Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring Votes Overwhelmingly to “Answer the Call”

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
October 1, 2015

Silver Spring, MD – UUCSS was founded with help from the Universalist Church of America and the Universalist National Memorial Church in Washington, DC in October 1952. They are a vibrant and growing congregation.

Rev. Elizabeth Lerner Maclay said, “I am excited to enter into this capital campaign. Answer the Call is our theme. The words are drawn from the lyrics of our own Bob Hirshon’s song. Bob wrote it for our national Unitarian Universalist Assembly and he drew on the faith we live here at UUCSS everyday. Let me paraphrase the song and say, ‘It’s not just what we have to say; it’s more that we find a way, to answer the call.’ This is our time, our vision, our future.”

This decision came after many information sessions that everyone was encouraged to attend. A full presentation was given including a brief history of UUCSS, a list of current ministries, ministry opportunities and other interests. A second presenter listed the needs and opportunities along with the vision of leadership to address these concerns. The renovation and new construction plans along with the estimated investments were given to complete the presentation. Then folks were given time to ask questions and to make comments, which were recorded and compiled in a final report. Many people said how much they enjoyed getting together and they learned a lot about UUCSS. The members were glad to be updated on the status and needs of the campus and their potential for growth.

Each of the individuals and families within the church will be contacted for a personal visit. The church is hoping as a result of the campaign to be able to begin Phase 1 of their four phase site strategic plan.

The Rev. Elizabeth Lerner Maclay, Senior Minister, is fully engaged and optimistic about the wonderful possibilities. She has seen a lot of growth and development in the church since she first got there in 1999. “These feel like natural next steps in our journey as a congregation, both exciting and necessary.”

UUCSS has asked James D. Klote & Associates to assist and guide their efforts. “UUCSS is a vital part of the community. The church community is enthusiastic and has worked hard to bring the church to this strategic place in their history,” said Glenn Wagner, JDK&A Consultant.

With offices in Falls Church, Virginia; St. Charles, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; and Toronto, Ontario, James D. Klote & Associates is the largest full-time, on-site stewardship consulting firm in North America. For additional information, please contact the firm at www.jdklote.com or (800) 360-2315.