As we begin a new year at TJMC-UU, I find myself reflecting on the past year and greatly anticipating our future. In relation to the Board, I would like to start with a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing Board members. Members at-large who completed their 3-year terms include Walt Megonigal and Marlene Jones. They each brought deep commitment, hard work, and important voices to the Board. We also say goodbye to Sally Taylor who served as our President in 2014-2015, Past President for the beginning of 2015-2016 before moving into the Vice President role for the remainder of the year. Sally’s dedication, profound knowledge of the church’s workings, and strong drive to get things done are unparalleled. They will all be missed and we wish you well on the next phase of your TJMC journey. Thank you for your service to the congregation.
Ann Salamini, who is TJMC’s new Treasurer, has just completed her term as Board Secretary. Ann had the ability to record not just the results of our work, but truly capture the essence of our discussions and kept us on track in many ways. And finally, Laura Horn is transitioning from President to our Past President. Her thoughtful and intentional guidance through many difficult decisions, her kindness and gentle spirit, her management of the wide and diverse set of duties and priorities were a true gift to the Board and our congregation. I know both Ann and Laura will continue to guide us and offer their wisdom. My gratitude for their work done, and for the deep work to do ahead.
We are very excited to welcome 3 new Board members this year. Jeanine Braithwaite joins us as Member at-Large. Although relatively new to TJMC, Jeanine is currently serving as a Worship Weaver, and brings a wealth of UU experience. George Maris will serve as our new Board Secretary. George has served in many capacities including chairing TJMC’s Gay/Straight Alliance, serving as a lay Pastoral Visitor, and ushering during many of our Sunday sanctuary services. And Jen Larimer, TJMC’s Social Justice Council co-chair, joins the Board as Vice President. Jen brings great knowledge of this Council and much enthusiasm to the TJMC Board. Look for more about Board members in future publications.
We accomplished a great deal last year of which we should be very proud. With the guidance of the Strategic Plan, we feel confident that we moved forward on many of our goals for the year. (Click HERE for Strategic Plan update.) Much of this work continues, but we also get to move on to other priorities as well.
Having spent the past year “in training” to lead this great congregation, I had many opportunities to meet with a wide variety of groups and individuals, have great discussions, listen intently, and learn. Many recurring themes emerged, revealing both deep transformation and places that hold us back. As we continue to work on alleviating obstacles, the greater work is focusing on TJMC’s future calling, purpose, and mission.
What is it we are uniquely called to do?
How can we serve our community?
What singular mission drives our ministries?
How will a new focal point of our ministries transform us and indeed, the world?
I am very excited about this work as we head into a bright future together. We will undertake a new strategic plan update to answer these questions, but let’s not wait until then to start talking about them. I look forward to it.
Yours in faith,
Karen Ransom