Two steps forward and one step back. That is certainly what our journey of the last couple of years has felt like. It hurts to find ourselves meeting virtually again and it is not always easy to remember that this is just temporary and will pass. Although our meetings are virtual, the work that is going on is very real.
How are we Celebrating Diversity?
Based on a recommendation from the Sunday Services Team, the Board has voted to begin the process of becoming a Welcoming Congregation. To describe the UUA Welcoming Congregation model as a program would be misleading. Instead, it is more of a design of intentional LBGTQ welcoming that values diversity of sexuality and gender as spiritual gifts. Becoming a Welcoming Congregation is a process that includes education and outreach. The Board will be appointing an ad hoc committee to begin the process. The final step in becoming an intentional Welcoming Congregation will be a congregational vote.
How are we Striving for Justice?
The listening process for JUST Pensacola 2021 has begun and house meetings are taking place. This is our opportunity to voice the concerns that we have for our greater community, and the outcomes produced will direct the organization’s focus for the year. Everyone’s participation is important as we gather concerns and, later, participate in larger events. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee invited individuals and faith-based organizations to join in telling the Biden Administration to stop the cruel treatment of Haitian asylum-seekers. Being a faith-based organization, the Board approved signing the letter in the name of UUCP.
How are we Inspiring Love?
The challenge of maintaining our connectedness while physically apart is being met by the loving service of many individuals and ministry teams. The Sunday Services Team has worked tirelessly in developing and producing meaningful services, and the Communications Team has provided the technology and platforms that deliver those. Together, they work with Reverend Alice, who also brings us together with Theme Circles. The Fun and Fellowship Team provides opportunities to socialize, and the Safer Congregation Team continues to monitor local public health advisories to advise the Board accordingly. The one thing that each of us can do to ensure that no one is feeling left behind is, when we think of someone we miss and are wondering how they are, to pick up the phone and call them. The Big Question on everybody’s mind is when are we going to start meeting in person again? The health and safety of our congregants remains our greatest concern. We all have the same goal, which is to recongregate as soon as it is safely possible. The community infection rates are dropping and, if they continue at the same rate of decline as in recent weeks, we may be able – hopefully – to recongregate outdoors by the end of October. The Board is closely following this.
Two steps forward and one step back is still a step ahead. How are we Building Beloved Community? One step at a time.
Faithfully,
Arnie Ondis, Governing Board President