In this feature we seek out answers to questions of broad interest, drawing on experts in congregations, the UUA, and elsewhere. If you would like to submit a question, please write to InterConnections at the address on page two or e-mail dskinner@uua.org.

Q. My congregation had a very difficult time last spring finding anyone to serve on the governing board and an even harder time getting someone to agree to be president. It also seems to be a perennial struggle to keep our committee chairs filled. People just don't seem willing to serve here. Can anyone offer advice?

A. "I confess to being a systems thinker," says Qiyamah Rahman, district executive of the Thomas Jefferson district. "Ask yourself, 'what is going on in the larger system that we are not bringing in new members who then get nurtured and mentored into leadership roles in our congregation?'

"Peter Steinke, author of two books on systems thinking, How Your Church Family Works and Healthy Congregations, encourages a focus on your strengths rather than on your deficits. A healthy congregation develops and nurtures leadership. One of the ways this can be accomplished is expressed in Jean Morris Trumbauer's book, Sharing the Ministry. She encourages setting up systems and processes that help everyone to find their passions. When our congregations needs meet our members' passions they become participants in shared ministry.

"Merton Strommen, in his book Innovative Church, characterizes the innovative church as one that is committed to needed change, possesses an affirming attitude toward its members, and encourages an openness to experimentation and new ideas."

A culture change might be necessary, requiring a deliberate shift in the board's and the congregation's way of doing things. Are you ready to change? When we are facing change we often have to remind ourselves that what we are doing is not working, and furthermore, if we keep doing what we have always done we will get what we have always gotten! The choice is yours. Good luck!"

Q. I'm a social action chairperson and I recently found out about the Seventh Principle Project. Where can I learn more about it and about creating a "green sanctuary?"

A. The Seventh Principle Project, a UUA-affiliated organization supports the work of UUs in affirming and promoting the seventh UU principle, which calls for "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." Essentially, the Seventh Principle Project supports and promotes environmental issues.

Making your congregation a "green sanctuary" requires completing a number of steps. For information on the Seventh Principle Project and a kit to help your congregation become a green sanctuary, see these pages: www.uuaspp.org and www.uuaspp.org/greensanctuary.htm#anchor2743801

Q. On the UUA-sponsored e-mail lists [the UUA has about 75, inclusing many that enable congregational leaders to discuss topics relevant to each list] it sometimes seems that the list managers are censoring the discussions. Shouldn't the lists be open to whatever discussions the participants want to pursue?

A. All UUA lists are operated with the seven UU Principles and Purposes in mind, says Deborah Weiner, director of the UUA's Office of Electronic Communication. "We encourage civil discourse on the lists. Sometimes people do question whether we're invoking censorship, but the lists have to conform to our religious beliefs and practices. This is not a matter of free speech, it's a matter of the sponsor (UUA) wanting everyone to practice appropriate behavior so the lists can be as useful as possible."