Q3 - Final Report

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Q3 - What so you appreciate most about UUCJ?

Comment categories A S C D E F G H I J L M

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Q3 - What so you appreciate most about UUCJ? Note: The Committee on Minister developed categories for each comment question which were used to collate the comments. Some comments appear in multiple categories due to "thoughts" in the survey response.

Comment categories Safe (4) Caring Community (36) Sunday Services (7) Freedom of Thought (13) Activities (9) Minister (6) Spiritual, Philosophy (36) Music (11) People (32) Facilities (6) Acceptance/Tolerance (39) Social Action (8) Other (11) Category A SAFE

Safe and supportive space for personal/spiritual growth. Supportive community to work on social justice/civil rights for all issues in the community. A go of spiritual humanists- rational people who use their head and their hearts in living their lives. I appreciate the safe space UU provides me to explore spirituality while honoring beauty, art and intellect. Sense of community and safety. Openness with the children. RE program. Sense of community and having a place of safety for myself and my family Sanctuary... combined with a place to gather strength and inspiration and the opportunity to participate in providing this to others. A safe place to expres connect with others and reach out to the wider community. While the people are most important, the peace of the building and access to the grounds ca underestimated. I appreciate being able to come here to walk, meditate or just be in a sacred space. Category B CARING COMMUNITY

Safe and supportive space for personal/spiritual growth. Supportive community to work on social justice/civil rights for all issues in the community. A go of spiritual humanists- rational people who use their head and their hearts in living their lives. Sense of community and safety. Openness with the children. RE program. Sense of community and having a place of safety for myself and my family Being able to gather with like-minded people. I feel a sense of calm and peace during the Sunday service, and I appreciate the smiles of welcome. I thin a conservative community like Jacksonville; I really need the open-mindedness and opportunity to share with others that UUCJ offers. The sense of community at the services and at social events. The uplifting sermons and discussions after them. It's open and welcoming spirit. And it's general politics and social endeavors. Friendly congregation. A minister who challenges me to be a better person who participates in the community. The intellectual and secular aspects. It offers potential for "spiritual" growth at an individual level. The potluck style social gatherings have a warm and in atmosphere. Friendly, welcoming, open-minded congregation that helps me with my personal spiritual journey. Opportunities for personal growth Great music progra The sense of responsibility to care for the members of the congregation; the warm sense of community; opportunity for spiritual growth The opportunity to have a sacred space filled with likeminded people who gather for a genuine purpose personally and for the greater good. Community of (usually) open-minded people. The opportunity to share & discuss common values with like-minded & interesting people. The congregation and the institution allow and encourage individuals to pursue their own concepts and directions, while continually requesting some vo measure of communal participation. This is a delicate but important balance. Friendliness, acceptance, encouragement. Stimulation of thought through services and discussion. The feeling of community, inclusiveness, tolerance and being a 'haven' where I can speak freely. UUCJ provides a place for people with varying faiths to come and form a community together in a city which largely is not open to them. A forum for community and stimulation of heart and mind A place to talk with persons of similar values and Sunday service content A sense of an open and caring community with no expectations beyond those which unite us in our common humanity and purpose. I've visited a few churches in Jax and so far, this church has been the most welcoming. Sense of community Strong feeling of community. The church has always been there for me to find friends and comfort in the low times. The social connection and sense of community. I enjoy being with other UUs. The spirit of life and compassion nurtured by the congregation. The welcoming atmosphere. UUCJ is a beacon of light in a very dark city landscape. I appreciate the opportunity that our church affords us to be part of that light. Warm, caring atmosphere. Freedom to believe without needing to conform to imposed beliefs- and being with others who enjoy the same freedom. Love the music.

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Open minded intellectual stimulation with a sense of community. Dr. John Young is perhaps the reason I most like our church, as he is not only a brilliant man but also compassionate, passionate, professional, and hig capable. However, in addition, and perhaps inspired by his leadership, I also appreciate the opportunity to come to a strong and welcoming community, strong infrastructure, a beautiful location, great RE programs, diverse programs, and spectacular music. I also love the nature walk and many pot luck e just wish I could participate more. Sanctuary... combined with a place to gather strength and inspiration and the opportunity to participate in providing this to others. A safe place to expres connect with others and reach out to the wider community. While the people are most important, the peace of the building and access to the grounds ca underestimated. I appreciate being able to come here to walk, meditate or just be in a sacred space. Acceptance of varied ideas/ideologies. Intellectual friendships. Out of the box thinking. Meeting likeminded people. Sense of community (want to see mo this). It provides encouragement, support and a voice for a liberal religious and socially active community in northeast Florida Tolerance, kindness, opens to all. Progressive

Category C SUNDAY SERVICES

Being able to gather with like-minded people. I feel a sense of calm and peace during the Sunday service, and I appreciate the smiles of welcome. I thin a conservative community like Jacksonville; I really need the open-mindedness and opportunity to share with others that UUCJ offers. The sense of community at the services and at social events. The uplifting sermons and discussions after them. Friendliness, acceptance, encouragement. Stimulation of thought through services and discussion. Stimulation of an interesting Sunday service among friends, with the opportunity of discussing even during the service. Sermons I appreciate the opportunity to share the music I love with the congregation. It would enjoy this chance to communicate my lifework even more frequently find the sermons to be stimulating and fulfilling. The music, the service, and I WANT to be able to appreciate the minister... fellowship, somewhat Category D FREEDOM OF THOUGHT

Being in an accepting environment. I am drawn to new ideas, discussion on topics with an open mind. Many concepts in view of political ideas are new and have helped me see other sides of issues or just issues. I like the experimentation of new concepts/rituals. Freedom to believe without needing to conform to imposed beliefs- and being with others who enjoy the same freedom. Love the music. Its presence alone gives me hope that liberal thought, belief and action exist nearby, that GLBT concerns have a champion and that UU has an excellen of growing even more in our area. Open discussions with understanding people. Open minded intellectual stimulation with a sense of community. The open liberal values that are discussed and shared The people Freedom to express my beliefs and concerns Freedom of expression Freedom of expression is welcome. It's somewhere I stop in to ground. I remember that there are people out there like me who struggle with truths and strive to live in harmony with themse others. It is somewhere that independent souls can meet and express their opinions. I am reminded not only of the good in myself but the areas I still ha on. I enjoy the accepted fact or realism.... but sometimes to function in my world... I have to live consciously in forgetfulness or I am unsure if I can deal world around me at this time. Openness and stimulating conversations Sharing Values, Using members as sounding board for my thoughts Stimulation of an interesting Sunday service among friends, with the opportunity of discussing even during the service. The fact that it is here! This is a place where an individual can believe in freedom without being made to feel he/she must adhere to a certain creed or do

Category E ACTIVITIES

It's open and welcoming spirit. And it's general politics and social endeavors. The intellectual and secular aspects. It offers potential for "spiritual" growth at an individual level. The potluck style social gatherings have a warm and in atmosphere. At this point in my life, I appreciate the social activities, especially the events we purchase at the service auction Discussion Group The discussion GROUP The idea exchange in the "Playing with Ideas" discussion group Dr. John Young is perhaps the reason I most like our church, as he is not only a brilliant man but also compassionate, passionate, professional, and hig capable. However, in addition, and perhaps inspired by his leadership, I also appreciate the opportunity to come to a strong and welcoming community, strong infrastructure, a beautiful location, great RE programs, diverse programs, and spectacular music. I also love the nature walk and many pot luck e just wish I could participate more. The beautiful building and grounds and the wide variety of activities available. Diversity of ideas, people and activities Category F MINISTER

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Friendly congregation. A minister who challenges me to be a better person who participates in the community. Dr. John Young is perhaps the reason I most like our church, as he is not only a brilliant man but also compassionate, passionate, professional, and hig capable. However, in addition, and perhaps inspired by his leadership, I also appreciate the opportunity to come to a strong and welcoming community, strong infrastructure, a beautiful location, great RE programs, diverse programs, and spectacular music. I also love the nature walk and many pot luck e just wish I could participate more. Having a minister that inspires me and the music. Minister/church members John young The motivational sermons given by Rev. John Young Category G SPIRTUAL PHILOSOPHY

I appreciate the safe space UU provides me to explore spirituality while honoring beauty, art and intellect. The intellectual and secular aspects. It offers potential for "spiritual" growth at an individual level. The potluck style social gatherings have a warm and in atmosphere. Friendly, welcoming, open-minded congregation that helps me with my personal spiritual journey. Opportunities for personal growth Great music progra The sense of responsibility to care for the members of the congregation; the warm sense of community; opportunity for spiritual growth The fact that it is here! This is a place where an individual can believe in freedom without being made to feel he/she must adhere to a certain creed or do Principles, People, Acceptance Intellectual and spiritual capital, experiences and genuine warmth and welcoming of the members. As a small business owner time is the most precious have... and wish I could do more... but can't right now. Not unless I can meld the business with the passion. It is a place where my values are shared. It is a liberal voice in a sea of conservative voices. It is a place for couples with children to bring them to our R where they get a chance to really learn about all religions and are given the chance to make up their own minds as to what they will ultimately believe an practice. Te ability to give my children a UU and values based moral education. The social-religious environment and the children’s RE program. Able to express my spirituality freely without judgment Having a spiritual community open to all spiritual views. I appreciate its all-inclusive philosophy, respecting and nurturing all points of view. The fact that it exists in the broader conservative community! It's a place that feels like home for my personal beliefs. The inclusiveness of the UU principles even though we could use more work on the follow thru and the close relationships with other families. A spiritual community that cares about me, about nurturing my spiritual, emotional, physical and interpersonal growth. An open expression of a broad spectrum of philosophies with emphasis on the worth of the individual and faith in the future. Being challenged to live the UU principles- to be more active and purposeful in my community life Broad-based religious education Church following UU principles in a town with a wrong-headed religious culture. I appreciate that my desire for social justice and my spirituality can go hand and hand comfortably in this congregation Inspirational ideas touched on in sermons and/or spoken of by attendees or info that I wish to act upon that appears in the newsletter Its existence as a vehicle for liberal religion. Its potential, even if unrealized, as a place for people to come together to explore their individual and mutual humanity. No dogma Opportunities for spiritual exploration and growth. That is a liberal religious place in a conservative area. That there are many different beliefs about our origin, purpose, and spiritual or religious practices, but there is a general agreement of goodwill toward o preservation of our earth. That we don't pretend to know it all but are very interested in trying. The fact that it is there for us. A genuine beacon for truth. UU Values- As a humanist, I think values in this church have now taken a second place to emphasis on "spiritual growth". I miss the emotional and intel high I use to have. I like the feeling that I am surrounded by people of like mind, focused on the principles of love and service. Acceptance of varied ideas/ideologies. Intellectual friendships. Out of the box thinking. Meeting likeminded people. Sense of community (want to see mo this). Acceptance to more than one belief in God(s)/spirit. The Humanitarian aspect that is presented is more than just talk. It is a place where I can be accepted within a community of widely divergent people. It offers me the opportunity to hear informative and inspiring messa reflect UU values that are important to me. The fact that we recognize all people’s religions with respect and regard spirituality as a personal choice. Category H MUSIC

Friendly, welcoming, open-minded congregation that helps me with my personal spiritual journey. Opportunities for personal growth Great music progra Freedom to believe without needing to conform to imposed beliefs- and being with others who enjoy the same freedom. Love the music. Having a minister that inspires me and the music. I appreciate the opportunity to share the music I love with the congregation. It would enjoy this chance to communicate my lifework even more frequently find the sermons to be stimulating and fulfilling. The music, the service, and I WANT to be able to appreciate the minister... fellowship, somewhat The music, the building and grounds being both inspiring in and of themselves and being a wonderful place available for varied experiences, people's m respect and support for each other personally and on their respective spiritual journeys Music - especially singer-songwriter music and politically and socially motivated music.

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Music - especially singer-songwriter music and politically and socially motivated music. The varied music program. Physical setting, music, friendships, the conversations following the sermon both upstairs and down The Natural (read spiritual) setting- which creates a standard for the rest of the community. This enhances our programs- particularly music (watch the e in time with the classical instrumental) and meditation. The committee to the visual arts as well. The openness and tolerance punctuated with humor. Category I PEOPLE

Connecting with likeminded people Diversity of congregation members and the connections made with likeminded individuals Friends Friendships and likeminded people. Friendships made over the years. I am a new friend. I have only visited on two Sunday mornings. It has been wonderful to meet and greet such friendly, open people. That is what has bee important to me as I get to know the church and congregation. The other attributes will come later. I like the feeling that I am surrounded by people of like mind, focused on the principles of love and service. I most appreciate the warm loving, kindness that is so easily felt anytime I visit UUCJ. Interesting people. Like minds Many things, but number one is that I feel surrounded by likeminded people who share my general value and belief system. Open minds Quality and variety of people I have met there Relationships forged. Shared values with liberal thinkers. Sharing Values, Using members as sounding board for my thoughts The ability to find like-minded people who respect my spiritual path. The chance to be surrounded by people who think the way that I do about equality, justice, etc. The extraordinary enthusiasm and adventurous spirit of the people who get engaged here. The PEOPLE! We ARE the church. The warm, friendly people who are always there to help This congregation is a great place to meet others in my community with similar belief sets. Diversity of ideas, people and activities Intellectual and spiritual capital, experiences and genuine warmth and welcoming of the members. As a small business owner time is the most precious have... and wish I could do more... but can't right now. Not unless I can meld the business with the passion. Intelligent discussion and friendly members. Minister/church members Principles, People, Acceptance The ability to be open about who I am, the opportunity to connect and make friendships with similar-minded people, the opportunity to attend services w my schedule. The opportunity to have a sacred space filled with likeminded people who gather for a genuine purpose personally and for the greater good. The opportunity to share & discuss common values with like-minded & interesting people. The people above all and the beautiful setting of the church, this is truly rare! The people Freedom to express my beliefs and concerns Category J FACILITIES

Sanctuary... combined with a place to gather strength and inspiration and the opportunity to participate in providing this to others. A safe place to expres connect with others and reach out to the wider community. While the people are most important, the peace of the building and access to the grounds ca underestimated. I appreciate being able to come here to walk, meditate or just be in a sacred space. The beautiful building and grounds and the wide variety of activities available. The beautiful sanctuary/grounds that facilitate sense of spirituality The Natural (read spiritual) setting- which creates a standard for the rest of the community. This enhances our programs- particularly music (watch the e in time with the classical instrumental) and meditation. The committee to the visual arts as well. The openness and tolerance punctuated with humor. The people above all and the beautiful setting of the church, this is truly rare! The music, the building and grounds being both inspiring in and of themselves and being a wonderful place available for varied experiences, people's m respect and support for each other personally and on their respective spiritual journeys

Category L ACCEPTANCE/TOLERANCE

Acceptance of varied ideas/ideologies. Intellectual friendships. Out of the box thinking. Meeting likeminded people. Sense of community (want to see mo this). Acceptance to more than one belief in God(s)/spirit. The Humanitarian aspect that is presented is more than just talk. Atmosphere of acceptance of all views Being able to safely talk about anything without judgment. Freedom of expression Freedom of expression is welcome.

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It is a place where I can be accepted within a community of widely divergent people. It offers me the opportunity to hear informative and inspiring messa reflect UU values that are important to me. It is a place where persons of various religious persuasions can find comfort. It provides encouragement, support and a voice for a liberal religious and socially active community in northeast Florida It's somewhere I stop in to ground. I remember that there are people out there like me who struggle with truths and strive to live in harmony with themse others. It is somewhere that independent souls can meet and express their opinions. I am reminded not only of the good in myself but the areas I still ha on. I enjoy the accepted fact or realism.... but sometimes to function in my world... I have to live consciously in forgetfulness or I am unsure if I can deal world around me at this time. No guilt. People are happy to see you when you are there, but do not make you feel guilty if you are not. One does not have to pretend a religious tenet that one has grown beyond in order to belong to a church that offers so much. Open-minded approach. Openness and stimulating conversations Openness to the views of others That you can be yourself, and different ideals are valued. Also, that there is a sense of responsibility to help others in need and to support good causes The ability to be open about who I am, the opportunity to connect and make friendships with similar-minded people, the opportunity to attend services w my schedule. The ability to express my humanist beliefs The ability to express my views on what matters to me. The fact that we recognize all people’s religions with respect and regard spirituality as a personal choice. The openness and acceptance expressed to all types of people The willingness to learn from all faiths and its "activist" philosophy. They accept me for me! Tolerance, kindness, opens to all. Progressive Tolerance. Able to express my spirituality freely without judgment Being in an accepting environment. I am drawn to new ideas, discussion on topics with an open mind. Many concepts in view of political ideas are new and have helped me see other sides of issues or just issues. I like the experimentation of new concepts/rituals. Friendliness, acceptance, encouragement. Stimulation of thought through services and discussion. Having a spiritual community open to all spiritual views. I appreciate its all-inclusive philosophy, respecting and nurturing all points of view. I most appreciate the warm loving, kindness that is so easily felt anytime I visit UUCJ. The ability to find like-minded people who respect my spiritual path. The fact that it exists in the broader conservative community! It's a place that feels like home for my personal beliefs. The feeling of community, inclusiveness, tolerance and being a 'haven' where I can speak freely. The inclusiveness of the UU principles even though we could use more work on the follow thru and the close relationships with other families. UUCJ provides a place for people with varying faiths to come and form a community together in a city which largely is not open to them. Principles, People, Acceptance The music, the building and grounds being both inspiring in and of themselves and being a wonderful place available for varied experiences, people's m respect and support for each other personally and on their respective spiritual journeys The Natural (read spiritual) setting- which creates a standard for the rest of the community. This enhances our programs- particularly music (watch the e in time with the classical instrumental) and meditation. The committee to the visual arts as well. The openness and tolerance punctuated with humor. Category M SOCIAL ACTION

Potential for high impact community The opportunity to serve in ways that challenge my creativity The wonderful music! Its presence alone gives me hope that liberal thought, belief and action exist nearby, that GLBT concerns have a champion and that UU has an excellen of growing even more in our area. That you can be yourself, and different ideals are valued. Also, that there is a sense of responsibility to help others in need and to support good causes It provides encouragement, support and a voice for a liberal religious and socially active community in northeast Florida It's open and welcoming spirit. And it's general politics and social endeavors. The opportunity to have a sacred space filled with likeminded people who gather for a genuine purpose personally and for the greater good.

Category OTHER

Diversity of ideas, people and activities How comfortable I felt the first day I walked in. Intellectual stimulation Intellectual stimulation Intelligent discussion and friendly members. The idea that my child can explore spiritual understanding without my fearing that she will encounter rigid boundaries. It is a place where my values are shared. It is a liberal voice in a sea of conservative voices. It is a place for couples with children to bring them to our R where they get a chance to really learn about all religions and are given the chance to make up their own minds as to what they will ultimately believe an practice. Te ability to give my children a UU and values based moral education.

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The congregation and the institution allow and encourage individuals to pursue their own concepts and directions, while continually requesting some vo measure of communal participation. This is a delicate but important balance. The social-religious environment and the children’s RE program. Sense of community and safety. Openness with the children. RE program.