As has been usual in recent years, the Board is doing a combined November/December meeting in early December, due to the various holidays.
I wanted to take a moment again to recognize Chris Little for his years of service on the Board. Chris resigned in October, to prioritize time with his family and his work with people on the margins. Chris has been a thoughtful, insightful and passionate Board member, and I thank him for his service.
Filling the vacancy left by Chris, I would also like to welcome Ashley Cooley, a relatively new member of UUCville. I look forward to working with her on the Board. Please see the newsletter item and website posting with more information about the transition, and about Chris and Ashley.
I was very pleased to participate in the recent New Members and Friends class, which was very well attended! I spoke briefly about the governance of the congregation, the role of the Board, the budget process and the annual congregational meeting. It was great to see so many folks interested in becoming part of UUCville, and it was a good reminder of how important this faith community is in our lives.
The very same day, I attended the fall auction, and had a wonderful time. I really appreciate all the hard work that goes into planning this event; soliciting and managing the donations, planning the day of the auction festivities, and then the follow up with winning bidders and donors. Thank you again to the auction committee!
I particularly love that the auction has so many positive facets. It is, of course, a great fundraiser for the church (over $8,000 this fall!). But the auction event itself is also a fun opportunity to get together, browse the offerings, chat with old and new friends, and enjoy the food (soup and bread cookoff!). And then the dinners, movie nights, lunches, card games, murder mystery parties, etc. that you may have won will be bright moments of connection and community in the months to come. If you weren’t able to make it to the auction this time around, please look for the next one in the spring and join us.
The month of December also has a lot of meaningful ways for us to come together, to support each other, to be of service in the community, and to be supported. From the quiet and contemplative (the lovely Vespers service, the Solstice Lantern Walk) to the more joyful (Holiday Party). From being of service to others (Giving Tree, PACEM), to being supported and nourished ourselves (Hope in Hard Times group).
How can this loving community support you this season? And how can you support it?
Submitted by:
Carol Gardner, President