As the snow casually drifts down from a gray sky, we catch one on a glove and then another. They really are different in size and shape and texture and yet it’s still called snow and depending on the weather conditions, it exists or melts away.
Humans also come in different sizes, shapes, and textures if you will. So do congregations. And depending on the relational conditions, it exists or melts away.
For almost 21 months, the Board and a few Advisory Committees have continued to do some of the work of governance and the Ministers, Staff, and Ministry Teams have continued to do some of the work of ministry. Many of you have attended worship, religious education, or other types of congregational programs. All of us have had to change how we think about congregational life, noticing what is gone and what is likely to never come back; as well as noticing what gifts this time has brought.
In November, the Membership Team, with leadership from Roz Dahl and Gerry Schuth led a Getting to Know UU class, with participation from our resident history master, Ernie Hall, as well as Kristin Cleveland, Cong. Life Coordinator, Robin Ahearn, the Dir. of Lifespan Faith Development, and the two of us.
On Sunday Dec. 5, Roz, Kristin, and the two of us facilitated a Membership Class.
We share a couple of videos, talk about the rights and responsibilities of membership, the risks and opportunities of joining, and then 5 things we hope all members will do, as best as their schedule and family life allows:
1. Attend worship regularly-this is an important piece of who we are as a congregation and is the consistent place where the most of us come together, learn about our faith, build community, and practice being human together.
2. Continue learning about U,U, and UU history and identity. In addition to doing this in worship, this can be done by reading, web surfing, attending an adult faith development class, going to GA or other denominational workshop/training, and/or teach in our children/youth religious education program.
3. Create and/or sustain a spiritual practice-something we do with intention, attention, and repetition that supports our spiritual path, inspires our growth, or simply keeps us grounded in challenging times.
4. Volunteer for the congregation-it might be a one-time thing like helping with a clean-up day, or a monthly thing like being a greeter, or a regular involvement like joining a Ministry Team, Advisory Committee, or the Board. Volunteer in the wider community in some area that matters to you as a UU.
5. Make an annual contribution of record. We hope that you pledge as that assists the Board in creating a budget each year. We encourage folks to be generous-to give until it feels good and if it helps your personal budget, to pro-rate the amount based on wherever we are in the current fiscal year, understanding that a new stewardship campaign will gear up in Feb/Mar for the following July-June fiscal year. But pledging is only part of it. Paying the pledge in a way that allows UUSS to know it is coming from you fulfills the ‘of record’ part of this. And, for those who cannot afford to make the minimum $100 as noted in the UUSS bylaws and Board Policy Book, one can request a waiver by speaking with the ministers.
And we are thrilled to announce that 6 people made the wonderful decision to officially join the congregation! See the announcement below! Welcome Ash, Cammie, Dan, Don, Matt, and Megan!
With joy and anticipation for how you will change and be changed by the congregation and shared ministry!
Rev. Wendy and Rev. Lynn