Letter from the Board 6/1/2024
Dear 2Uers,
Happy June! Where did this past year go? This is my last Anvil update as Board chair–hard to believe it has already been a year. One thing about 2U–it’s never dull! There is always a ton going on, and it is really inspiring and heartwarming to see the breadth and depth of involvement of so many people together in the work of our church. 2U is truly the community of ourselves, and our membership is growing!
Brittany Morse has had an amazing first year as our director of religious education, bringing energy, great organizing skills, vision and an educator’s touch to building our RE programs. Carl Kennedy continues with our remarkable music program, leading the choirs, bands, guest performers and more to provide the perfect complement to our worship together. Brandon Nicks has hit the ground running as our new director of church administration, juggling the many daily functions that keep our people and place shining. Joey LeBlanc leads our tech team, juggling the challenges of multimedia services, while Jim Fairchild has kept a seasoned eye on our aging building to keep it running well. And, we are privileged to have a settled minister in Rev. Jason who brings empathy, creativity, intellect and a deep, abiding faith to the pulpit. His recent Minns Lectures are one example of his leadership.
These outstanding folks are supported by a terrific board of trustees (Chair Elect, Megan Dunning; Secretary, Clare Gervasi; Treasurer, Curtis Smith; Church Council, Barb Michael; At-Large, Carla Tebbe; past-chair term, John Broome), committee/working group/ministry chairs and members, and the engagement of each of you. It’s been a privilege to serve as your Board chair.
Construction has begun–finally! It has been a long time coming and now it is underway. Thanks to the team (John Broome, Tom Denio, Mary-Helen Steindler, Monique Hanson, Steve Hier) for their continued care and vigilance in keeping this project on the front burner. You may recall that this Phase II of the capital campaign to build the elevator and ensure ADA compliance was originally to start right after Phase I (the sanctuary renovation) was completed. We’ll be under construction for the next several months, and keep you updated through the Anvil and announcements.
Please join us for our Annual Meeting after Sunday service on June 9th. We’ll review and seek approval of next year’s budget, elect new Board members, and conduct other congregational business. See elsewhere in this Anvil for a pledge campaign and finance update. If you haven’t had a chance to complete your current year pledge donation, or make a pledge for next year, now is a great time to do so. Contact Brandon or Curtis if you have questions.
UU General Assembly, a multiday virtual event, will be held on June 20th-23rd. We still have spots for delegates! If you’d like to attend and serve as a voting delegate, or simply attend, please contact Rev. Jason. More information can be found on the UUA website.
I’ve learned a lot during the past year about us and myself. While my spiritual journey continues, my belief in the importance and transformational power of UU values, especially in today’s toxic polity, have been further reinforced. As always, I’d love to hear from you with your ideas, questions and suggestions about 2U, and thanks for all you do for 2U and our community!
