The below graphic and narrative summarize the analysis of Questions 2 and 3 on the 2025 BBUUC Congregational Health and Vision survey, where you were asked: “What do you most appreciate about BBUUC” and “What does BBUUC do well”.  For a longer, in depth version of the conclusions, go HERE

BBUUC is a Beloved Community
At its heart, the BBUUC congregation radiates what it means to be a beloved community—a place where people belong before they believe. Members describe it as a sanctuary of friendship, compassion, and acceptance. Words like “community”, “welcoming”, “open-minded”, and “caring” appear again and again, revealing a congregation where love is practiced, not preached.

This spirit shows in every part of church life—uplifting worship and music, nurturing religious education for children and families, and volunteer leadership that models service and dedication. People consistently praise the warmth of connection that fills Sunday mornings, from the greeting at the door to the conversations over coffee.

Together, these voices tell a clear story: BBUUC is thriving as a beloved community—warm, inclusive, spirited, and engaged.  It succeeds not by status or size, but through shared values lived fully and joyfully each week.

Concurrent with this issue of the Journey, we will send an email blast containing 3 documents with the complete survey results.  It will take time to digest all of the information, but we feel the survey results will be a source of guidance for months or years to come.  By any measure, the level of participation in the survey is phenomenal, with 101 responses, and we thank everyone for taking the time to contribute.

Many will be interested in the Funding Priorities Results, which are summarized in this table:

We have scheduled two informal meetings to show all of the files available and answer questions.  The first is Nov. 16, 9:15 AM in Forrest Church Room, and the second Nov. 23, 11:50 in Sanctuary.

Don DeStephano