Greetings UU members and friends,
Our fellowship is changing and growing. It’s an exciting time to be involved.
I know my letters get long, but I don’t want to leave anything out, so this might be the next opportunity we have to serve our greater community. Here is the link to join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2024/GA-Georgia?fr_id=17545&pg=entry We can have a team if ten of you will join me and Ron. Please let know asap and I will establish that team on the entry page. I will ask for this to be added to announcements, but it’s up to you to put on that UUFC T-shirt and get out there October 4. It’s so much fun to be a part of something so important. You will find it hard to stay with your team because we are busy meeting up with all the other people we know in this walk.
Our Fellowship received its largest donation ever this month. Over $47k was donated by two of our most generous donors. To stay diversified and safe, we have moved some of our cash funds into CDs. We are confident now that we can manage the cost of expanding our children’s program, which is our next long-term expense.
To that end, our Children’s RE position is still open. We have had one person interview for this paid position, but we need more candidates before making a decision. Ellen, Michelle and I are working on this with Amanda joining in as she can.
It’s been a hot month since our last Board Meeting, but the events at 8827 Heiferhorn Way have been pretty cool. We were honored by confirming another new member, Adele Pudner. We held an indoor July 4th picnic that came off with only a single hitch, but Ron helped me deliver the buns I’d forgotten in record time. The Youth and Young Adult group even had a tour of the new Museum. We have had some wonderful Sunday service programs.
Our Board held a very productive Strategic Planning Meeting on July 14. Changes in the UUA Bylaws, Article II led to a little change in our Mission Statement. After discussion, the Board revised our fourth statement in the Mission from “Promotes Unitarian Universalism’s Seven Principles…” to read as follows: “Promotes Unitarian Universalism’s principles and values …” This was approved by unanimous vote. The fellowship will have a chance to vote on this at the next business meeting.
During that planning meeting, we also found the need to establish a “Green Committee,” chaired by Ellen Harlan. We are already taking action on several initiatives to participate in addressing climate change as much as we can. Ron has mentioned our “energy audit” and the results it holds for our future in possible funding for some energy upgrades. The auditor encouraged us to use the Meeting House as much as possible for small groups. We expect a written report on this very thorough assessment soon with recommendations for further improving our energy consumption.
The Board added the new “Emergency Preparedness Committee,” headed up by Judy Barnett. You will hear more on this as we design some ways to present information to keep our fellowship as safe and as healthy as possible.
Judy Barnett has also initiated a “Women’s Action Group” to make the Fellowship aware of ways we can be proactive in Reproductive rights, voting, and other equity issues.
Bill Turman has been working with Brenda on clarifying our Committees and Special Groups so that we can update their purposes and their contacts. If asked to serve on any committee that supports the needs of this Fellowship, please consider saying “yes.” Most of them never meet unless an issue needs to be addressed. Much committee business takes place through emails.
Ron and I will be replacing the LED projector in the refreshments area tomorrow (July 25) if all goes well. Ron, Brenda, Hal and Michelle are overseeing construction and painting in both downstairs bathrooms. And speaking of bathrooms, at the July 16 Board Meeting, we approved a motion that restroom access will be based on identity rather than birth gender. “We don’t care: just everybody wash your hands.” This was approved unanimously.
Let us know of your affiliations with groups that we can support with GATP (Give Away the Plate) and community exposure. We already try to join events and support The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Pride Events, Strut the Hooch parade, MLK day, Pierce Chapel African American Cemetery restoration, and Trees Columbus.
It’s only July, but our December Business Meeting will be here before we know it. Please be considering who might make a good Board member and officer. The only qualification for Board membership is having been a member for six months prior to January 1 of 2025. New members are already taking leadership roles, and we are grateful for the energy they bring to our community.
I hope you all have a cool, calm August. I am grateful to you all for making the effort to join us whenever you can. It’s always good to see your faces, to sing with you and to hear your comments and questions. Let’s do all we can to keep this community strong and committed.
Sincerely,
Connie Ussery, President
UU Fellowship of Columbus, GA