May President’s Report

Written By Rachel McCabe

by Helen Hansen, WUU Board President

The new Board met for the first time May 13, continuing the usual 2nd Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm. Continuing members Deb Fabian, Phoebe Kent, Angela Surber, Helen Hansen, and current treasurer Vicki Hall welcomed new elected members Asha McLaughlin, Dan Moore, Sandra Stephan, Dave Wilcox, and new treasurer John Hochella. We began an important budget discussion led by Finance chairs Bill Geary and Angela Surber. I hope you will attend the Congregational meeting after the service June 8 to learn more about our challenges.

We will have the pleasure August 1 of welcoming our new minister, Rev. Jude Geiger. In this uncertain time, WUU will continue to be a beacon for seekers looking for a welcoming community with inclusive values defined in our principles. As a congregation, we count on you to help WUU continue to be a voice for acceptance of individual choice, inclusion, caring for others, confidence in science, and so much more. We issue a special welcome to the increasing numbers of families that find and join our community.

Many thanks to the outgoing Board members Eva Burke, Franz Gross, Linda Lane-Hamilton, and Les Solomon. Especially notable accomplishments last year were organizing and leading Listening Circles for congregational input to develop 3 meaningful strategic planning goals, appointing a strategic planning task force to work with our Stewardship 4 Us consultant, continuing to provide meaningful worship and activities without a minister for four months, empowering a search committee, and making difficult decisions while staying in relationship.

Be sure to attend the Congregational Meeting June 8. The agenda is in the May 15 Spiral.

GRATITUDE TO:

  • The Worship team (Liz Wiley, Nan Hart, Susan Marcinkus, Natalie Miller Moore, Susan Fournier, Leslie Fabian, and Asha McLaughlin) for continuing to provide our congregation with a variety of stimulating, thought-provoking services and noteworthy guest speakers. The indoor Beltane was a special challenge and so much fun—a big thank you to Les Solomon for figuring out how to set up the maypole inside the Sanctuary! Thank you as well to the AV team (Dave Wilcox, John Trindle, Henry Bellows, Susan Walkley, and Dave Banks) for making sure we can see and hear the service every Sunday morning in person and on Zoom.

  • The ministerial search team (Les Solomon, Deb Fabian, Gene Roche, Liz Wiley, and Chris Faia) for their diligence and swift action resulting in a five-year contract with Rev. Jude. 

  • The Campus Improvement Team for completing the demolition work at Parker House and installing solar panels. Joe Cross will act as project manager to complete the build-out using contractors. Special thanks to Les Solomon and Jim Hall for saving thousands of dollars in planning and construction costs.

  • The Rental task force (Rachel McCabe, Peter Mellette, Nan Piland, and Helen Hansen) for meeting with Ixora Montessori, Williamsburg Friends, and Jolly’s Mill Pond to discuss future plans for renting space on our campus. Details will be shared as soon as they are finalized.

  • Donna Stanford and her team for the Celebration of the Arts and Talent Galore. The creative artists, poets, and musicians in our congregation have brought joy and beauty to WUU this spring. 

  • All of the members and friends who support WUU financially and with the gift of your presence.

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Contact the WUU Board President by e-mailing boardpresident@wuu.org.

Rachel McCabe
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