March President’s Report: Month 3 of “Going It Alone”
by Helen Hansen, WUU Board President
This is our third month of “going it alone” as a congregation. We are used to having the leadership of our chosen ministers and this time without one has been challenging, but also energizing and innovative. I am grateful for all the dedicated volunteers who help make WUU our beloved community.
New and ongoing initiatives:
The worship team is bringing us interesting, creative, spiritually uplifting Sunday services, including the spiritual practices each week.
The Campus Improvement Team (CIT) is working hard to renovate Parker House, and have make our entrance safer by removing the overgrown shrubs. Special thanks to Les Solomon and Jim Hall for leading that team and saving many dollars.
The Communications Team and Asha McLaughlin are working to refresh our image in creative ways. Watch for new signage that welcomes all and encourages the greater community to find comfort, friendship, spirituality, and fun at WUU.
Social Justice Sunday March 30. Come to the service, enjoy lunch, and share your thoughts on what we can do to save our democracy.
Enjoy the creative talent that will be showcased in our building in April and May.
Register for the Gratitude Luncheon March 23 after the service: https://wuu.breezechms.com/form/6fadb5
Check out Spirit Moves Mindful Dance March 23 after the Stewardship lunch. Seth and his team have carefully planned a brand new activity for us to try.
The new Green Justice Initiative will be sharing ways we can help our environment.
Fellowship: Potlucks and Adult Table Games are back on the calendar! We had our first potluck last Friday, March 7. Everyone attending was happy to see this social event on the calendar again and fun was had by all!
Camilla, Deb, Fred, and the Annual Giving Team are wrapping up the pledge drive. Our buildings, our programs, our staff, and our justice projects depend on the generosity of all. Your pledge – and following through with the funds – is what allows us to create a budget that keeps WUU going for next year and beyond. If your heart is at WUU, as mine is, you want it to continue, and to be here for others who are looking for this spiritual home. If you haven’t pledged yet, please do! If you can give a little more, please pledge again! We appreciate the extra $$ you put in the plate when you can, but we PLAN based on your PROMISE.
Thank you to Janna Roche and Austen Petersen for taking on the Pastoral care role until June, and for the Caring Team and Anne Stevens for continuing their care for our congregation.
Henry Bellows is leading the Safety Team and is looking for a few new members to help update procedures for security and safety at WUU. Door codes will be changed at the end of the month. Fobs will be the main way to enter the building. If you don’t already have one, contact Rachel (office@wuu.org). Watch your Spiral for more information.
Gratitude to the Strategic Financial Planning Task Force, who collaborated with the Board, Finance Committee, and CIT to explore WUU’s financial situation now, and in the future. They created a possible Sustainable Financial Model for the Board that would:
Eliminate deficits from yearly budgets
Establish a maintenance reserve fund
Establish a contingency reserve fund for emergency capital expenses
Their suggestion to the Board is to create a strategic planning task force in conjunction with the new minister to create a shared vision for WUU and a plan to achieve that vision.
Social Justice Sunday March 30: Sign up for lunch after the service so the Social Justice team will know how many to prepare for: https://wuu.breezechms.com/form/2e44f7
On March 30 we’ll be focusing on re-energizing our social justice program. The service will include a guest speaker who is the social justice coordinator for three DC-area congregations. Directly after the service, we’ll invite everyone to stay, enjoy a simple lunch, and join us as we remember the many projects we’ve worked on together in the past and think about how we’d like to work together to make a difference going forward. While we have some amazing social justice leaders who are on the front lines, this event is also for those who would simply like to be part of a congregation that is actively working to improve our world.
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Contact the WUU Board President by e-mailing boardpresident@wuu.org.