The Hustle and Bustle of Church
Have you noticed the uptick in attendance? Wasn’t it nice catching up with everyone and celebrating our 65th birthday? Did you see all the prospective new Members taking their orientation classes? Are you looking forward to representing UUCOD at the 39th annual Greater Palm Springs LGTBQ Pride Parade and cutting loose at the annual service auction in the next couple weeks?
This time of year always seems to bring the hustle and bustle of church. Your new 2024 – 2025 Board has now met several times, and we are off and running too. As required, we’ve set new short-range fiscal year goals. (See By-Laws, Art. VII(1) ([Board of Directors shall establish and maintain short/long range goals]; Board of Directors – Descriptions, Policies, and Procedures Res. [Minister and Board shall collaborate in setting goals for the year].)
Our short-term priorities this year pull from the larger Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and Institutional Thriving areas
of our three-year, strategic goals. For Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, we anticipate new official congregational policies on accessibility and antiracism. For Institutional Thriving, we continue to focus on the good health of the church. We are looking at how we might revise our governance and personnel documents, including Mission, Values, and Vision Statements. We are procuring a replacement church management software system. The Safety Committee is bringing us active shooter trainings and practice evacuation drills, and the Finance Committee is revising financial oversight processes. Take a look here: 2024-25 Short Range Goals
Do you know your Board Liaison? Most committees, activity groups, and auxiliary organizations have an assigned Board Member whose role is be the team’s connection to and direct support from the Board. (See By-Laws, Art. VII, 1. [“Board shall provide . . . liaison services as needed to Committees and Councils”]; By-Laws, Art. VII, F.5. [“Board has power to appoint Directors to serve as liaison between Committees and Board”].)
- Second Vice President Riela is this year’s liaison to the Social Justice and Stewardship Committees as well as the Lifespan Spiritual Growth Team.
- Secretary Simmons is assigned to connect with the Archivist and Membership Committee.
- Treasurer L’Hommedieu remains the liaison to the Finance and Safety Committees.
- Director-at-Large Ressler has the Facilities and Furnishings Committee and Sacred Grounds Initiative.
- Director-at-Large Gendell is the Hospitality Team’s liaison, and the Minister acts as a liaison to many groups: A/V and Care Teams, Choir and Music, Worship Committee, Chalice Circles, and the Committee on Ministry.
Here is the complete list: 2024-25 Board Liaison Responsibilities .
Get in on the hustle and bustle! Be sure to check the online church calendar Be sure to save the date for these upcoming events:
UUCOD Float at Annual Greater Palm Springs LGTBQ Pride Parade: 11/3
Silent and Live Auction: 11/8 – 11/9
Sacred Grounds Table at Annual California Native Plant Society Garden Day: 11/16
New Member Induction and Celebration: 11/17
Next Sacred Grounds Demonstration Garden Dedication: 1/12
New Bake-Off Fundraiser: 1/19
Pledge Drive Kick-Off: 2/2
As always, if you have an idea, suggestion, comment, improvement, or criticism, please contact me or any Members of the Board and convey your thoughts. You can also bring them to the next Voices of the Congregation forum during the next Board meeting.
Recall that this year’s Board meetings are hybrid online on Zoom and in-person in the Community Room. Come as you can! This month, our next regular meeting is November 19th.
—Bob Rancourt