This feature will seek out answers to questions of broad interest in each issue, drawing on experts in churches, the UUA and elsewhere. For this premier issue the questions were drawn from the UUA-sponsored electronic discussion group UU-LEADERS in recent months. The group is a rich source of what works in UU congregations and is one of more than 70 such on-line groups where UUs may communicate with each other. Information on participating in those groups is available at the UUA Website.

Q.If I don't ask, I'll never find out. Many of you have quoted various UUA guidelines for everything from pledging, to ministerial salaries, to what makes a "program church." How do I access UUA guidelines for congregations?

A.The Congregational Handbook: How to Develop and Sustain Your Unitarian Universalist Congregation, (Third Edition, 1995) is available from the UUA Bookstore for $20. Every congregation was mailed a copy in 1996, so look first in your church or fellowship office. Edited by Lawrence Peers, Education and Research Director in the UUA's Department of Congregational, District and Extension Services, the 254-page book has guidelines on everything from tracking newcomers to fundraising. Just a few of the other topics include ministerial relations, teacher recruitment, volunteers, youth programs, property insurance and leadership retreats. The Handbook describes the role of various church committees, how to hire a new minister or religious educator, how to do a self-study of your congregation and how to develop a religious education department. The book also lists non-UUA resources available to congregations.

Q.We are preparing position descriptions for many staff and committee positions at our church and wonder if anyone has anything on a church archivist or historian?

A.At First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati (227 members), which was gathered in 1830, the position of historian is in the bylaws, but the historian, Walter Herz, reports that the job is whatever the historian makes of it. Says Herz: "My job, as I see it, is to update the records periodically with significant events in the life of the church, and to keep our members informed about our heritage. I was fortunate that I succeeded others who had seen the importance of our voluminous but unorganized records and contacted the Cincinnati Historical Society.

"With their advice and help, our complete files and records were transferred to the C.H.S., filed effectively and cross-referenced. There they sit today, available to our church and to the community for reference by historians, clergy and others interested in the church and/or in the prominent people who populated its membership rolls throughout its notable history. "I strongly urge you and others in the same position to contact your community or county historical society and solicit their advice and assistance. If your church dates to the 19th or early 20th century and your records are in reasonable condition, I can almost promise the historical society will be happy to work with you."

At the UUA, you may contact archivist John Hurley  for information on preserving church archives and historical items.

Q.Do any congregations have experience with the "blessing of the animals" ceremony?

A.The Fox Valley UU Fellowship in Appleton, WI (270) has a Blessing of the Animals service nearly every year and Janet Veum reports that it's a big hit. "It's an intergenerational, interspecies service in which we honor the role animals have in our lives, introduce our pets (whether present or absent) and remember animals who have died," Veum said. "Our children love this service and I think many adults do too, although those with allergies stay home! We have plenty of paper towels available, but generally have remarkably few 'accidents' and no altercations that I can recall. The most interesting part of the service to me can be hymn-singing when we have some unusual harmonies."