Once a month, on the third Sunday, join us for an informal Congregational Conversation after the service, at about 11:20. We generally take off for the summer and resume in Oct.

Goals

The goals of these are sharing ideas, listening to each other, and educating ourselves about where things stand on a particular topic. They are not about debate, convincing others of one’s point of view, or making decisions. These conversations are not formal meetings of the congregation; they are not “warned” and no binding votes may be taken.

Format

Each conversation is hosted by one representative each of the Board and the Council of Ministries. We may invite someone with a specific interest or expertise to lead the conversation when appropriate (for example, the chair of the committee involved in the topic). Conversations will usually start with a short presentation followed by conversation.

At the end of the conversation we’ll do a quick process check, either by voice or on paper.

The conversation will happen in a corner of the sanctuary. We’ll gather chairs and make as large a circle as needed. People can opt to participate via Zoom.

Past Conversations

UUA General Assembly: We usually dedicate one each spring to preparing our congregation for UUA General Assembly each year held in June.

Fall 2022 through Feb 2023: UUA Proposed 8th Principle: We discussed this and worked toward composing a CVUUS covenant to address systemic racism and other oppressions.  Spirit in Nature UU Path: We sought suggestions for quotes to refresh those on the trail at Spirit in Nature in Ripton.

Sun Mar 20, 2022: Social Action. We brainstormed ideas for hands-on ways that CVUUS could do social justice/action and community service in the next 6 months.  Especially welcoming ideas that could be done by the whole congregation and/or multi-age groups.

Sun Feb 27, 2022:  Class Conversations. Led by Mike Greenwood and Jean Terwilliger. We aim to explore this topic regularly.

March 14, 2021: The Future of Worship. Led by Council of Ministries. We asked attendees to talk about worship during the COVID pandemic, what lessons have we learned and how they feel about when we should be getting together again. Would/should we use more technology in future services? Are people getting vaccinated? Would they feel comfortable with in-person worship services if everyone was vaccinated? Would we still need to be masked and maintain social distancing? Please share your perspective on all things worship, especially related to the COVID pandemic. Useful link: UUA Guidance on Gathering In-Person When COVID-19 Subsides | UUA.org

Feb 21, 2021: Class Conversations Mike Greenwood guided us in reviewing our prior work and discussing what we want to do going forward. See  highlights: Congregation Conversation Febraury 21 Useful links about classism:

• Class Action (building bridges across the class divide)
• UU Class Conversations
• UUA on Escalating Inequality
• Washington Post Opinion piece

June 17, 2018:  Green Sanctuary. Elizabeth Golden-Pidgeon led us in what this means and what we’ve done and where we want to go from here.

May 20, 2018: Safe Congregation. Led by Alan Moore.

March 18, 2018:  Escalating Economic Inequality The CVUUS Board led discussion of UUA General Assembly process for picking its study issues and prepared delegates for response to issues that were studied further.

February 18, 2018: Ground Floor Update. Led by Steve Maier. See Ground Floor page for details.

January 21, 2018: Small Group Ministry Briefly explained what happens in Small Group Ministry and its CVUUS history, and introduced the members of the Small Group Ministry Steering Committee.

October 15, 2017: Language of Inclusion. Alan Moore

March 19, 2017: Membership at CVUUS The CVUUS Board hosted a conversation about proposed changes to the bylaws and about the meaning, rights, and responsibilities of membership.

February 19, 2017: How Should CVUUS Do Social Action?

January 15, 2017: Ground Floor Project News. Steve Maier and the Ground Floor Project Team.

December 11, 2016: CVUUS Membership – What Does It Mean? CVUUS Board.

November 20, 2016: Class Conversations Follow-Up.

October 16, 2016: Ground Floor project. Steve Maier (CoM) and presenter.

August 21, 2016: Black Lives Matter movement & Social Action at CVUUS. Tracey Harrington (CoM), Donna LaRose (Board), John Barstow (Black Lives Matter Ally Group presenters), Kate Gridley (scribe). Jackie Derse and Livia Bernhardt (childcare).