News: September 20, 2024
Dear Members and Friends,
This week was a significant one for First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston. On Wednesday, your Board of Directors accepted the Ministerial Search Committee’s recommendation to convene a congregational meeting to vote on calling our current Developmental Minister, Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen, as our next Settled Minister. The committee’s recommendation comes as the result of a thorough canvassing process to discern the congregation’s desire to elect Rev. Colin to this position. It reflects a sense that we are ready to commit to a decision on continuing to work together with him to widen love’s circle in Houston and beyond. Therefore, on Sunday, October 20, following the second service, our congregation will hold a Special Called Membership Meeting, at which all eligible* church members may cast a vote to decide our next minister.
The selection of a Settled Minister is a huge decision for a Unitarian Universalist congregation. Our Senior Minister is our church’s spiritual, programmatic, and administrative leader, and this person’s leadership impacts every facet of congregational life. First Church has not had a Settled Minister for over six years, during which time Rev. Colin has served as our Interim and then Developmental Minister- this latter role as we worked through a period of discernment, reflection and growth, driven by a set of five Developmental Goals. The tremendous work and reflection that you all have done over the past six years has led us to this exciting turning point.
Like most major decisions, this is one to be approached with serious thought. In the coming week, the Board and the Search Committee will make available additional materials outlining the Search process, and the findings that led to the Committee’s recommendation. I urge all members to review these materials, take time to reflect, and plan to cast your vote (either in-person or absentee) on October 20.
Speaking of voting, these next few weeks are also crucial to deciding the outcome of the 2024 midterm and presidential elections. First Church volunteers continue to work tirelessly on Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts to make sure that all those eligible are able to exercise their right to vote. I want to be the first to offer congratulations to Dianne Reece, the inaugural recipient of the newly-created First UU Church Volunteer of the Month program. Church staff selected Dianne after being inspired by her dedication to GOTV efforts, including recruiting congregational volunteers, and organizing postcarding sessions to reach hundreds of area voters. It’s not too late to get involved in these efforts, by visiting the JCC table in Channing Hall on Sundays, or checking the church newsletter for updated opportunities.
In addition to GOTV efforts, First Church’s Justice Coordinating Council has also been active in issue advocacy around the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Yesterday, the First UU Board of Directors passed a resolution against the HISD Bond Initiative, [link to PDF document?] which will come before Harris County voters on the November 5 ballot, calling for greater transparency and oversight in the use of bond funds before such a measure goes forward. I encourage everyone who is eligible to vote on the bond to review the issue, and make an informed decision on November 5. (Or even better, during early voting!) Please also stay tuned for additional updates about advocacy related to restoring democratic oversight to HISD.
We at First Church have an exciting few months ahead of us, and I’m glad to be spending it with you, as we work together to widen love’s circle.
With love,
Sheryl
*As stated in the congregation’s bylaws, members become eligible for the rights and privileges of membership, including voting, 60 days after recognition of their membership by the Board of Directors. If you are a new member and have questions about your eligibility to vote, please contact Margarita Arevalo.
This week was a significant one for First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston. On Wednesday, your Board of Directors accepted the Ministerial Search Committee’s recommendation to convene a congregational meeting to vote on calling our current Developmental Minister, Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen, as our next Settled Minister. The committee’s recommendation comes as the result of a thorough canvassing process to discern the congregation’s desire to elect Rev. Colin to this position. It reflects a sense that we are ready to commit to a decision on continuing to work together with him to widen love’s circle in Houston and beyond. Therefore, on Sunday, October 20, following the second service, our congregation will hold a Special Called Membership Meeting, at which all eligible* church members may cast a vote to decide our next minister.
The selection of a Settled Minister is a huge decision for a Unitarian Universalist congregation. Our Senior Minister is our church’s spiritual, programmatic, and administrative leader, and this person’s leadership impacts every facet of congregational life. First Church has not had a Settled Minister for over six years, during which time Rev. Colin has served as our Interim and then Developmental Minister- this latter role as we worked through a period of discernment, reflection and growth, driven by a set of five Developmental Goals. The tremendous work and reflection that you all have done over the past six years has led us to this exciting turning point.
Like most major decisions, this is one to be approached with serious thought. In the coming week, the Board and the Search Committee will make available additional materials outlining the Search process, and the findings that led to the Committee’s recommendation. I urge all members to review these materials, take time to reflect, and plan to cast your vote (either in-person or absentee) on October 20.
Speaking of voting, these next few weeks are also crucial to deciding the outcome of the 2024 midterm and presidential elections. First Church volunteers continue to work tirelessly on Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts to make sure that all those eligible are able to exercise their right to vote. I want to be the first to offer congratulations to Dianne Reece, the inaugural recipient of the newly-created First UU Church Volunteer of the Month program. Church staff selected Dianne after being inspired by her dedication to GOTV efforts, including recruiting congregational volunteers, and organizing postcarding sessions to reach hundreds of area voters. It’s not too late to get involved in these efforts, by visiting the JCC table in Channing Hall on Sundays, or checking the church newsletter for updated opportunities.
In addition to GOTV efforts, First Church’s Justice Coordinating Council has also been active in issue advocacy around the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Yesterday, the First UU Board of Directors passed a resolution against the HISD Bond Initiative, [link to PDF document?] which will come before Harris County voters on the November 5 ballot, calling for greater transparency and oversight in the use of bond funds before such a measure goes forward. I encourage everyone who is eligible to vote on the bond to review the issue, and make an informed decision on November 5. (Or even better, during early voting!) Please also stay tuned for additional updates about advocacy related to restoring democratic oversight to HISD.
We at First Church have an exciting few months ahead of us, and I’m glad to be spending it with you, as we work together to widen love’s circle.
With love,
Sheryl
*As stated in the congregation’s bylaws, members become eligible for the rights and privileges of membership, including voting, 60 days after recognition of their membership by the Board of Directors. If you are a new member and have questions about your eligibility to vote, please contact Margarita Arevalo.
