Mission Statement adopted 3/18/01

"We the members of the First Unitarian Church of Oakland unite to build a beloved community within and beyond our walls. Guided by individual conscience and wisdom from many sources, we gather in worship and service to nourish the spirit, work for justice, and celebrate the divine in all."

1. Ends

 

1. We promote and support UU principles, values, and identity beyond our walls.
1. We do this in quantifiable ways:
1. by increasing membership in our church, and helping to start other UU congregations in the greater Oakland area
2. by sharing use of our building (TODO: specify percentage of building use devoted to community use here or in Limitations)
3. by contributing our financial resources
4. by contributing our time and energy
2. We do justice work.
3. We promote liberal religion in general.
4. We model love and compassion personally and as a community
5. We communicate our religious and congregational identity and are visible in the community.
6. We support and cooperate with other institutions and individuals that share our values.
7. We provide ethical, spiritual, and religious education for all ages.

 

2. We live our value of religious openness in constructive tension with our historic roots and identity. In this spirit:
1. We welcome diverse ideas, beliefs and practices
2. We engage many viewpoints
3. We have diverse content in worship and church programs
4. All who share our core UU values find others like themselves already welcomed and involved in all facets of congregational life

 

3. We sustain this institution, each other, and the health of the congregation by
1. Teaching UU history, values, principles, identity and traditions
2. Stewarding our landmark building for continued use by future generations
3. Providing pastoral care in life transitions
4. Nurturing and sustaining the spirit through worship
5. Providing opportunities for fellowship
6. Dedicating our building as a sanctuary for religious growth and learning, and the celebration of life
7. Helping each other resist the negative aspects of mainstream culture
8. Treating each other with respect and dignity
9. Contributing financially to the church.

 

4. Providing opportunities for personal transformation through:
1. Personal witness to our UU faith, values and principles.
2. Intentional living as individuals and as an institution
3. Providing an inspiring message
4. Helping people find their personal ministry
5. Experiencing worship
6. Sharing in the crafting and presentation worship
7. Spiritual growth through education.