Minutes for:
1958-1964.
1964-1971.
1971- 1984.
1984 - 1989.
1990- 1993.
1993 -1996.
1996- 2000.
2000- 2003.
While mostly older newsletters, file also includes reports and correspondence. Sticky notes reflect the history project.
Older newsletters outline upcoming programs, include a "note from the president", and outline what was being discussed and happening in the fellowship that month.
From 1990 onwards newsletters followed a more regular format, showing what was happening that month and providing updates.
Minutes for:
2003 - 2005.
2005 - 2007.
2007 - 2009.
2009 - 2011.
In two folders.
"A Welcoming Congregation" is a UU program that educates congregations on how to be welcoming to people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. The LUF was the third UU congregation in Canada to become a welcoming congregation; they completed the necessary training in 1995 and the status was renewed in 2011 after additional training on how to be inclusive of transgender identities.
These files include correspondence pertaining to the search for a building, the legal paperwork surrounding the acquisition of the building, how they financed it, the renovations that were planned and renovations that actually occurred, and insurance information. Includes floor plans and drawings of the building of the Algoma building. Older material on the initial purchase of building is found with historical material.
Earlier minutes are transcribed accounts of the board meetings, while later minutes are formal agendas with an outline of the board’s discussion and their concerns of that week. UU recommends the board organize their records by year which is what the LUF did, using binders to sort time periods. The original arrangement was not disturbed; the binders were replaced with folders. Length of board minutes vary.
Board retreats were usually held at the camps of the board members which provided the team a chance to chat, bond, and discuss their visions for the future of the LUF.
LUF considered moving several times and eventually formed a committee to deal with the possibility of moving when new locations came up for sale. These files include financial reviews, correspondence pertaining to building, and suggest many members believed moving was necessary in order to grow.
As a non-profit and charitable organization the LUF relied on canvassing and campaigning to fund their programs and services. They received some financial support from the CUC/UUA and some from the government, but the majority of their funds came from renting out an apartment building and pledges from members. One became a member only after they made a pledge.
Includes descriptions of chaplain position, duties and responsibilities; resumes, applications, and contracts of individuals.
Original binder labelled "committee minutes" and stored with older Board minutes, files reflect original organization: unfiled papers found in binder; "Religious Education, Adult and Child"; "Green Sanctuary" ; "Social Action"; "Ken Morrison Lectures" ; "Service Auction" ; "Lay Chaplaincy" ; "Finance Comittee" ; "Fellowship Membership" ; "Empty Bowls and Caring Hearts" ; "Ministry Search 2011" ;
Folder of Newspaper clippings from local new sources from 1996, probably information about the city they used to determine the needs of the community. Received folders on various programs offered by committees and the board. Includes folder on promotional posters; "Adult Programs" ; "Adopt a Highway" ;"Renaissance 1994" ;"Community Involvement; Friends of Refugees" ; "Social Responsibility 1982 -" ; "Community Involvement: Board of Education brief" ; "Bicycle for Humanity" ; "Chalice Circle 2013-" ; "Thunder Bay Regional Arts Council" ; "Ken Morrison Lectures" (includes audio disc).
While the newsletters were still being sent out, the LUF started sending email updates as well much like they posted PSAs in the earlier days. These continue in 2022.
The board would 'check in' with the thoughts and feelings of the congregation by offering surveys and encouraging feedback. In 2009, they launched a formal project to determine the needs of the congregation and prepared a draft of recommendations for "a way forward" to ensure LUF was serving the community in the best way they could.