March promises to be a busy month again with the kickoff of our annual operating pledge drive and hopefully some great progress on getting to construction. It is a great time to contemplate what it means to be in community and traveling our paths together.
Our operating pledges are the annual commitments we make to the programs and impact of our congregation. It funds our staff salaries, routine building costs and all the programs we create and support. It only happens because we make it happen. Please listen closely to the upcoming testimonials and pledge materials. We have a culture of generosity to continue!
We are in community in other ways, too. We have a dream of a new sanctuary, and it is so hard to be patient! Watch for updates but know that the Sanctuary Construction Committee is doing all it can to make it happen as soon as we can. The Committee Members are having the most difficulty cultivating patience!
The momentum we are creating with our generosity and potential new sanctuary is inspiring more programs and energy. We have several new classes starting this Spring. As we grow, it is inevitable that we will sometimes run into each other, either literally or in the use of resources. The only meeting time that has a monopoly is Sunday Worship, and even that is shared with Religious Education! All other groups should expect that they might need to share.
We will get there! We are traveling a path together in community.
Nancy Loughrey was Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church's Board President.