Looking Back @ 2020
It is very easy to forget the Goodness in our lives when bombarded with challenges every day. The ongoing pandemic has certainly shaped our lives in 2020 and will likely continue to do so in the new year. And, while we may be consumed by these challenges, it is worthwhile to take a moment and reflect back on what has arisen out of God Goodness in our community.
Here is a list of a few accomplishments for the memorable pandemic year of 2020:
A smooth transition from in-person/indoor to online services, groups, Youth and Family Ministry, and other activities, allowing former congregants who moved away to reconnect with our community.
The introduction of in-person/outdoor events, such as coffee chats, garden team happenings, and parking-lot services and events.
Close to 2,000 connections calls spread out over four individual rounds.
The setup of a new church management system, allowing for a seamless integration of donation management and an efficient way to communicate with our congregation and partners.
The initiation of a text messaging system, primarily used to send weekly affirmations and inspiring quotes, but also used to communicate urgent messages or important reminders.
The establishment of a new Crucial Conversations group, focusing on critical social issues discussed in a safe environment.
The formation of Unity Friends, who focus on the care of our community via prayer and pastoral care.
The inception of a new tech team, developing the next evolution of live streaming for UFW and adding various services to support our community, such as the dial-in option for Sunday services, a tech support system, and many more.
The reimagination of our Youth and Family Ministry with a new and dedicated volunteer team, focusing on developing a new program that is suitable for a hybrid (in-person and online) environment as well as allowing for a greater support for the families.
The rebirth of our SEE (Spiritual Education and Enrichment) program, offering classes based on Unity Teachings.
The successful continuation of our SpiritGroups, evolving from the initial pilot into a full-fledged program.
The continuation of our traditional special efforts and services, such as prayer bear collections, food drive, toy drive, quilt raffle, musical Sundays, best-of Sunday, and our Christmas Day Concert, featuring the best recordings of the last five years.
The successful transition from a heavily paper-based to an entirely online operation, allowing staff and volunteers to accomplish their tasks from the safety of their homes.
A close to 90% reduction of our anticipated loss, leaving us at close to net zero for the financial year of 2020.
The successful reduction of our line of credit by over $70,000 and the timely refund of congregants’ promissory notes of close to $20,000.
These are only the highlights of the many efforts that have been made by our staff, board, and volunteers. If you can think of any other accomplishments, feel free to leave a comment.
Let us be grateful for the many hearts and minds that have found perfect harmony in this challenging year and continued to support Unity Fort Worth and its congregation. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Membership Renewal
If you would like renew your membership, please follow this link: unityfortworth.org/renewal.