President's Message - March 2008

By Mardy High

The Fire of Committment

All the things you love about the UUCUV only exist because the UUCUV exists. And the UUCUV exists because we covenant together to make it thrive, and because we invest in it.

We are so lucky to be served by our wonderful minister, Reverend Bruce Johnson and three very special part time staff, our Director of Religious Education Sparrow Alden, Music Director Elizabeth McCrae, and Administrative Assistant Joan Thompson. Where would we be without them? I certainly cannot imagine. To keep our dedicated professional staff, we need to invest in them!

We are so lucky to have dedicated volunteers to govern and run our congregation week by week, year-in, year-out. With give and take, with creativity and goodwill, with forgiveness and compromise, we realize our covenant.

Each of us has our own special sense of connection to some part of the UUCUV as well as to the whole. What keeps this connection strong is not merely the blessing of what the UUCUV gives us – memorable worship services, intellectual stimulation, spiritual sustenance, good friends, support when we are in need. It is not only what we get, but also what we give that energizes our connection to the UUCUV, even as it sustains the whole.

Our strategic plan calls us to widen our circle, making it possible for others to find their spiritual home in the UUCUV, and to strive for social justice in the world around us. A major step along the way is our plan to build our own sanctuary. Once we do this, we will be even more able to do all that we hope to do.

Two years ago, our UUA consultant advised us to walk before we run, so we are acting prudently. Fulfilling our commitment to balance our budget this year (which we may yet do), and next year (which the 2008-2009 pledge drive is all about) and again in 2009-10 will give us the basis to start running!

Thank you for the fire of YOUR commitment, and for all that you do for the UUCUV.