Construction Happenings
I know that we are all eager to hear the latest news on the sanctuary construction, and for that reason I asked Craig Spery, Chair of our Construction Committee, to give us an update. – Kathleen McFarlin As your Sanctuary Construction Committee Chair, I’m happy to give you a heads up about construction happenings that are on the immediate horizon for the beautiful new sanctuary we’ve all been waiting for. Since we signed and celebrated our con-tract last month with…
Construction is Coming!
Construction of the new sanctuary is right around the corner. The builder has the permits and has been ordering materials for our project. A construction trailer and storage trailer have been delivered and set up in the rear of the property along with two portable toilets. The official groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Sunday, September 1 immediately following the Sunday Service on the church courtyard. Please plan on joining us to celebrate the transition of this space into our beautiful…
A Year in Review (Sorta)
It’s hard to believe that it has almost been a year since I’ve been at OCUUC. Time flies when you’re having fun! There are just too many things to highlight in one short article, but I do want to say some thanks. First of all, I would love to thank the amazing Music Director Search Committee for giving me this amazing opportunity. I’m sure it was a tough choice for them and I’m excited that I also get to work…
Can Do Summer
We have been having a great time in the RE children’s class this summer as they have been continuing out “Can Do Summer” curriculum. This curriculum has been so much fun as it brings hands-on fun into each week’s lesson! So far, the RE Children have created fairy houses, created group murals, had paper airplane races, as well as had a couple exciting park days. Don’t worry, you haven’t missed out! There are still a lot more fun and exciting…
A New President
As your newly elected President of the Board, I want to thank you for your confidence in me. Although I served on the Board some years ago, I haven’t been recently involved in the Board’s work, so I ask for your patience and understanding as I get up to speed. As you may know, your Board meets each month; these meetings are typically conducted via Zoom, although once each quarter, we meet in person at the church on a Saturday…
Rest and Renewal
Last Sunday as part of Question Box Sunday, someone asked if I loved my job. I do! I absolutely love being your minister. I don’t want to be or do anything else. And being a minister is also exhausting. Isn’t that strange? We can love something, but it can also cause us “harm” – lose energy, feel run down, even burnt out if we let it. As a minister I notice that my work is in fact never done -…
We will get there
When Rev. Sian was recruiting me in 2021 for President, she said, “Just get the sanctuary built, we really need you for that.” Huh. Just get it built, right? The sanctuary has been the focus of all my terms and will continue to be so for the future, apparently. While working with the architect and the City has definitely had its trying moments, working with all of you has been wonderful. We have kept in communication and relationship, and I…
Share Ourselves
We are servants who provide care and assistance to those in need, and act as advocates for systemic change. Share Ourselves is a healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health and support services for the entire community. We believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. So, every day we break down the barriers to achieving optimal health. From serving as a comprehensive healthcare provider, to offering social services like financial assistance and food distribution, our approach considers all that it means…
Change is Constant
Once again, a busy time at OCUUC. We are apporoaching the end of our fiscal year. The pledge drive is mostly done, although we are still waiting to hear from some members. The Pacific Regional and deBenneville meetings are behind us, and preparations for General Assembly are under way. Please see the information on Article 2 in the REACH. Those things happen every year. In addition, we have two staff members who will be leaving us – Karen Magoon Pearson…
Multitudes
We contain multitudes. And yet we are one. It’s a strange paradox. I’m struck by two quotes I found recently. The first is from Winona LaDuke: “The first thing I am is a person… But people either relate to you as an Indian or as a woman. They relate to you as a category.” How true that is. It’s part of human nature to find those categories that we can relate to (or not), and to put one another in…
It’s Earth Day, again!
My first sermon at OCUUC was commemorating Earth Day last year. Earth Day is always a good reminder that every day, we can do something to contribute to the health of the amazing planet that is our home. I know it’s hard to imagine how our individual actions can play a part when the changing climate, and poor practices continue to impact the planet our communities. We can and do make choices that make a difference, however. Every time you…
April Updates
Getting to a building permit is an exercise in patience and is full of frustration for me. We continue to make progress at a snail’s pace. At this point, there have been so many missed expectations by both the city and our architect, I truly don’t feel confident in any promises. I do know the ball is back in the city’s court. We are waiting for a response to our fourth submission. I am committed to keeping everyone informed and…