.
A strength of our congregation is the tolerance and open-mindedness of our congregation for this dichotomy. We recognize that a significant number of our congregation appreciates spiritual exploration freed from strictly humanist foundations. In other words, a little "God Talk" now and then is a welcome respite.
Historically, Paint Branch has been a lay-led congregation. However, Paint Branch has always employed a full-time minister. We recognize the value of a minister's guidance, leadership, and insight. The church elects our Board of Trustees to act as stewards of the church. We also have a variety of committees intended to address various areas of church life. The minister is encouraged to participate in all aspects of church life. We are grappling with challenges involving volunteers, personnel/administration, and adult programming. This congregation feels very positive about our current children's education program and our social events/groups. In fact, it is the yearning for community that brings us closest together. We feel free to discuss any manner of topic from any point of view and feel that our voice is heard.
Finally, we experience great joy with our nahual surroundings and beautiful buildings. We delight in affirming our seventh UU principle: respect for the interdependent web of which we are all a part.
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