horizon leap of faith introduction

An Introduction to Horizon: 

An Introduction to Horizon Leap of Faith Mentoring Program Presentation August 14, 2011

Welcome to Horizon!: 

Welcome to Horizon! Our Newly Improved Building and Grounds

Slide 3: 

But it is the people that are really important

Map of North Texas Region: 

Horizon UU Church Map of North Texas Region First UU Church Community UU Denton UU Fellowship Pathways Church UU Church of Oak Cliff Arlington UU Church 2,494,647 persons reside in an 18 mile radius We are surrounded by other UU churches

Neighborhood Groups of Horizon: 

Neighborhood Groups of Horizon Addison/Farmers Branch / West Dallas Lewisville / Highland Village / Greater Denton / Corinth Grapevine / Colleyville / Southlake / Mid-Cities (Tarrant County) Flower Mound Coppell / Irving Central and East Dallas / Richardson Carrollton – South / Far North Dallas Carrollton – North Plano / Allen / Melissa / McKinney/Frisco/The Colony Horizon members are geographically dispersed

Who are we…? : 

Who are we…? A very warm Welcoming Congregation Enthusiastic… engaging… energetic Generous… committed… caring Our members are positive, involved, intentional in wanting to improve our church!

Who are we…? : 

Who are we…? Creative…innovative… Sometimes opinionated… Busy, busy, busy…but fully functional Theologically diverse…

Historical Profile of Horizon: 

Historical Profile of Horizon “Planted” by First Unitarian Universalist Church of Dallas in 1986 in fast-growing suburb 20 miles north of Dallas Led by Marty Robinson, a current member Minister, Dennis Hamilton called in 1987 Completed building in 1995 First building expansion completed in 2010

Slide 9: 

Our Mission Growing spiritually healthy people who promote love and justice in the world Our Vision We, the Members of Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church, covenant to make the world a better place through individual spiritual growth, social justice, and human liberation. We have a memorable mission statement and strong vision

Member Profile: 

Member Profile 280 voting members… Average age is 57 – a young congregation Upper middle-class suburban families High degree of education – many Ph.D.’s 211 children and youth in RE Average Sunday worship attendance 150 plus RE

Slide 11: 

Our Wayside Pulpit Attracts potential members Differentiates us from other more traditional churches in the area

Slide 12: 

Facilities and Grounds

Slide 13: 

Our Wonderful Staff A couple of our Interns

Covenantal Church Goals : 

Covenantal Church Goals Promote a culture of hospitality, generosity, gratitude, creativity and celebration Nurture spiritual growth for all members Maintain a strong social outreach program Strengthen and formalize support and communication systems for all church ministries Offer a liberal religious home that advances the growth of our Horizon Community and Unitarian Universalism

2011-12 Church Goals: 

2011-12 Church Goals Celebrate our 25 th year anniversary as a church community by reflecting on, and rejoicing in our history and progress Complete our long-term strategic plan and expand its scope to envision 10-15 years in the future Support the maintenance and improvement of our sacred space – grounds and building

Our Main Programs…: 

Our Main Programs… Worship – one at 10:30 a.m. Music – Choir, Concerts, etc Theatre – Horizon Players Lifespan Religious Education (OWL, COA) Social Issues and Action (SIA) Small group ministries (Chalice, Journey, Wellspring) Wonderful Wednesdays Intern Program Art Exhibits in Sanctuary

We are a Welcoming Church: 

We are a Welcoming Church Greeter/usher team undergoes training First-time visit process Second-time visitors get nametags Welcome to UU Circle Two-class series, Exploring Horizon Expectations of Membership

Our Aspiration: To be a Full Service church: 

Our Aspiration: To be a Full Service church We are striving mightily to get to the corporate size of 400 or 500 members! Our property can support 700-1000 members We want be a “beacon” to the community

Slide 19: 

Committee on Ministry Congregation Board of Trustees RE Assistant Childcare Supervisor Childcare Assistant RE Committee Vice President President Treasurer Music Director Accompanist Coordinator of Lay Ministry Intern Minister Committees Pastoral Care Worship Arts Membership Neighborhood Grps Intern Chalice Circles Adult RE Committees Grounds Facilities Technical Production Nominating Committee Senior Minister Director of Religious Education Congregation Administrator Accounting Clerk Sexton Committees Finance & Stewardship Commitment/ Canvass Council of Committees Social Issues & Actions Book Cart Library Wayside Pulpit Aesthetics Denom. Affairs Horizon Players Collaborative, team effort Not a top-down organization yet respect leadership We hold ourselves to staying in covenant with each other Blue type is a paid staff position Bold is full time position The Church The Non-Profit Business The School Our Organization

Mutually Covenantal Relationships: 

Mutually Covenantal Relationships Relationships between governing bodies and lay leaders are not hierarchal. The Minister does not “report to” and is not “evaluated” by the Board – the Committee on Ministry does not “report to” the Board. (The Minister and Committee on Ministry DO give reports to the Board.)

Financial Profile: 

Financial Profile Annual Operating Budget of $371,682 Annual Pledge Drive of $300,000 Debt-free by 2015 (4% of Operating Budget) Raised $860,000 for 2008 capital campaign Secured $170,000 in grants/gifts since 2005

Expenses are Mostly Staff & Facilities: 

Expenses are Mostly Staff & Facilities 82% - Staff (65%),Office and Facilities (17%) 6.5% - Denom. Dues - UUA and NTAUUS (have always been a “fair share” church) 4.5% - Board, Council and Committee Exp. 7% - Debt (Loans – 4%) and Misc. (3%)

We are…Glad to Be Here!: 

We are…Glad to Be Here!