Several years ago when I was new to this congregation, a long-time member greeted me at the door. After the initial welcome, she asked me to listen…. After seeing my inquisitive expression, she said…“Just look and listen to the sounds, the chatter, the laughter and joyful voices” that were in the foyer before the church service. She was smiling and I responded in my naiveté, “Isn’t it always this way?” to which she replied….“Oh, no.” She talked about being able to assess the health of the congregation by its sounds.
This month our church has been full of meaningful vibrations…just listen. The Yard Sale is always a hustle and bustle of many feet, hands and voices, working together like a well-oiled machine. We ‘honored’ the kitchen with the artful touch of Kate Wolverton, Marylee Donnelly and many others who made the Pancake Breakfast a feast shared together. “Did you hear the sounds and laughter…syrup, fruit, special pancakes…as well as young voices mixed in with the adults?” This month the piano erupted with sounds of the musical talent of Bobby van Deusen as a fun-fundraiser with the added bonus of the Auction. The Auction items seemed to just “pop” up however; it was obvious there was lots of work including time, talent and many donations to make this possible…often the unknown and the silent voices of our community once again. Our community gathered to honor our beloved Paul Cutchen. We came together to make music and share stories of his life and the love of his family and his endearing wife, Billye Cutchen.
In October, our church provided a space (rental) for the voices of local candidates to discuss their views and present their proposals focused on important issues in our larger community. The forum allowed discourse on how to proceed to protect our beaches and waters from continued denigration, adding the sounds of the larger community into hallowed space. A time to listen and learn…
The Board members are listening. They have planned a Roundtable forum with the Team Leaders for Sunday, November 4th, 11:30-1 pm. We will gather to review the Long Range Plan, assess where we are in this process and identify areas of strength as well as focusing on our next steps in honoring our vision as a congregation.
Two proposals were submitted to the Board and were passed, to address fundraising opportunities for the Memorial Garden. Honoring those who have come before us helps to strengthen and to unite us in a unique way. Their visions have already laid a foundation for us…often when we listen, we can hear their reverberations.
As we continue to listen…may our intentions and voices be one.
Oh…it was Barbara Goggins.
See you in Church,
Nancy Hagman, UUCP President