This
Congregation Profile of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand
Valley is
drawn from a Settled Minister Survey completed in September, 2002. 244
surveys were mailed to members and friends. 73 of the 99 members returned the
survey. 18 friend surveys were returned.
Demographics
The
congregation in Grand Junction started in the 1950’s. A few members are still
active from that era. 75% of the respondents have been associated with the
congregation less than 3 years. Half have been associated with other UU
churches before. Prior religions reported most often are Methodist, Catholic,
and Presbyterian.
The
most common religious orientations reported were: eclectic (values from many
sources), ethical religion (encourages ethical behavior), naturalistic theism
(god is in the natural world), humanism (human nature is the basis for
religion), and ethical Christianity (Jesus is a great moral teacher) in that
order.
The
congregation is almost exclusively white. 58% of respondents were female, and
83% responded as heterosexual. There were zero responses identifying as gay,
four as lesbian, and five as “other”.
No
one responded below age 30. 82% who responded were between 40 and 79. 68%
are married. There were a total of 54 children, primarily age 7 to 18.
56%
reported a post-graduate college degree, and 25% a college degree. The most
common occupations were Administrator, Health Care Professional, Business
Owner/Manager and Educator in that order. No questions were asked about
income levels.
The
congregation is split into two groups: Grand Junction (GJ), and Black Canyon
Gathering (BCG). They meet in two locations 60 miles apart: Grand Junction
(Mesa County), and Hotchkiss (Delta County). 84 of the members are in GJ, 15
in BCG. Both groups meet in rented spaces.
The
new Interim Minister plans to conduct 3 services a month in GJ, and once every
other month in Hotchkiss. The BCG congregation is primarily lay led. The GJ
congregation was lay led for the past 11 months after the resignation of the
previous ½ time minister.
Most
of the GJ congregation travels less than 10 miles to the church. Half of the
BCG travels more than 25 miles to Hotchkiss.
Congregational Life
The
most often stated reasons for attending were “fellowship” and “UU Beliefs”.
The most important aspects of congregational life were: fellowship,
celebrating common values, intellectual stimulation, spiritual growth,
worship, music and aesthetic satisfaction, and social concerns.
The
main goals stated for the next 3 – 5 years were: a strong RE program,
community involvement and social action, congregational growth, permanent
minister and staff, and a permanent building.
The
most attended activities were: Sunday services, Sunday coffee hour, social
activities, and Wednesday night pizza.
18%
of respondents have attended General Assembly, Mountain Desert District Annual
Meeting, or Leadership School in the past.
55%
of respondents want the minister to preach three times a month or more.
Another 23% want the minister to preach twice a month. 50% want a lay speaker
once a month, and 21% want a lay speaker twice a month.
61%
want a Sunday Service format that is “fixed with variations for special
Sundays”. The most important parts of Sunday Service were identified as:
sermon, readings, candles of concern, music, and coffee hour.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley
