President’s Letter
February 03, 2021
Winter Greetings UUs,
I hope this letter finds you healthy, resilient, and in good emotional spirits. We all have been through a lot lately, grasping our chairs and holding our breath waiting for the next events to unfold. I don’t know about you, but my fingers are relaxing a little right now, and I can breathe easier.
Recently Michelle and I watched a wonderful historical fiction Netflix movie called “The Dig” about the unearthing of an Anglo-Saxon burial ship and its treasures discovered at Sutton Hoo Estate in England in the late 1930’s. All that remained of the ninety-foot-long ship’s wood hull was its impression in the earth. Immediately I thought of our UU Fellowship and our “Blue Boat Home “ hymn.
( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhsXl1_rEwI ).
Our Fellowship is like a boat sailing through turbulence with a multitude of dangers lurking around us. We, however, have the Principles of our Faith to guide us. When it appeared that our very heart of Democracy was challenged, we had our faith in the Democratic process. When QAnon spouted startlingly strange stories, our belief in the use of Reason helped guide us. Our Seventh Principle about our connection with all of nature helped us understand viruses and nature’s process of adaptation through mutation. These sirens and shoals haven’t changed our course as we continue working to make the world a better place for everyone.
Bill Harlan, David Rush and Elise Leonard continue working to provide the Zoom services every Sunday at 11 a.m. and discussion Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Also, Elise and Ed Wilson host a Zoom lunch on Fridays at noon. Additionally, Bill is the Program Coordinator and is always looking to fill the calendar with quality presentations. Rick Spradlin provides two Sunday programs a month, and Danielle Neale, formerly a member here in Columbus, but now living in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is also contributing programs via Zoom from her new home.
Ron Ussery coordinated getting our leaking Fellowship roof repaired. This recent rain was a wonderful test, and the newly patched roof didn’t leak.
We continue with our donations of money to Feeding the Valley, coats/jackets to Paz Amigos and blankets, socks and underwear to the Homeless Resource Network. There are collection boxes on the Fellowship porch if you’d like to donate. Thanks to Susan Stephenson, Judy Barnett, Orm Burnham and all those others who have helped or donated.
While our UU has found ways to continue our mission, there have been some personal tragedies and hardships. Many of us have lost friends and relatives to the virus. The lives of our UU friends and members have also been impacted.
– Don Nahley succumbed to Covid, leaving behind his wife of 63 years, Caroline, and four adult children. When the viral threat has been reduced, we will have a memorial service for him, hopefully sometime this Summer.,
– Jeanette Jones, wife of Milton Jones for 65 years, passed away from Covid. A memorial Service will be held later when family and friends can be together.
– Larry Summerour suffered a stroke, but has been working with his physical therapist and is now home and taking 30 minute daily walks.
– Amanda Rees contracted Covid, suffered from several symptoms, but is beginning to feel better.
If you have news to share for our Sunday Joys and Concerns, email Brenda Stevens [email protected] or Hal Midgette [email protected].
As the inoculations ramp up and more of us start getting our shots, it reminds me of when the Fellowship would gather around a bonfire in the middle of the Meditation Garden to celebrate Winter Solstice and sing “Here Comes the Sun.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQetemT1sWc) May your spirits be lifted as the days bring more light. Stay safe and keep in touch by Zoom, phone or email.
In fellowship,
Hal Midgette
President, UUFC