And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.

-Rainer Maria Rilke

Happy New Year! There’s something about the turning of a year that is deeper than just going from one month to the next. Years are measures of so many things, and the blank book of a new one fills us with hope and resilience—the promise of things that have never been.

We came rolling out of the 2022 gate. Within our walls, the Welcoming Congregation ad hoc Committee continues to work on the steps to becoming a Welcoming Congregation, and we can expect to hear about their progress soon. We have also been busy living our faith outside our walls. In conjunction with the Humanists of West Florida, and with Open Books, we have made two Little Free Libraries avail-able to underserved neighborhoods in Pensacola. UUCP continues its partnership with JUST Pensacola, which is now in the research process related to the community issues of affordable housing and criminal justice.

The UUCP Social Justice Team is also leading a blanket and coat drive to benefit the Street Out-reach program of the Children’s Home Society. Please consider donating a new blanket or new, or gently worn, coat/jacket/sweatshirt. Please refer to the announcements for specific details.

The Governing Board is pleased to announce that Laura Keith King has been appointed to the va-cant position of President Elect. Laura has provided leadership in many areas at UUCP, and we are grateful that she has agreed to take on additional responsibilities. Her name will appear on the ballot for election by the congregation at the Annual Congregational Meeting in May.

Please make plans to attend the Mid-Year Congregational Meeting, which will be held in person, and available live on Zoom, after the service on Sunday, January 23rd. This is an opportunity to get an update on church finances and the activities of various Ministry Teams. As Past President Lauren Anzaldo has said, an informed and engaged congregation is critical to the success of our church.

I would also take this opportunity to remind you that Governing Board meetings are scheduled on the first Wednesday of each month, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. The meetings are open; please let me know if you would like to attend, and I will send the Zoom invitation. Also, meeting Minutes are available in the office for review.

As we move forward in this new year, let us imagine those “things that have never been,” and create them. Together.

Faithfully,

Arnie Ondis
Governing Board President