President’s Report to the Board and Annual Report (2025-26)

Posted on May 21, 2026 Posted By: Jude Bias Categories: About Us, Announcements, Board of Directors, Community, Members, News & Views, Newsletter, Our Church, Social Justice, Worship

May 2026

In looking back at this past year, my first year as President of the Board, what strikes me most is the enormous amount of important work being done by so many people in our congregation.

*The Early Birds of the UUCville Yard Sale Crew Ready to Greet the Crowds!*

Our Sunday services feel vibrant, meaningful, thought-provoking and supportive. Our children and youth are nurtured and encouraged to grow by our wonderful RE program. Our many small group activities (e.g. covenant groups, AFD classes, support groups) create ways for us to get to know each other better, be in deeper fellowship, learn, grow spiritually, and be supported. We also care for our congregants through regular food sharing Sundays, meal delivery from CareNet, the Pastoral Care team, and support from our ministers.

*A Warm UUCville Welcome Begins With “Hello”!*

In our local community we have been a visible presence at multiple protests and events this past year (with leadership from our Mosaic Squad). We help feed our neighbors with our Friday food pantry, provide and serve food at the Haven, and make hospital meal packets. We have partnered with so many local organizations that I’m losing count, to help with their events, provide financial support, work with their leaders, host meetings, and teach preschoolers. Our youth went on a life-changing service trip to help repair homes in Applachia.

*2025 UUCville Youth and Adult Volunteers Leaving to Serve with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP)!*

We have been together in celebration, at memorials, for work parties, for fun crafts, and at dinners, lunches and movie nights. We’ve marched, and sung, and shouted.

*Each spring, UUCville members retreat to Douthat State Park for a weekend of connection, mountain hikes, shared meals, and games!*

One thing that I particularly appreciate is that none of us could do this on our own. The ministers could not run an entire Sunday service by themselves (talented as they are). Each of the programs and activities I mentioned above (and many others I didn’t call out specifically), only happen because people take time away from their families, work, and busy lives to organize, volunteer, donate, cook, sing, write, post, take photos, and serve. Our staff provide skills and support that are absolutely necessary to the running of the congregation. And all of us together provide the vast majority of funds that are used to support everything we do.

*Welcoming Together: Our Multigenerational Hospitality Crew!*

I feel like we are fulfilling our mission:

Building community through love in action
Together, cultivating a safe and welcoming place for all.
Together, nurturing mind, heart, body, and spirit.
Together, working for equity, justice, and peace for all people and the planet.

*Congregation President Carol Gardner and UUCville Members Stand Together at a “No Kings” Protest.*

Submitted by: Carol Gardner, President