Latest from the UUSP Board of Trustees

News from your

Board of Trustees

19 December 2021

To keep you informed on the actions and activities of your UUSP Board,

we feature highlights from the most recent Board meeting, Board member profiles, financial information, details on specific initiatives, and more.

Monthly virtual meetings are every 3rd Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 pm.

To submit agenda items, receive the agenda and the link in advance, email Bill Motter by noon on 2nd Tuesday

Message from Board President

On Friday Night Dave and I attended the Homeless Memorial at our Church. To me this event which is organized and hosted by our Social Justice Committee represents our congregation at its finest — recognizing with dignity the 83 homeless individuals who passed away this past year in our county and attracting volunteers and officials across the community to participate.

As a congregation we are presently faced with a challenge. And it is a big one. That challenge is to choose to work through the feelings and reactions to the issues raised by our former minister Rev Jack Donovan who recently sent emails to several church members and former members. The emails contain information and opinions that are upsetting to many of us.

What I am asking you — is that we agree to a reflection period during which we celebrate the holidays and contemplate quietly how to approach the issues that have been raised. We must do so in an atmosphere of respect for everyone involved, understanding the interests but also the hurts received by all parties involved.

If we could have a period of quiet for a few weeks, I think we will be in a much better frame of mind to seek ways to do justice to all.

Following the holidays let’s come together and begin the healing process. One of those steps will be a Town Hall co-hosted by Susan Burnore and myself. The purpose being to hear your concerns, clarify the processes and answer what questions we can. Let us come together in the spirit of our covenant: to speak the truth in love and help one another.

There will be other steps but we need time to plan them and perhaps meld them with the Interim Work that begins in January. Rest assured — with a lot of help and support from Rev Ben your leadership is seeking clarifications on the issues raised and exploring methods and resources to help us through this challenging time.

We love this congregation and are deeply saddened by what is taking place. But by working thru this in the spirit of our Covenant — it can be our finest moment.

~ Karen Coale

Feature Story:

Brief History of the Friday Night Picnic

The Friday Night Picnic was established at UUSP in April of 2009 to aid an ongoing food share program originally provided by the Society of Friends, Food not Bombs, UU members and others in the community.

For several years the Friday night meal was located in Williams Park and then relocated to Mirror Lake after the City clamped down on serving meals in parks.

Some members of our Homeless Ministry (now known as UU's Helping People) proposed inviting the Friday night group into our playground where we could offer a safe location, healthy meals and a restroom.

There was some trepidation among our members, however the Board decided that it was consistent with our mission and approved the proposed meal share program on a trial basis.

For a time, elaborate meals were prepared in UUSP’s kitchen with the help of members of the community we served. The intense use of the kitchen, storage and sanitation issues forced the temporary cessation and reorganization of the weekly dinner. The decision was controversial and attracted media attention, click here.

The picnic has evolved to meet the needs of our guests and the Church as well as allowing room for our volunteers to offer their own talents. Whether it be hair cutting, helping folks navigate services, listening, praying, offering personal products and clothes or offering birthday songs and cupcakes for guests’ birthdays, the love and caring shine through.

Today the picnic is as strong as ever and again has evolved to meet COVID demands. We are also continuing our outreach efforts through an annual Christmas caroling event, “Still No Room at the Inn” and the Homeless Memorial Service.

If you wish to participate in this ministry to our neighbors in need contact Sabine.

~ Reggie Craig & Sabine von Aulock

New Zoom feature: closed captioning

For those using Zoom for church meetings, Zoom has happily added a live transcription service. All you have to do is click on "CC" at bottom of the screen and "enable live transcription." If you record a meeting, the transcription will also be saved. Let me know if you have questions or would like to start using the UUSP Zoom account for church activities. -- Sharon Winters

Highlights from the Dec 15th Meeting

Karen Coale reviewed and noted progress on July - December Board priorities: membership engagement, interim work, and leadership development. The (Re) Connect conversations have been instrumental in bringing a sense of caring and connection. Many thanks to everyone involved.

Rev. Ben noted that the return to the sanctuary for worship services has filled him with joy. He also cited his appreciation for Jeanay, Jon, James, and Kelly who have worked with dedication and resilience over the past months. He’s looking forward to beginning the interim work in January. To date, four of five appointees for the Transition Team have been identified and approved by the Board. Let’s welcome Michael Pohl, Beth Stombaugh, Sabine VonAulock, and Rebecca Wilson. Together with Rev. Ben, they will guide our church through the interim process.

Asst. Treasurer Trish Burch provided financial highlights. Operating revenue is under budget primarily due to shortfalls in pledge income and property usage revenue; operating expenses are also under budget due to delay in re-opening the church. The operating revenue shortfall is roughly equal to the amount in which operating expenses are under budget, leaving it a wash. Due to the investment income we show a surplus.

The Safety Team is following science and UUA guidelines. Accordingly, we are still not able to provide indoor or outdoor food service but singing outdoors (with masks) is fine. The safety team appreciates everyone’s cooperation and understanding.

Sharon Winters briefed the Board on the annual review of the Facilities Master Plan… see details in the recent Renew-Restore-Rejuvenate newsletter. The Annual Review Team will have a short video, with highlights of high priority projects out soon. The Team will also conduct a survey, one-on-one interviews, and information sessions to engage the congregation in this process. Sharon highlighted Board-approved guiding principles and evaluation criteria upon which all facilities projects will be evaluated. These principles and criteria center on the mission of our community.

~ Karen White

And a tip from Karen – here are APA guidelines for inclusive language.

Get to Know Your Board Members

Sharon Winters

Board Member since July 2020

Over the past year, we've spent more time in the western NC mountains, re-creating a pattern from my childhood, escaping the hot & steamy FL summers. I enjoy the contrast between our lush tropical surroundings and the coolness of the mountain forests set against deep blue, cloudless skies.

I continue to serve on the City's Planning & Preservation Commission and appreciate the opportunity to help shape the future of our City's urban design. I stay involved with the League of Woman Voters of St. Pete which continues to do important work around voting rights and social justice. With the church, we just kicked off an annual review of the Facilities Master Plan (stay tuned) and I enjoy staying involved with the Board and the B&G team where we manage to get a lot done AND have a good time.

I'm proud of my sister, Kelly, who successfully ran for City Council in her hometown of Asheboro NC and starts her service this month. During our time in the mountains, we've been able to visit more with Kelly and with my mom, 93 years and still kicking (with vigor). My husband, Kendall, stays active with the St. Petersburg Bike Co-op, one of our church neighbors on Mirror Lake, open Monday & Thursday evenings if you need a hand maintaining your bike or have one to donate.

Editors' Choice: The Long Read

Highlighting stories that align with UU values.

The U.S. has the highest rate of incarceration in the world: 5% of the world's population and nearly 25% of the world's prisoners. Listen to (or read) New Yorker editor David Remnick's interviews with some of the people leading a movement against mass incarceration, including Michelle Alexander, author of the 2010 book The New Jim Crow, and poet and public defender Reginald Dwayne Betts. -- Sharon

Mass Incarceration in America, Then and Now

with David Remnick, The New Yorker Radio Hour , 3 December 2021.