June 2021: From the President

It was so nice to gather virtually with all of you for our Annual Congregational Meeting on May 16. From the lively discussion about our budget, Charitable Trust, and recongregation plans, the love for our church and the concern and commitment to our future was clear. Recongregation plans are continually evolving as science and data emerge for us and guide decisions, and the church leadership and Communications Team will continue to keep you informed of our status and plans. As I am writing this column, we are conducting an anonymous survey to get a clearer picture of where our congregation stands as for vaccination rates. The results of this survey will inform our next steps regarding indoor gatherings.

This year’s Board has been wonderful to work with throughout this important process. Many of the Board members will continue into 2021-22, but several will be stepping down as of June 30, the end of our church year. Nancy Hagman served three years on the Board — one year as President and two years as Past President — and took a tremendous load off me. Marcy Moreland and Jack Comstock are rolling off the Board after two years. Penny Featherstone is leaving the Board after one year filling a vacant position. We are so appreciative to the four of them for their dedication to our church through serving on the Board. I have appreciated their insights and contributions.

The outgoing Board members have one major task to do before finishing out their terms, however. This month, the 2020-21 Board will convene with the 2021-22 Board for a brainstorming and visioning session related to our UUCP Strategic Plan. During that meeting June 7, we will consider what it means for our church to fulfill our mission of Celebrating Diversity, Striving for Justice, and Inspiring Love. We expect to use some of the ideas generated from the brainstorming session as a springboard for further conversation with the congregation about the goals we would like to achieve in the coming months and years.

Speaking of years, I am wrapping up a two-year stint as President, which is normally a one-year charge. That means I have written 24 monthly columns (but who’s counting)! I was speaking to UUCP Member Lal Goel recently, and he commented about my leadership. When I mentioned that I am on my way out, Lal asked, “Has it been that long already?” While I was glad to hear that my time as President hasn’t seemed to drag on for some of our congregants, I also recognize that the 16-month period since COVID precautions were put into place has felt like a bit of a time warp. Nevertheless, I am ready to take the title of Past President soon and to focus on other areas and needs within UUCP.

The 2021-22 Board will be headed by Arnie Ondis as President as of July 1. The Board also will welcome a new Secretary, Denise Gunn, and three incoming Members at Large: Laura Keith King, Jean Siebenaler, and Joe Vinson. Knowing these folks and their talents as I do, I am excited and hopeful for what the new year will bring. For one, I expect that we might be seeing more of each other in 3-D.

See you around,

Lauren Anzaldo