Dear friends,

The board is about to meet for its annual retreat. By the time you read this, we’ll have met and I can inform you more of what’s to come for the year. As you know, we have a full plate. In fact, I know a lot of you have been on the board before and know the plate is always full. The work of the governing board is somewhat similar to running a small business. Bills, of course, but also questions about the security and safety of the building, along with being able to keep the lights on while serving its purpose.

It’s always a work in progress, but that’s what I like about UUCP. In many ways, we’re all a work in progress.

I appreciate those who’ve reached out to me about things they would like added to the agenda for discussion. I’d like to assure those who reached out that those items were added and we’ll be discussing them at the retreat. Many of the concerns and requests revolved around safety. Let me spend a minute to address those concerns.

First and foremost, the safety of the congregation is at the top of my priority list. This comes in many ways. Issues with the roof, of course, along with the HVAC and insurance issues—those are safety issues for several obvious reasons. Currently, we’re in a holding pattern with those issues because we can’t work on the HVAC or insurance until we get the roof fixed. The roofing company, however, is who we’re waiting on a response from. I assure you that we’re working on this issue.

The physical safety of the building and congregation is a little more complicated. If you didn’t know, we’re in an election season. Also, if you didn’t know it, some people out there don’t think in the peaceful non-violent manner that we do. With the rhetoric ramping up on the news and social media, it’s worth the time to pay attention to your surroundings. One of my priorities as I come into office is to do my best to help with the protection of the church.

From my research, one of the best things we can do as a congregation is simply be aware. We don’t have to be paranoid, but there’s that phrase: If you see something, say something. This goes for inside and outside of the church. If something seems odd, let someone in the leadership know. It may be nothing, but it might be something. It’s worth the effort.

As a community, one thing we have to do is look out for each other. This congregation has done that for years in many capacities, and it’s just as important today. Look out for each other. In the meantime, the board will do its best to fix any holes we see and help however we can. We can only be as responsive to issues, however, if we know of them.

So please, if you’d like to talk about anything, reach out. You can email me, call me, text me. All three. I have even designated a little spot in the back of the sanctuary for my post-service “office hours.” I’ll get a slice of cake, a few cookies, and a cup of coffee. If anyone wants to drop in, I’m here for you.

One of the good things about empty nesting is that it opens up a few windows of time. That’s one of the ways I’m filling up the time. While it’s sad on the homefront without the kids around, it’s nice to be a part of a community like ours, and I appreciate you all. That’s why I’m here.

Sincerely,

Scott, UUCP Board President