UUCM Bylaws & Governing Documents

Purpose: The purpose of this Unitarian Universalist Church is: to sustain a thriving, caring community which welcomes and embraces human diversity; to nurture our quest for knowledge, truth, and spiritual growth at every stage of life; to encourage individuals to act in accordance with their beliefs and values; and to support local and global efforts consistent with UUA principles.

Mission Statement: We will inspire, educate and serve as a welcoming congregation on a quest for meaning and purpose to create a community of conscience in our neighborhood and the world.

View and download the full UUCM Bylaws here. 

We, the members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka, agree to this covenants of right relations with one another.

Through this covenant we promise to strive:

• To honor our interactions with others by being present, listening, being respectful of everyone and taking concerns directly to those involved.
  
• To trust, even when in disagreement, the good intentions of others.
  
• To be inclusive in actions and decisions making and to find shared ground among diverse viewpoints.
  
• To respect and adhere to congregational decisions resulting from open discussion and the democratic process.
  

We affirm through this covenant to create a community that enjoys and embraces its time together, and speaks the truth in love as we pursue the mission, vision and values of our church and congregation.

This is a covenant for the UUCM Board of Trustees to guide our interactions with each other. We covenanted to join with each other respectfully and honestly, while facing outward to do the work of governing UUCM. 

1. We all come with different experiences and skills and bring diversity to our community. Our differences will enhance our work together when all perspectives are welcomed and our interdependence is recognized and honored. 

2. We will show up prepared and focused to the best of our ability and take the time for breaks when we need them. 

3. We agree to respect each other's boundaries, including our time and confidentiality, both within our meetings and outside of them. We will strive to make our monthly time together productive, give each other permission to ask clarifying questions, and recognize that flexibility may be required. 

4. We are human. We will honor our limitations and communicate when we need help or when something feels like it is beyond our abilities. We commit to use our mistakes to learn from them, make amends, grow and change. 

VALUES: 

• Wonder
• Connection
• Courageous Love

MISSION:

In a spirit of wonder and with courageous love, we connect, grow and act.

ENDS:

Within 

The people of UUCM open ourselves to a spirit of wonder. We:

• Develop a meaningful spiritual practice.
• Embrace the holy in ourselves and all that surrounds us.
• Equip ourselves with forgiveness, humility, and courageous love.

Among

The people of UUCM connect in community where we:

• Build relationships across difference.
• Receive and provide support and spiritual care during life’s journey.
• Support our religious community with generosity and abundance.
• Create and share experiences of beauty, truth, and meaning.

Beyond

The people of UUCM act together in the world with courageous love. We:

• Work with community partners to advance racial, LGBTQ, and economic justice.
• Join with others to protect the environment.
• Connect with Unitarian Universalist congregations and organizations to strengthen the faith movement.

Download a copy of the Values, Mission and Ends here.

The Board Members of UUCM commit to govern in a manner that is consistent with our Unitarian Universalist faith and values. Through policy governance we intend to ensure that the church moves efficiently, consistently and ethically toward the realization of the mission and ends while maintaining appropriate costs and avoiding unacceptable actions and situations.

Please view and download the complete manual here. 

 While openness to a wide variety of individuals is one of the prime values held by our congregation and expressed in our denomination’s purposes and principles, we affirm the belief that our congregation must maintain a secure atmosphere where such openness may exist.  When any person’s physical and/or emotional well-being or freedom to safely express his or her beliefs or opinions is threatened, the source of this threat must be addressed firmly and promptly, even if this ultimately requires the expulsion of the offending person or persons. 

Please view and download the complete policy here.