UUS:E is unique. We have a community that transcends individual beliefs. Think of a painting on a canvas. Background colors lend a solidity and substance to the painting. With a background set, the artist builds on this foundation. New colors add a depth and vibrancy to the original work. As each of the elements interacts on the tableau, new subtleties appear. I like to think of our church community in these terms.
Different backgrounds, different beliefs, yet one canvas and one faith. Some may find faith an odd word to use in describing Unitarian Universalists. For me, being a Unitarian Universalist is an ultimate commitment. If we are to be measured on this earth, the quality of that measure will be the beliefs we hold and the actions we take in support of those beliefs. Critical to me is the democratic process; the worth and dignity of all humans; and the human spirit. Those are critical aspects, to be nurtured and protected. If we don’t act on those values, how can we ask that of others. That is our ultimate responsibility as UU’s and as people.
We are on the same path, but at different places on that path. We respect the journey, and are glad to be able to help others in their quest for meaning, just as they will help us. Please stop by on a Sunday morning and learn more about us.
I am about to commit a faux pas, but I cannot contain myself.
The completion of our building expansion has been made possible by an incredible amount of hard work, dedication and generosity from so many people: the Project Executive Committee, Architecture and Engineering Committee, Project Aesthetics Committee, painters, movers, contributors, and lawyers working pro bono. The collective effort has been dazzling, and everyone will be recognized over the next few months, and certainly at our building dedication on September 19th (mark your calendars!).
But two individuals stand out above all others and I want you all to know of their efforts. This is where it gets a bit dicey because, of course, everyone deserves recognition and I don’t want to slight anyone.
Dave Sherman and Tony Kayser have dedicated so much of their time, expertise and yes, love to this building project that I must call them out. They were both heavily engaged during the 4 to 5 years of project planning. Over the last eight months while under construction, they’ve been hands-on at the site practically every day for hours on end making sure work was on track, trouble-shooting any issues that arose, providing guidance to contractors and acting as on-site liaisons for the Project Executive Committee. They have sacrificed incredible amounts of time away from their families and from their own needs on the home front. And we are their recipients.
Take note. Tony and Dave are old men (sorry guys). I mention that not to highlight an amazing intellect and stamina at their ages, but to underscore that their efforts will primarily benefit not them, but future generations of UUs. Their work is their legacy derived from love of this UU community. AND, I suspect they loved every minute of it.
Tony and Dave are my heroes, heroes to UUS:E and to Unitarian Universalism. If I could put them up on a rotating pedestal and bow, I would do it. Instead, I shake their hand, give them a hug and a peck on the cheek, thank them profusely and note a tear in their eyes. When you see them, you might do the same.
Take care,
Jo Anne
I’m going to go out on a limb here and make an assumption, which is always a little risky. Actually, my assumption isn’t without some basis. The assumption is that some congregants don’t know who is on our Policy Board, and many wonder exactly what the Policy Board does.
The basis for my assumption is that people have asked me these questions from time to time, and these are good questions. Below I am including pictures of our Policy Board members. As with many members, they express their high level of commitment and dedication to UUS: East by giving of their time, talent and skills, and sharing their wisdom--some on a daily basis.
If you see one of these Policy Board leaders on a Sunday morning, give them a “thank you” for all that they do. And what exactly do they do? The Policy Board is primary responsible for developing policy for UUS: East.
But that’s not all. Below are just a few of our responsibilities, taken from our Constitution:
The Policy Board is responsible for the general operation, program, and property of the Society
Directs the Society’s business affairs and ensure compliance with all local, State and Federal laws.
Establishes operating policies, priorities, and long-range plans.
*George Janssen, Building & Grounds Chair missing from grouping - Photos by Jo Anne Gillespie
Take care,
Jo Anne Gillespie
I thank our president, Joanne Gillespie, for inviting me to write a few words in this month's President's column about our transition to Center Congregational Church and the discoveries I have made during these past few weeks. As vice-president, I have the privilege of not only being a member of the Policy Board but also chairing the Program Council, and now, added to those responsibilities, I have taken on the role of the coordinator with Center Congregational Church for the next five to six months. I have rediscovered a truth that I have known but not expressed or thought about for a while.
I have been a member of UUS:E for 38 years, and I have always loved saying our closing words on Sundays, but it is only recently that I have thought about the many meanings that the words "loving the light in each other" conveys about each of us. For me the word "light" reflects so many qualities. It captures the love and generosity and dedication and encouragement and hope we share and extend to one another.
These past two months of transition time remind me that UUS:E has grown so much because of the dedication and love of everyone who participates in some aspect of church life. And I am also the fortunate person to have discovered how welcoming the members and leaders of Center Congregational Church are as they extend their generosity to our congregation. I thank them often for being such gracious hosts. I also want to thank Bill Graver and his transition search team for all their efforts to find us such a beautiful and serene home while we await our renovated meeting house.
In the rest of this newsletter you will find announcements of a few of the opportunities to be together that the Program Council and others have developed during the summer. There will certainly be more to come in the months ahead. I often think of Lesley Schurmann's description that the Program Council initiates programs "that nurture, educate, empower, sustain, and unite us." I love the way Lesley captured in those words the vitality that not only the Program Council but all of our leaders, members, staff and friends bring to their efforts for us to learn from each other and grow together. You will find that during these transition months we will find many ways to nurture and sustain each other.
Rev. Josh said that we will grow in unexpected ways during these next few months, and one of these ways will be to meet new people. For several of the programs listed in this newsletter we are extending an invitation for Center Church members to participate, and I am forwarding the invitations to put in their newsletter. I know that we will be extending invitations to Center Church members to participate in future intergenerational activities and more discussion groups in the fall and winter. I close by telling you all how much I love seeing "the light" in each of us at UUS:E and seeing it among everyone who has welcomed us to Center Congregational Church. We are very blessed!
Best always,
Carol Lacoss
Last Updated May 2010
