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.