The Board Bulletin

This fall, we should notice a change in the number of visitors we see here on Sundays. Come September, our Pacific Central District of the UUA is launching the Bay Area media campaign, the most ambitious venture ever. In previous campaigns one church has been the focus; last year a few were involved. The Bay Area campaign will bring visitors to all 17 churches in our district. Previous campaigns have resulted in an upsurge in visitors and a growth in new members. Are we ready here at Starr King?

We know that there are all kinds of folks in our community who are looking for a church with our values. During the campaign, they might notice an ad on BART or hear a spot on the radio. They’ll be directed to our church through the Bay Area website: www.uuba.org. From there, they’ll check out our Starr King website at www.starrking.org. Have you taken a look lately? There is a wealth of information about our church. The likelihood is that our visitors will know something about us. So they gather up the courage to visit us, and wonder what we will be like. Will Starr King be their church home?

Years ago, before I moved to California , I visited a large Unitarian Universalist church in the Midwest . I had just gone through a painful divorce and felt terribly alone. I knew that I was a UU in terms of values and worldview, so I took the plunge and, on my own, paid a visit. But no one talked to me. I stood around feeling awkward and more alone than before I arrived. Extrovert, I am not. I needed someone to show me the ropes. It was seventeen years later, when I wanted religious education for my daughter, that I tried again, and found a church home at Starr King.

So what worked for Starr King and not that impressive, large church back in the Midwest ? It was the friendliness, first and foremost. Surely the Sunday services, programs and activities solidified my commitment. But it was the welcoming friendliness that kept me coming back until I figured out in what way I would fit into the church community. As a congregation we need to make a commitment to never leave a visitor standing alone. If you are sitting next to a visitor, take her to coffee after the service. Look around. If you see a visitor alone, introduce him to a board member or the friendliest person you know. Remember your nametag, and when visitors return be sure to let them know how glad you are to see them back. What made you decide to become a member? How can we be more hospitable? Let me know.

Meg J., President, Board of Trustees

of Trustees