The President's Perspective (Page 3)

In February we approved the construction of a new sanctuary, in late May we added back onsite Sunday services. These were both very good things. Of course, the construction is taking longer than we’d hoped and we still need to monitor our activities for COVID safety. 2021 was certainly a year like no other, and I for one am grateful we now have a new one. I am looking forward to this year and what it may bring. As I sat in Daniels Hall…

I have a mixed feelings about December. I love the community, shared rituals, seeing family and friends, and reconnecting with the legacies provided by them. I dislike the busyness, the obligation to buy “meaningful and welcome” presents, and the stress of getting “it” all done. Even though I am no longer engaged for pay, it is still daunting. This season, I wish all the things I love to each of you. We should all be so blessed. I give you…

At our last Board Meeting October 23rd, the Board considered all the changes that are happening in our church and our community. The two biggies are the pandemic and our new Sanctuary-to-be. Of course that’s just the start! We talked about the different kinds of change: short or long term,  technical (a solid “fix” is possible, i.e. we all need to learn to use Zoom) or adaptive (more systemic and not as possible to “fix” i.e. some people prefer Zoom…

Tom and I had a wonderful trip around our country. 7374 miles, two hurricanes, one parent, two children and spouses, three grandchildren, four siblings and spouses, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends later, we are back. All of it was a few at a time and as COVID safe as we could manage. My overriding impression is of a fantastically diverse and spectacularly beautiful country, and how lucky we are to be able to visit the people and see everything we…

We have so much to look forward to as Rev. Sian returns from sabbatical and we start the church year. We are all looking forward to figuring out our “new normal” and to some new and returning programs. Sermon Discussion Groups will re-form soon, and the Fall Auction is planned for November 6th. Depending on the survey results, we might even have a de Benneville weekend soon at our camp in the San Bernardino mountains. On top of all the…

Thank you for your trust and honoring me with the presidency. It should be a great year and I am truly looking forward to it. This is not my first time around this flagpole, and I am fully aware that I will need lots of help and understanding. We are an awesome congregation. I know it will happen. The pandemic has challenged all of us for many months and it turns out that discovering what our new normal will be…

This is my last blog post as President of the OCUUC Board of Trustees. I have served three consecutive one-year terms as President with this final year’s term ending June 30, 2021. I am glad to have one last opportunity to correspond with you via this platform. Serving as President these last three years has been fulfilling, sometimes a challenge, and always an honor. Thank you all for allowing me to serve in this capacity. I am grateful to be part of…

If enough people think of a thing and work hard enough at it, I guess it’s pretty nearly bound to happen, wind and weather permitting. Laura Ingalls Wilder, 1867-1957 The quote above describes how I have experienced working with the members and friends of OCUUC. We are the “little engine that could” when it comes to harnessing our ideas, energy and actions to accomplish all things large and small. Due to the roll out of Covid-19 vaccinations, California has moved into…

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. Dolly Parton What can I say about Dolly Parton? I just love her. She is the gift that keeps on giving and what she has given me today is this nugget of wisdom to reflect upon.  Think of all the ways we personally and as a church community have had to adjust our sails to adjust to the winds of change brought on by Covid-19. In my humble opinion, thanks…

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. Mark Twain, 1835 – 1910 Now that spring is officially here, it is time for new beginnings, longer days of sunlight, and Covid vaccinations on the way for everyone! In the not-too-distant future, we will be…

On February 21, 2021 at a special congregational meeting, the OCUUC members present and voting overwhelming approved the motion to move forward with the proposed design and funding plans for the new sanctuary building. Hurray for all of us! This is a momentous step in the history of our congregation and one for which many people have carefully and diligently worked to reach this point and outline the path forward. So many people have given generously of their time, talent and…

“We have made a huge difference this year in the lives of our neighbors, in the care and protection of our communities, and in the strength of our democracy. This remains to me a source of hope and strength and joy. We are resilient. We have everything we need. We are enough. Love will continue to guide us.” Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray, President UUA, January 2021 2021 is off to a big start at OCUUC. On January 31, 2021 we…