January & February Happenings

I will be away on study leave for a couple weeks at the beginning of February. As part of this time, I am attending the UU Ministers' Association “Institute for Excellence in Ministry” from February 2-6 in Pacific Grove, California. Almost 500 colleagues will gather from all across the U.S. for worship, inspiration, conversations, and several workshop tracks being offered. I am attending “Just Transition in a Time of Unraveling” featuring the eco-philosopher Joanna Macy. It fits exactly with the environmental focus of A2U2. Just listen to this description:

In a time when a radical confluence of crises sweeping the globe challenges human and planetary existence and eco-system integrity as never before in history: What knowledge must we possess? What path can we follow? What practices will sustain us as a people, and as those called to minister? Together we will explore experiential and learning practices that will stretch and deepen our relationship to time, stir our call into healing engagement, and deepen our analysis of the crises as well as the potential forward in our perilous times.

I am looking forward to this opportunity to fill the water in the well in my being, so that I have more good things to share with you all. After the trip to California, I will have a week at home for more reading and writing time. I will be back on Sunday February 15^th. While I am away, Intern Minister Lyn Marshall will check in on phone messages, but you can also contact me via cell in any emergency.

On another note, you may have noticed a new object in the sanctuary, or you will soon—we now have a large television screen on the sanctuary wall. Remember all the shenanigans that it took to share photos or videos during worship? I had to use a long pole to pull down the hanging cord of the projection screen, then pull down the screen, and run extension cords into a space in the center of the chairs where the projector sat on a little table... well, it was rather disruptive of a smooth flow of worship. In conversation with the IT committee, we strategized together about possibilities, and they made it happen. Thanks to Terri, Don, and Jerry, as well as Steve, Dan, Keith & Jay who played a role in this project. Now, we should be able to share photos and videos just by using a laptop from the pulpit. I am looking forward to how this might enhance the worship experience in ways we haven't even imagined yet.

The search has been on for a new Church Administrator. From more than 50 applications received, several promising applicants were interviewed by phone, and a few then were interviewed by the committee. Thanks to the hiring committee of Barbara, Marge, Terri, Dave, Lynne, as well as adjunct helpers Sonia and Vicky for all their work in finding just the right person. Hopefully we will be able to announce a new person soon, but it may take a few weeks before someone can start.

In the meantime, thanks again to our dedicated office volunteers who have done a marvelous job. Ann & Margaret have been answering office phone calls and emails. Diane has been doing the Order of Worship each Friday, and the announcement bulletin. Terri has been managing churchdb calendar requests. Thanks to Vicky and the members of the Finance Committee for handling all financial matters—that includes Jared, Sue, Jon, & Lynne. I am sure I am forgetting someone—everyone has pulled together to help during this transition—thanks to you all.

And, I am looking forward to our 50^th anniversary celebration, on February 28^th. Please put it on your calendar.