Emerging from our shared values,

"Our Mission is to create Beloved Community,

where we are deeply grounded and connected,

with transformative liberation for all.”

(Roots hold us close and wings set ALL free!)

Adopted by congregational vote on June 14th, 2026

In keeping with our Mission, we will make measurable progress 

toward the following Vision/Ends by June 31st, 2031:

(Organized by metaphorical ecosystem, from 'roots' to 'wings' then ‘within’ to ‘beyond.’ In addition to helping with organization, each parenthetical metaphor will help us make meaning,

and facilitate (a) symbolic visual art depiction(s) of our successful work together.

The concrete and abstract versions are interchangeable depending on context.  This includes the Mission statement 'versions' above. 

The Board will use the following to hold the minister accountable and as guidelines for how to evaluate our shared ministry at UUCA.)

1. Stability and interconnection (Deepening Roots & Mycelium Network)

── Within ──

·   I will continually and intentionally move with and toward integrity. 

(ROOTS – WITHIN)

·   I will empower and trust myself to examine the origins of my own ideas and beliefs.

(ROOTS – WITHIN)

·   We hold each other and ourselves accountable to our covenants, shared values, and shared Mission. 

(ROOTS, TRUNKS, & MYCELIUM NETWORK – WITHIN & AMONG)

·   As individuals and as a community, we will consistently affirm and embody humility.

(ROOTS & WINGS – WITHIN & AMONG)

── Among ──

·   We embody the reality: we don't grow alone. 

(ROOTS – AMONG)

·   We are rooted in our ancestors, 

(VERY MUCH ROOTS, CONNECTED TO…) 

supporting and flying toward the possibility of each next generation. 

(WINGS… BIG TIME.)

·   We practice a compassionate, effective, and connective system of mutual aid, allowing us to survive and thrive through anything. 

(INTERCONNECTED ROOTS & TRUNKS, TENDED BY HUMANIST SYMBOLS – AMONG & BEYOND)

── Beyond ──

·   We offer deep and transformative opportunities for spiritual sustenance and grounding to all who seek it in the CSRA and beyond. 

(VERY MUCH ROOTS – BEYOND)

2. Grace and Progress with Tension and Challenge (Root-to-Trunk Transitions & Creative Tensions)

── Within ──

·   We are deeply spiritually grounded 

(VERY MUCH ROOTS – WITHIN & AMONG, CONNECTED TO….) 

allowing us to be present and responsive to a complex world. (RISING UP INTO TRUNK WHICH IS SWAYING SLIGHTLY – WITHIN & BEYOND)

·   We know and affirm: Who we are, individually and collectively, is dynamic; 

(THIS IS STARTING IN THE LOWER TRUNK AND GROWING BOTH UP AND DOWN – WITHIN & AMONG) 

and we exist in the tension between 

(ILLUSTRATE TENSE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING IDEAS – EACH ARE A PAIR OF ROOTS AND WINGS):

• Acceptance & curiosity
• Joy & sorrow
• Identity & progress

── Among ──

·   We effectively practice non-violent communication and restorative justice, 

always attempting in good faith to repair relationships, 

without unintentionally reinforcing systems of supremacy and injustice 

(TENDING IMAGE – AMONG)

3. Community Tending (The Main Trunk & Ecosystem Tending)

── Within ──

·   We embody curiosity, humility, and discernment. 

(TRUNKS – WITHIN & AMONG)

·   We understand: internal and external social identities intersect, creating unique compound experiences of oppression and privilege. 

(TRUNKY – WITHIN, AMONG, & BEYOND)

·   We live and operate in a way that acknowledges: Our futures are deeply intertwined; which energizes us to become, fostering a sanctuary of everlasting growth. 

(INTERACTION BETWEEN DIFFERENT TRUNKS & VINES IN A WAY WHICH MERGES WITH THE END OF THE NEXT BULLET - WITHIN, AMONG, & BEYOND)

·   We will have and share the spiritual and practical tools which allow us to set aside everything that prevents us from showing up, so we can meet the unfamiliar and share in everlasting growth. 

(UTILIZE VARIOUS HUMANIST SYMBOLS WITH TOOLS TENDING THE ECOSYSTEM – WITHIN, AMONG, & BEYOND)

·   We are intentional about seeking growth and nurturing holistic joy. (HUMANIST SYMBOLS LOOKING FOR & TENDING ECOSYSTEM – WITHIN, AMONG, & BEYOND)

── Among ──

·   We are continually discerning stewards of our human and financial resources. 

(ANOTHER TENDING SYMBOL – AMONG)

·   We always and warmly welcome others to this good faith community the way we were welcomed: truly meeting each person. 

(TRUNKS – AMONG & BEYOND)

4. Love at the Center (The Upper Trunk & The Radiant Center)

── Among ──

·   We behave according to this truth: everyone is inherently worthy. 

(NEAR THE TOP OF TRUNKS – AMONG & BEYOND)

── Beyond / Universal ──

·   As embodied Love is at the center of US, we center embodied Love in all we do. 

(THE SUN AT DUSK OR DAWN – OUR CENTER IS IN A LIMINAL SPACE – THE ‘FIRE’ OF A NEGATIVE SPACE CHALICE)

5. Circle Widening (Branches & Reaching Growth)

── Within ──

·   We are perpetually transforming and developing with discernment and love 

(TRUNKS AND BRANCHES, PERHAPS HEADING TOWARD THE SUN – WITHIN, AMONG, AND BEYOND)

·   We are a haven and a beacon for those who have been historically, systematically, and intersectionally oppressed. 

(BRANCHES – WITHIN, AMONG, & BEYOND)

·   Every person is celebrated for who they are, and who they are becoming, 

(BRANCHING OUT – WITHIN, AMONG, AND BEYOND) 

with intentional attention for those who are often devalued for who they are. 

(HUMANIST SYMBOLS CHANGING ECOSYSTEM SO SMALLER TREES AREN’T OVERSHADOWED)

── Among ──

·   We welcome everyone who approaches in good faith. 

(A SPECTRUM OF COLORS IN THE BRANCHES – AMONG & BEYOND)

6. Good Trouble  (Canopy & Interconnecting Vines)

── Within ──

·   We make space for the whole of people in this complex world, especially those on the margins, while celebrating and recognizing their journey 

(CANOPY – WITHIN & AMONG)

·   We encourage and celebrate transformation within and alongside our community.

(CANOPY MOVING TOWARD WINGS – WITHIN & AMONG)

── Beyond ──

·   We intentionally partner with and support causes and people that align with our values in good faith. 

(VINES CONNECTING CANOPIES – BEYOND)

7. Liberation and Sanctuary in Good Faith (Wings, Birds, & Open Sky)

── Within ──

·   I feel bonded and nurtured by community to love and challenge myself. 

(WINGS – WITHIN)

·   We feel safe enough to share the good news of Unitarian Universalism and our church

(LAYERED WINGS ENVELOPING AND SPREADING WIDE – WITHIN, AMONG, & BEYOND)

·   Liberation for all, arising from deep within AND the interactions between us. “No one is free until all of us are free.” 

(A LARGE BIRD SOARING – WITHIN, AMONG, AND BEYOND)

── Among ──

·   We make ourselves known to all those who seek connection and desire beloved community. 

(WINGS AND CLOUDS, AMONG & BEYOND)

·   We have made great progress toward full accessibility by adopting universal design.

(WINGS/CLOUDS – AMONG & BEYOND)

·   We embody and celebrate the reality: all bodies are beautiful. 

(WINGS/CLOUDS – AMONG & BEYOND)

Adopted by vote of the UUCA Board of Trustees on June 18, 2026