Bits from the Board – September 2016

Summer is generally a time for vacations, relaxation, less work, more play.   But that didn’t seem to be the case for the UUYO board. It’s been a busy summer! The board has been hard at work planning for future events, as well as generating and leading discussions to determine the short-range and long-term goals and visions for UUYO.

The success of the UUYO Auction in June gave us renewed energy, serving as a springboard for follow-through with future event planning. Committee members of the “Books & Collectibles Sale,” scheduled for October 21 & 22, have initiated plans for this event, a first of its kind for UUYO. With your help in donating as well as volunteering, it can be another successful fundraiser! Other creative ideas for events and programs are in the works for this fall and winter, including a restart of Circle Suppers, a “Fun with Opera “ family event, launching a Young Adult ministry and more! Contact any board member to volunteer, or to share ideas for additional fundraisers, events, or programs.

2017 marks an important year for UUYO – it is our 125th anniversary! We want to honor and celebrate our UUYO heritage, and plans are underway to create a committee to provide leadership for this celebration. In anticipation of this important event, we also want to make UUYO more visually appealing. Short-term improvements, including grounds upkeep, building repairs, painting, etc., will be carried out in the next few months, with more extensive improvements under discussion. For example, UUYO is in the final stages of acquiring ownership of the parking lot across the street.

Matt came back from his sabbatical in mid-June, refreshed, and energized. With his guidance, there have been lengthy discussions regarding the goals and visions for UUYO – in 2017 and beyond, followed by recommendations of actions needed to get us there. We discussed our strengths, our shortcomings, and addressed specific issues needing attention in the near future, such as membership, stewardship, communication practices. But regardless of issues and hurdles that we often face, history has shown that the strength of our UUYO community is real. I am proud of what we as a church community have accomplished, and I hope you feel that same pride. We will survive another 25 years and beyond!

Linda Mohn and the Board