Welcome to our website! I’m glad you are checking us out online. Below is a seasonal message from me that was published in our quarterly newsletter. – Rev. Pam Philips

Welcome Summer! We’ve completed the congregational/ school year with all kinds of wonderful celebrations, including but not limited to the ordination of the Reverend Dr. Ellen Plummer; the bridging of our high school youth into young adulthood; a lovely flower celebration where we recognized our devoted religious education volunteers, newest members, staff, and the fantastic Eagle Scout project completed by youth Carter Parrish. And we’ve welcomed our new ministerial intern, Casey Akers. Phew! What a time we’ve had. 

The annual congregational meeting had us confirming and adding to our Board of Trustees – Jim Kern, Joy Brown, and Nancy Bodenhorn (replacing long-serving Judy Snoke) – and electing new members of the Executive Board – president-elect Doug Pfieffer, treasurer Ashley Dugan, secretary Angela Stewart, and at-large members Rene Lowry and Jennifer Thomas. We also approved a budget that was made possible through the generosity of our members… and friends and a special anonymous donor who took us up to our pledge drive goal. We are flourishing because of all those who have said yes to leadership (including continuing board president Cassy Kost and at large-member Helen Renqvist and retiring president Chris Long, treasurer Wayne Neu, and at-large members Joseph Cooley and Andy Roberts). Not to mention all those who do the work of committees and teams. Take a look at their annual reports and marvel at all the time, energy, and care that go into helping our congregation thrive.

Now, many of us enter a time of rest and rejuvenation. I’ll be attending our online UUA General Assembly the week of June 14^th (perhaps not so restful, but definitely reconnecting with the larger movement). In July, Jamie and I will be attending the Southeast UU Summer Institute at Radford University, enjoying daily worship and workshops with UU’s from near and far (a time of renewal). Then we’ll be flying out west for some travel in Oregon and a week at a cabin in Washington with my family (ah, here’s the rest! Think of me floating and paddling on a serene lake).  

Life at UUC will go on, with our usual weekly gatherings for socializing and support. Our worship services will focus more on Unitarian Universalist values centered on Love (justice, interdependence, generosity, pluralism, equity, and transformation).

While music director Jared Gibbs is enjoying a well-deserved vacation, we’ll enjoy guest musicians and volunteer-led Summer Breakfast Club performances on June 21 and July 19 (all are welcome to join in!). Make sure to read the announcement emails to hear about special gatherings and opportunities to serve. The grounds always need watering and mowing – your volunteering will allow some of stalwart workers to have some rest and give you some exercise and a good feeling of contributing!

My wish for all of us this summer season is time for some rest and rejuvenation – whether they are stolen moments in a busy life or longer periods of adventure or calm. No matter how you spend your time this summer, consider collecting a small amount of water from a special place – a creek, river, lake, ocean, pool, or puddle – to bring back to UUC for our ingathering water service on August 30 and the start of the next congregational year. It is good to celebrate the rhythms of our life together. 

In faith and gratitude,

– Rev. Pam