News: November 28, 2025
Dear Beloved Community,
As most of you already know, I was asked to rejoin the board and elected to fill the office of vice president at its October 1st meeting, following a board member’s resignation. After three years of being a “regular” member of the congregation, it took a few weeks to get back into the governance groove, but I got there. Then, at the November 19th meeting, Joan Waddill resigned from the board to attend to personal matters. I had the pleasure of working with Joan on the board from 2019 - 2022, so I know the credit she is due for many years of leadership and committed service – both on the board and as a member of several teams and committees. We offer her gratitude for her service and support moving forward.
In accordance with board policy, the vice president acts as president when the president is unavailable. Thus, I will be acting as president until the board votes to elect new officers at the December meeting. This is yet another in a series of recent changes at church, which I know have seemed unsettling for some. I welcome any input from the community, which you can send to board@firstuu.org.
Community First
It is an unsettling time in the world, honestly. Life is demanding more from us all in the current moment. At times, we all need First UU to be a respite from the world, a place where we do not have to do but can just be.
We also all want to feel that we are part of something that is working for good in the face of the chaos and harm in the world. I vacillate between wanting to collapse and wanting to grab my bullhorn and head out to the streets.
Perhaps the greatest gift of First UU is that it can be both – a place to be and place to do, a community that holds us up and a community that joins us in getting things done.
Joining in getting things done is a great way to connect with the support we all need, while also recharging our batteries. It’s both encouraging and energizing to spend time with like-minded folks to widen love’s circle. That can look like anything from helping staff stuff envelopes, contacting businesses for auction donations, chairing a committee, or inviting a visitor to sit with you at coffee hour. If you are looking for a way to connect, check out adult group offerings at https://firstuu.org/adult-groups/ or volunteer opportunities at https://firstuu.org/volunteer/.
The Board and You, Moving Forward
To help us discern the avenues for First UU to widen love’s circle in the larger community, the board commissioned a Strategic Plan Development Committee in 2024. Its members were tasked with reviewing the Ministerial Search Committee and 8th Principle Survey reports as well as gathering other input to create a 10-year strategic plan to guide us in carrying out the Mission and Vision we created during our Developmental Ministry. The final report was delivered to the board in May, reviewed over the summer, and formally adopted by the board in October. It can be found here: It’s an impressive and thorough document, and the result of tremendous effort on the part of members Karen C., Ron C., Rev. Colin, Yeiglin E., and John S., and consultants Dr. Randall and Dr. Sanyika.
Although 50+ pages may seem daunting, I encourage you to take time to familiarize yourself with the whole thing. Then, stay tuned as we begin taking steps clarify its detail and implement it. As the authors describe it, the plan is a road map to operationalize the mission of the church. There will be something for everyone: opportunities large and small, long-term commitments and single day events, learning forums and times when your obscure superpower (you know you have one….) is just what we need.
In the coming months, the board will be discussing next steps, including how to involve the whole community in working on them together. Save the date of January 24 when we will begin making sure our major program areas align with the strategic plan. Members, friends, and frequent visitors are all invited to join us in an exciting day of hands-on, lay-it all-out-there, no-idea-is-too-big-small-or-crazy workshopping. Watch for more details and registration information in the newsletter and order of service.
These are challenging times, and sometimes we wish for boring. But we Unitarians don’t do boring very well. Sure, we love a potluck followed by a good nap, but after some down time, we’re ready to get back to it. That’s because Love is the spirit of our congregation. When Love sees a need, it feels the call to service. Service is our prayer. As we move forward together, facing whatever comes next, we can rest assured that First UU is a place we dwell together in peace, and seek truth in love. And when change and uncertainty unsettle us, we will encourage one another, because that’s our covenant to one another. What a blessing.
In community,
Ruth