Hello to you all!!

I am Marilyn Mays(she/her), and I have the privilege to serve on your Board of Directors. I joined the Board at the beginning of the Pandemic. When I woke up this morning, I had a song running in my mind. I could hear David Bowie singing “Ch-Ch-Ch Changes”. I have to say that when I agreed to be on the board, none of us knew what was in store in the near future. For me, the last few years have been an incredible learning opportunity, and I have my Board service and connection with the Choir and Social Justice Programs to thank for much of that. I also understand that these years during and since the pandemic have not been that for all, and so appreciate the work our congregation continues to do to help those whose lives have been devastated by the societal and personal changes.

That being said, there are many opportunities coming in the near(and far) future that will give all of us opportunities for learning and community building here. My Colleague John Bishop shared a lot of information about ways to be involved in the work of the church in last month’s letter. In my mind being informed and participating in the many events that are coming up is a great way to increase your connections. The communications team has done a lot to improve everyone’s awareness and access to events and happenings. And much is now available with: online Learning Circles, in-person or online Community Circles, or the upcoming Sewell Lecture. Or perhaps stepping up and volunteering with the shower project or singing in choir might suit your needs.

Over the next year, the Executive Team and the Board will be leading the way in creating a strategic plan. Many of you have already participated in the community circles and Board Forums happening both in person and online. Again, the calendar on the Church web page and Front Steps e-newsletter(available on Thursdays) are great

ways to connect and learn what might be happening in which to engage.

I would like to finish with the reality that change and growth are challenging to all. It is hard to have the connection that tethers us to the church change. One of the ways your Board members have been making changes is in the way we conduct meetings and interact with one another. Several of us attended an online workshop with the Canadian Unitarian Council focusing on the use of Sociocracy in governance. For instance, the Board often uses “Rounds” in our meetings as a way to assure that all are heard and have an opportunity to speak to the issues and concerns they hold. You might learn more about Sociocracy at this link: https://www.uua.org/leaderlab/sociocracy

I will close by inviting you to join us at one of the upcoming Board forums or meetings or stop by our table after church on Sunday to get to know us. May we all move forward with Kindness, Caring, and Curiosity.

All my best,

Marilyn Mays