Growth Cluster

Congregational growth is rarely unintentional. UUA Congregational Services offers facilitated weekend workshops called Planning for Growth.

“This program uses a multi-faceted approach to help congregations identify current strengths
and determine some strategic directions for further growth and vitality”.

Planning for Growth information is available for different size congregations. Visit the UUA Leader's Library for more information.

The Northern New England District is participating in a three-year pilot project of Congregational Services Planning for Growth. The workshop that normally fills one weekend has been reorganized to take place over three years. The weekends are facilitated by a Planning for Growth trained facilitator and a district-based mentor.

Groups of congregational leaders learn together through a series of weekend trainings over three years. Leaders then bring what they learn to their congregations, and communicate with one another between trainings to provide ongoing support.

The six congregations of the Northern New England District participating in the 3 year growth pilot are all small congregations. They include:

First Universalist Parish of Chester, Vermont
Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth, Maine
First Universalist Society of Hartland Four Corners, Vermont
First Universalist Church of Norway – UU, Maine
First Universalist Church of Pittsfield, Maine
Walpole UU Church, New Hampshire

If your congregation is interested in participating in a future growth cluster, please contact Small Church Specialist Karen Brammer at kbammer@uua.org.