“Curiosity” is a word that keeps creeping into my world. In pondering the concept of curiosity, it seems that it fits Unitarian Universalists very well. We seem to have a craving to know more…about everything.
The recent email from the UUA discussing Leadership in our congregations described the memberships of our congregations across the country. To date, overall, our denomination has stabilized a downward trend in membership that has run from 2010-2017; this trend was also occurring across many churches and faiths in the United States. (Wonder if we saw a more just country during that time? …perhaps we had become more hopeful then….interesting.)
Last month Leadership Training was mentioned…well, it is happening! Several Board members and CRE teachers are taking the opportunity to engage in Leadership Training supported by the Board. With the funds available, the members have done on-line training and are conferring with one another. How exciting to have leadership in our congregation engaged with “curiosity.”
The Board is appreciative of everyone who made attendance a priority for the Annual Congregational Meeting in May. We successfully elected Leadership positions and finalized the budget. The Board will re-establish a contract with Reverend Alice Syltie this summer and we thank you for your generosity.
The Social Justice Team has catapulted us into a larger justice initiative that is very exciting; we have joined the Pensacola Area Interfaith Justice Ministry to collaborate with local congregations to identify a local social justice problem, then take direct action to effect change. Keep watching for opportunities to help affirm an important part of our Mission Statement: “Strive for Justice.”
In closing, let us consider this quote from the UUA email on Leadership and Membership:
“There is still a hunger for the values of justice, equity, compassion and liberation to which our faith aspires. Advancing these values matters far more than any simple statistics can capture.”
Namaste,
Nancy Hagman,
Board President