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As we head into 2023 I can say unequivocally that UUCSC has had a terrific year. We have made so much progress with Rev Denis’ gentle guidance and joyful spirit. Our entire staff is top notch and working well together. Members of the congregation have worked hard and our efforts have been rewarded. Our committees are functioning and we are making a conscious effort to improve where improvement is called for. We are giving serious thought to leadership development so that we are prepared for the near future.
A few accomplishments of note:
- We held our first public fundraiser in three years and it was a success. Dozens of volunteers stepped up to make it happen and it was so much fun! We even made money!
- FINALLY we are livestreaming our Sunday services (a personal goal of mine since our opening day after the Covid shutdown). I find the Zoom services quite engaging on the few times I have watched from home. And it means we are serving ALL of our members.
- Rev Denis has made great progress in his goal of connecting with everyone via one-on-one conversations. If he hasn’t reached you yet feel free to send him a line and tell him you are ready to talk. His goal was quite ambitious but he’ll get there. His Beverages and Banter sessions have been a great success. His suggestions for changes have been well received and often implemented--though not always.
Of course, everything hasn’t been all roses. Many in the congregation have health and mobility issues and we are trying our best to find ways to help them. Please let Rev Denis or me know if there is something we can do for you. The Pastoral Care Committee is ready to help and Bethany Sorrentino has done a wonderful job reinstituting Helping Hands (formerly the Caring Connection).
Let Bethany know too if you have help to offer. The Committee is in need of someone to offer light handyman help.
We lost long time member and friend to many Dave Hurdis this year and we held memorials for several folks who passed last year. Sadly, that is a part of the circle of life and not unexpected—yet we will miss each of those we lost.
So as we look to the future think about how you can help this congregation continue on as churches and congregations of all denominations continue to shrink. I know how important UUCSC is to me and likely is to many of you also. Think about how you can perhaps step up to a leadership position. I can
say from my experience that it is very rewarding and certainly has felt like a very worthwhile thing to do.
I am really looking forward to another great year at UUCSC, one in which we continue to strengthen ourselves, one in which we continue to learn and grow with Rev Denis, with DRE Lee Cowan and with Michael Galib, MD and with the support of Sara Kaplow and Sue Rogala, our office and financial administrators respectively. A year in which we reach out more to the community of which we are a part.
I wish you joy and happiness in your personal lives also and am happy to be sharing this journey with you.
Peace, love and books,
Elizabeth
December Board Minutes
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