June 2025

The Joy That We Share

by Karen Kent, Vice President, Board of Trustees

“This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me.” Though things that did bring a smile to my face and a song to my heart were the last two Sunday services.

On June 1st, we dedicated a child and watched as five of our youth, who had grown up before our eyes, bridged into adulthood. We honored those whose terms in ministries and committees had come to an end and then welcomed the people who would be taking their place.

Our board of trustees will be transforming as we say goodbye to Maria Baratta and Colleen McCourt. Some of the words used to describe these phenomenal women were integrity, accountability, thoughtfulness, advocacy, and wisdom. Moving into leadership roles are Bob Alt, who, along with Chris Marietti, will be co-president (a UUCWC first), and Patty Mikes.

We practiced our Unitarian Universalist commitment to the democratic process and the value of each voice as we voted on three agenda items: to approve amendments to the Endowment bylaws; to approve our 2025-2026 budget; and to approve the slate of nominees for the Board of Trustees. What is pretty spectacular is that we approved a deficit budget. I think we were brave enough to do this because Sandee Steinberg and Denny Rodgers did such a fantastic job expressing that we have survived a deficit budget before, nothing is set in stone, and sometimes we even wind up with a surplus. No one can predict the future, but we emphatically believe in the future of UUCWC.

We honored the amazing work done by the Capital Campaign Committee, Jayme Trott, George Faulkner, Susan Vigilante, and Farzad Shadzik (and we learned that the only thing that can stop him is lighting a candle). Just kidding, Farzad; we are deeply appreciative of how hard you worked to ensure that costs were kept down, and the job was done right. We gifted these folks beautiful watercolor portraits of the renovated church, done by a local artist. Special thanks to Laura Brandt, whose photography was the model for the paintings, and Wendy Stasolla for coordinating.

Finally, we presented Distinguished Service Awards to members of our community who embody all the qualities of being a UU. Jayme Trott was given the highest honor, the Flaming Chalice Award for her tireless dedication to multiple committees.

June 8th was our Flower Communion Ceremony, which is usually a wonderful service in and of itself. This particular service was filled with joyful singing from our fantastic choir led by the incomparable Dr. Erin Busch. And wait, it gets better, an incredibly talented 13-piece Big Band accompanied them. Additionally, we welcomed 13 new members and saw another one of our youth bridged into adulthood.

My heart is so full every time I get to be in communion with each of you, and I hope that yours is filled too.

Looking Ahead: UUCWC’s Financial Outlook and Budget Priorities for 2025-26

By Sandee Steinberg, Chair, Finance Committee

As we near the end of our fiscal year let’s say “Thank You” to the members of this year’s finance team for all your hard work and your helpful input: Donna Miller, Barbara Drew, George Faulkner, Bonnie Gilbert, Mike Hanson, Jane Root, Scott Blaydon, and Denny Rodgers.

On Thursday, May 22nd, we held our annual budget meeting. Denny Rodgers, our Treasurer, and I presented the current state of our finances and the proposed 2025-26 budget in detail, line by line. Participants asked detailed questions about the budget and expressed their thoughts or concerns about the church’s finances in general. We had some great feedback and questions from the attendees. This feedback prompted further discussions that will continue into next year.

On Sunday, June 1^st, as part of the annual meeting, Denny and I presented the current fiscal state and the proposed budget to the congregation. The proposed budget was voted on and passed.

There was some good news regarding the current state of our finances: (1.) we expect our 2024-2025 deficit to come in lower than the projected $35,000; (2.) the Capital Campaign costs are lower than expected so we won’t have to borrow as much money from ourselves as expected; (3.) income from the plate contributions are higher than projected for the year; and (4.) we have a good amount of savings and an endowment fund.

We are projecting a deficit budget of $46,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year. We will also be drawing $52,000 from our savings to cover the cost of our half-time assistant minister, Rev. Lisa, for the upcoming year (as voted in January 2025). Some of the increased expenses in next year’s budget include a 2.5% cost-of-living increase for the staff, a full-time office administrator, increased building maintenance, utilities, and service fees. We recognize that consecutive deficit budgets are a concern. To that end, the Board will establish a task force in the late summer or early fall to develop a long-term financial plan for the church. One topic for the task force will be examining the feasibility of funding another half-time minister after Lisa’s term ends in June 2025.

I look forward to the upcoming fiscal year at UUCWC. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns regarding the budget. You can contact me, Sandee Steinberg, at finance@uucwc.org, or Denny Rodgers at treasurer@uucwc.org.

Congregational Engagement News: New SPOTLIGHT Feature

By Martha Bell, Congregational Engagement

In this issue of CrossCurrents, Congregational Engagement is launching a new section called SPOTLIGHT (See below). Each month, we will highlight a different committee or ministry, giving a brief description of the group and its purpose. The goal is to introduce each group and explain why you might want to participate or learn more about the group. We hope these spotlights will make it easier for congregants to engage in ways that nurture them, connect to the community, and build relationships.

To help you get started, three ways members and friends can participate in our community are listed below. Also, be sure to visit uucwc.org/connection/how-to-let-your-light-shine-at-uucwc/ for a succinct overview.

1. Ministries. Ministries fall under the purview of our ministers and handle the programmatic aspects of UUCWC life (e.g., Worship Associates, Racial and Social Justice, and Caring).
2. Committees. The Board of Trustees manages committees and deals with the collection and use of funds, facilities, strategic planning, and policy/procedures (e.g., Finance, Stewardship, and Building and Grounds).
3. Task Force: These are ad-hoc groups created by the Board to examine specific issues and provide recommendations within a relevant timeframe (e.g., safety, bylaw rewrite, strategic planning).

Each area is open to congregants to explore. Attend a meeting, it’s a great way to stretch your knowledge about UUCWC and yourself. If you have any questions, contact us at congeng@uucwc.org.

Making Connections: Spotlight on Congregational Engagement Ministry

By Martha Bell, Congregational Engagement

Our principal goal is to help members find nourishing ways to connect and engage with the work of our church. We also provide resources to support working groups and leaders as they strive to fulfill their individual group missions. We work with the staff and engage with all committees and ministries at UUCWC. Currently, there are six of us who enjoy this visionary and enriching work of nurturing connections at UUCWC.   

Why Participate in Congregational Engagement Ministry?

Connecting with one another is at the heart of our church life. Congregational Engagement can help you connect with the people, activities, and events that best suit your needs. Visit our web page at uucwc.org/connection/how-to-let-your-light-shine-at-uucwc/ to learn more.

How Can You Participate?

Short-Term Ways to Engage

1. Contact the group to find opportunities for your engagement at UUCWC.
2. Read the Spotlight article in each monthly Crosscurrents email to learn more about other UUCWC ministries/committees.

Some Congregational Engagement Projects

1. Providing buddy support for new volunteers involved in church activities
2. Providing connection support for newer members as they settle in at UUCWC
3. Creating resources for leading, recruiting, and following best practices for church committees and ministries
4. Communicating about congregational e

More About the Congregational Engagement Ministry

Ministry members work separately in smaller groups on the various projects underway. Every two to three months, they meet via Zoom to share progress and determine the next steps. You don’t have to be a current or former leader at UUCWC to contribute to Congregational Engagement. If you’re interested in improving connections in the congregation and/or supporting leaders throughout the church, contact congeng@uucwc.org to learn more.

UUCWC Meet & Greet | Meet Margaret Bar-Akiva: A Journey of Resilience, Curiosity, and Community

Since joining UUCWC a little over two years ago, Margaret Bar-Akiva has brought a rich tapestry of life experiences, shaped by a multicultural upbringing, personal loss, and a deeply held belief in human goodness. In this month’s Q&A, Margaret shares her unique faith journey—one that spans continents, traditions, and languages—as well as what drew her to UUCWC and the connections she’s found here. From French poetry to Armenian cooking, from community service to family time, Margaret’s story is one of quiet strength, thoughtful reflection, and heartfelt gratitude. We’re grateful she’s part of our community.

How long have you been attending UUCWC?

Margaret: Hard to believe, but it’s been a little over two years.

What inspired you to visit for the first time and/or join?

Margaret: We moved to Pennington in 2022 under difficult conditions. After my husband passed away, I found myself lost in unfamiliar territory, both literally and figuratively. My daughter suggested that I give UUCWC a try. I’m so glad I listened to her!

Small Acts, Big Impact: Reflecting on a Year of Food Ministry Outreach

By Christine Piatek, for the Food Ministry

When Food Ministry co-chairs Mike Muccioli and Jackie Thomas recently shared a few end-of-year statistics with the rest of the committee, we were astounded by the reach of our efforts. On a project-by-project basis, we tend to lose sight of what we have accomplished.

In food drive donations and fundraiser receipts alone, UUCWC donated in-kind food supplies with a total value of $3,031.27. These enthusiastic donations went to Fisherman’s Mark Food Pantry in Lambertville, the Chubby’s Project in Hopewell, the Interfaith Food Alliance in Morrisville, and the Bucks County Opportunity Council in Bristol, Pennsylvania.

The committee’s once-a-month meal for the Monday night HomeFront tutoring program at church cost about $1,600. Donation of eighteen sets of professional chef-knives to graduates of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen’s Culinary Program, paid for by the Rollie Rahn Fund established by Rollie’s family (Lori Rahn, Renae Rahn, and Natalie Rahn) and administered by the Food Ministry, totaled $1,507. Lori Rahn and others from the committee have attended three graduation ceremonies over the past two years with the added delight of savoring the delicious meals prepared by the new chefs.

These are only some of the projects the Food Ministry undertook this past year with the support of the congregation and the Council for Faith in Action’s Faith Expression Funding Team. Now in its fifteenth year, the Food Ministry looks forward to continuing its small role in addressing food insecurity in our local communities. Although it sometimes feels overwhelming to acknowledge that our efforts alone cannot fill the insatiable needs of our local communities, we are grateful that we can share the gifts of our time and resources and do our part. We appreciate the congregation’s support and look forward to hearing from members who would like to help in this ministry. Write to the Food Ministry at foodministry@uucwc.org to ask questions or express interest in ongoing projects.

By Barbara Drew, Earth & Climate Ministry

Following is a brief synopsis of news from various local, state, and national sources compiled by the Earth & Climate Ministry.

Isles, Inc. June 2025 Town Topics, “Princeton’s Weekly Community Newspaper,” Anne Levin

The beauty of Trenton’s Cadwalader Park, considered to be landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s last great urban park, has been revitalized. Eight years ago, Cadwalader Park was in a state of decline. The 109.5-acre expanse of majestic trees and winding paths has reclaimed much of its former glory. Trenton has made this a priority and recently had the loop around the interior completely repaved. Additionally, there has been a concerted effort to plant trees in Trenton, including the establishment of a tree-planting initiative in Cadwalader Park. An updated website for the Cadwalader Park Alliance, “Cadwalader Park Memories” will showcase your memories or photos: submit through email cadparkalliance@gmail.com.

Trust for Public Land (TPL) “Land and People” Spring/Summer 2025

TPL protected 194 acres along the Appalachian Trail near Tyringham, Massachusetts, the site of a historic Shaker settlement. This area features sweeping pastoral landscapes and serves as an important wildlife habitat.

The Early Street Community Garden in Morristown, New Jersey, was established in 2009 when three women transformed a vacant lot into a community gathering and growing space. When the lot was threatened by development, residents rallied to preserve the garden, and TPL helped raise $2.1 million to save this beloved space.

Below is a brief synopsis of news provided by Earth & Climate Ministry, which we are calling Good, Green News. We are pleased to focus on these news items from various local, state, and national sources, cited below.