June’s theme is “Play,” and I’m excited to see the possibilities we have to play with at this upcoming board meeting. Andy Crabb, working alongside Lola Lewis and Tim Raridon have outlined some smart technology options to bring ease and joy into the hybrid worship and church programming experience. The tech team and myself spent an afternoon testing various scenarios to inform this recommendation, and I’m confident we’ll be able to make the hybrid experience worthwhile for both in person and virtual members/friends. I’m glad that we have delayed in-person worship until when I return from study leave and vacation so that we have adequate time to implement these technologies, test them, and feel comfortable with them before we have people in-person. I’m especially mindful with a completely volunteer tech crew, that we don’t put unnecessary pressure during the transition, and allow enough time to do things well without a time crunch. I’ve looked at the proposal, and it makes sense to me. I’m curious what you all think, and hopefully vote on during this meeting to get the ball rolling. Andy Crabb will be there in person to field questions.

I’m also looking forward to voting on a new DRE, and setting a start date. Thank you to Judy DeGenova who led a committee of members in interviewing two qualified candidates, and coming to a unanimous decision after much consideration and discussion. It would be good to have more concentrated leadership in this area, especially as we transition within the next year to in person and virtual offerings. There is hope that within a year all children will have access to the vaccine, and everyone who wants the vaccine will have access to it.

I’m looking forward to this Summer, especially as we transition into in-person outdoor events with a virtual component. Linda Mohn has reserved Sunday August 15th at Mill Creek Park Pavilion for our church picnic. There will be enough space there to spread out, and enjoy each other’s company. I’m interested to see how much zoom people will utilize, especially in small groups, when it’s possible to meet in person. My hypothesis is that it will be used often. I think that many are not ready to surrender the convenience factor of not having to leave the house. But I’m curious to track this over the next three months (and I’d recommend you do too).

Also this Summer, Melissa Smith and Karen Lapidus are leading a group for new members called Starting Point, which is a program that introduces people to being a member in a Unitarian Universalist congregation. Gary Davenport in July will be holding a meeting to encourage new social justice ministries to emerge, and help equip new leaders in this area. I’ve learned there is an 8th principle monthly meeting with all U.S. congregations that have passed the 8th principle (we’re on the list), and I’ve shared this information with Gary Davenport, Sarah Lowry, and Carole McWilson.

This last month we’ve had a couple members endure significant losses. Tim Raridon’s father, Wade Raridon, passed away very recently. I was asked to officiate a service for Wade, and it was beautiful. It was very good to connect to Tim’s mother, Rosemary. Tim offered a great tribute to his father. Lola Lewis’ sister Shirley V. Logan (Anita) unexpectedly passed away less than a week ago. Please be mindful of these members and perhaps others in our congregation who are dealing with sickness and loss. I know many in the wider community who are enduring loss unrelated to Covid-19, so please be aware of this, and offer kindness and support where you can. The Care Team has also been informed of this.

As a reminder I’ll be away on study leave and vacation June 21-Aug.3, so I will miss the July board meeting, and I’ll be back for August. Please move forward in the decision making process in July without me – don’t delay. I received confirmation that I’ll be teaching World

Religions at YSU in the Fall, so I’ll use some of my time away to prepare for that, as well as the upcoming church year. There is a link in the Weekly Update for those who wish to watch Service of the Living Tradition at GA where I’ll be one of the ministers acknowledged as reaching Full Fellowship.

President Lisbet White and I met with our regional support Rev. Sunshine Wolfe to check in about how our congregation has done/is doing over the last year. It was good to reflect that we’ve done exceptionally well, in my assessment. As I’ve said before, we are extraordinarily adaptable and nimble people, with a high level of resilience that is baked into our congregational DNA. We’ve done very well, and I continue to be moved by the heart and detailed care that all of you put into making this community what it is. I’m looking forward to the Summer, and our transition into Fall, and I believe this board meeting will help set us up well for another good year.