A hearty thank you to all for making Dawn’s Farewell Party such a success – an excellent send-off to someone who has been such an important part of us for many years. Thanks to the Coordinating Team for organizing all the activities - the Ode to Dawn song, the testimonials, the presents, the Messages in the Bottle, the questions for the pastor (lots from the kids!) and all the delicious food and drink. A special thank you to Kris Los who single-handedly set up the foods/drinks and made them look pretty!
At our all-congregation retreat held on Saturday, January 26, an excellent turn-out of members and friends helped us begin the process of moving forward into our new future without Dawn Daniels as our minister. After explanations of various ministerial options, the membership voted to have the Transition Team apply to the UUA for a full-time, one-year renewable contract minister. Once that decision was made, the Team then led several interactive small-group activities which addressed questions that will need to be answered in the application process: How do we describe ourselves? How do we live our values? Who do we want to be in five years? What roles would we want our minister to play? How do we define good preaching and worship? While there were lots of variations in the responses to these questions, a number of themes emerged which will guide the Team in writing our application. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact any member of the Transition Team (Norma Bailey, Jim Dealing, Laura McBride, Guy Newland, and Katie Zapoluch).
We would like to thank all those people who made the retreat such a success. The hot breakfast provided by the UU Board was an excellent start to the morning! The Transition Team did a great job presenting information and leading us in the small-group activities while several members were invaluable facilitators of the small-group discussions. And everyone who attended the retreat contributed so much – their questions, their ideas, their support, and their help with all the clean-up! The heart and soul of UUFCM is alive and well! On Saturday, January 26, we will have our annual all-congregation retreat, starting with a hot breakfast served at 8:30 and the interactive retreat following from 9-12. Because we are a self-governing congregation and because we will be making decisions about our direction forward after Dawn’s departure on January 31, it is very important that all voices be heard and that every vote counted. All members and friends will be contacted directly by a Board member to answer any questions you might have and to get your RSVP. Be sure to answer in the affirmative, and see you there!
“The Ministry of Presence – A Review of Lay Pastoral Caregiving”
Following our worship service this coming Sunday – once folks have made a trip to the social hall for coffee & treats – all those interested are invited to gather back in the sanctuary for a presentation and group discussion led by our minister on the issue of lay pastoral caregiving. Many of us have questions and concerns about how we will manage this area of ministry during the transition period once Dawn has left her position here. So please come prepared with a listening heart and mind as well as any questions you may have as we explore together this essential aspect of congregational life. On Saturday, January 26, we will have our annual all-congregation retreat. While always a valuable gathering, this retreat will be extremely important as we will be making decisions about our direction forward in light of Dawn’s departure on January 31. A hot breakfast will be served at 8:30, and the retreat will occur from 9-12. All members and friends are encouraged to attend.
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