In-person services and activities resumed on July 4th, and our gatherings have been a wonderful mix of joy and hope. Independence Day has a new meaning for UUCP.

Rumor has it that there is a kind of lull during summer at UUCP with people away on vacation, not much going on and low Sunday attendance. Really? I find it a remarkably busy time, although much of the work does go on unseen while we are occupied with the diversions of the season. This tells me that life is resuming its normal rhythms.

The Ministry Teams have remained active this summer. The building required attention in preparation for our in-person recongregating, and this is the peak of the growing season for our grounds. The CRE Team is working on plans to resume in-person activities once safely feasible. The Fun and Fellowship Team is continuing to keep us together virtually with the Friday Happy Hours, which is one positive effect of the Covid shutdown.

The Sunday Services Team continues to develop a great lineup of programs. They have a bit more work in the summer while Rev. Alice takes a much-deserved break from some of her duties in order to recharge her spiritual batteries for another year of dedicated service. The Communications and Publicity Team never takes a break as evidenced by the Facebook postings that keep us updated on any number of things, and now they have mastered the live streaming of Sunday services.

The Finance Team has been busy with preliminary plans for a fall Yard Sale that will be scheduled for October. Georgieanna Bryant has graciously agreed to head it. More information on that will be coming soon.

The 2021-22 Governing Board is planning its annual Retreat August 21st. It will provide an orientation for new board members, and a refresher for the rest. Board goals will be determined, and plans laid out for the year.

So, to dispel the rumor, it is true that some people have taken vacations, but there has been a lot of activity going on this summer. Our Sunday attendance may be somewhat lower, but the live-stream audience has been significant. The great news is that, thanks to the vision and hard work of the Sunday Services and Communications Teams, one does not have to be sitting in the sanctuary on any given Sunday to share a spiritual experience or commune with one’s friends.

With all this activity, I hope that you will make a lull in your time to enjoy what is left of summer.

Faithfully,

Arnie Ondis
Board President