Wow, what a whirlwind of a month October was. A Garage Sale, a Pancake Breakfast, and an Auction, all on church grounds and with resources and contributions of every type from members and friends of the congregation. In the midst of all this activity we waited to see if a hurricane would find its way to our shore. While there was relief for all of us who ended up out of harm’s way, it was hard to look at the pictures of what happened to our neighbors to the east. In a brief moment everything changed.  Whether change is chosen, or cast upon us, it typically requires us to adjust or create a new vision for the future.

As change has come to UUCP, the church Board has made creating a vision for the church’s future a focus of this year. Together we will begin to fine tune that image and determine how to move forward to make it a reality. There is nothing new about this kind of work. You’ve done it many times before, I know. The pictures in the hallway tell a story of how the church has changed over many decades. There are pictures of buildings where you have met, and ministers by whom you have been served. Prior to my arrival, you did some serious soul searching about your options and what was possible.  Many of you have shared your thoughts, hopes, and questions with me. I appreciate this because in times of transition the minister needs to get to know people and see how the congregation works together to accomplish goals. From my perspective there is a lot of energy and good will to move forward toward a vision you have begun to formulate.

I am working on ways for us to talk more to one another so that what emerges is a shared vision toward which we can all commit and contribute.

For me this is energizing. Once the church has a clear picture of where it is going, the question for every plan will be, how does this activity or program bring us closer to who and what we want to be? Within each area of ministry, those involved will be able to envision ways to contribute to the big picture.
May our work together bring us joy!

In Love and Hope,
Rev. Alice

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to our new member, Jack Comstock, whose wife passed away recently after a long illness. Her memorial service will be held in Hawaii.