Hello UTUUC Friends! Our goal as the Board of Trustees is to maintain connection with you–especially during this time of physical distancing. To that end, we will continue our "Reflecting with the Board" sessions this upcoming upcoming Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 1pm and Monday, April 19, 2021 at 7pm. The Zoom link for both is here. Zoom ID: 921 8222 1879   These sessions are a time for us to listen to you–we want to hear how you are, as well as your ideas, suggestions, and concerns. Here are a few things we would like you to know:

The Board noted the deep emotions of this past week with Reverend Taylor’s announcement that he will be leaving at the end of June, 2021. We all noted how difficult the week was, yet how well the week had gone, with a variety of communications and opportunities to discuss this news. We especially appreciated Alan’s thoughtful sermon and the sentiments shared during Coffee Hour this past Sunday, and Emily’s message to the Congregation this week. Please join us for continued conversation and reflection in this time of change.

The Community Transformation Team has officially begun to actively work on plans and procedures for re-opening our building. Much is still to be determined. We do know that we will NOT be opening up for in-person worship services in June, as we hoped when working on our 2021 budget. (We will begin opening up with small groups and other opportunities in the building before worship services). We also know that, unlike in pre-pandemic days, we will be creating multi-platform opportunities as much as possible. (When worship is in person, for example, we will also be live-streaming or providing some other off-site means of engagement). The team developed principles and questions to help guide their work, presented to the board this week. (Principles include guidance by science, safety as highest priority, accessibility). Please join us to hear more about the work and reopening of Unity Temple. The Board approved the Charter for the Committee on Shared Ministries (COSM). We had previously appointed Rob Bellmar, Soon Har Tan, and Willa Shultz to work with Rev. Taylor and Rev. Gage to create a charter for this important committee. COSM will serve both as an advisement body to our ministers and a resource to support the Board in assessing our shared ministries’ health and vitality, as they work towards meeting our congregation’s mission and vision. The Board also appointed this same group (although Rev. Taylor will serve as a resource through the end of June) to begin work on developing an application and interview process. Please come learn more about COSM at our Reflecting sessions. You can link to the Charter for the COSM here.

Tina Lewis, our Director of Membership, reported to the Board some exciting initiatives the Membership Committee has begun. They are expanding their focus on engagement and moving into 4 collaborative teams as well as creating opportunities to deepen our UU faith in partnership with Rev. Emily Gage, Val Ridenour, and our intern minister, mandi huizenga. If you have an interest in being part of the Engagement and Membership teams, contact Tina Lewis at tlewis@unitytemple.org.  mandi huizenga, our ministerial intern, encouraged the Board to both attend and promote our upcoming discussions of the UUA's Commission on Institutional Change's report, “Widening the Circle of Concern.” On May 2, Dr. Elías Ortega, President of Meadville Lombard Theological Seminary and friend of UTUUC, will lead worship on this topic as well as host conversation that day in lieu of coffee hour. We hope you will join us in both reading the report and for conversation. Some copies of the report are available at the UT Community Center, 1019 South Blvd but also available online here.

A team is being formed to plan an in-person farewell celebration for Reverend Taylor in August! If you are interested in helping, or have particular skills in planning such events, please reach out to farewell@unitytemple.org

We look forward to reflecting with you all.    Together in our hearts, Your UTUUC Board of Trustees

Ed McDevitt, President Julie Willoughby, Vice President Erik Wise, Secretary (ex-officio Secretary) Kimberly Brumirski Aisha Ellis Amanda Kaleta-Kott Stephanie Kiesling Stephen Lee Alice Ocrey Rich Pokorny