President’s Letter — October 2006

Dear Members and Friends,

While making all efforts to roll gracefully from summer to fall we have faced a number of setbacks. Many of our members are facing serious medical problems. One of our wonderful members died this week. Others are having serious financial and relationship issues. Such is life, one could say. But the burden is heavy when it is your problem or my problem. No intellectualization or rationalization helps move on to the healing. Similarly having a joy and no one to share it with contributes to loneliness and isolation.

My personal hope is that as a church community we can support one another through our joys, sorrows and frustrations. Sunday Services certainly offer spiritual and social opportunities to reflect, refocus and grow. We have more continuing, and some new, opportunities to gain support with life’s challenges.

We have committees and interest groups that need and welcome new members. Through participation in such groups you will meet some wonderful and caring people. And they will get to know you. I can personally guarantee this. While I am not offering refunds, there is so much to gain; the risk of disappointment is minimal. Though our formal recruitment for committee membership will occur in December, share your interests with any of us and we will make sure you are welcomed with open arms.

“New” opportunities to grow through life’s obstacles have been under development for about three years. Our Community Circles are an immensely successful option for connection and support. Four groups are now open for new members. I have found my Community Circle to be a place to share joys, sorrows and frustrations with life, a place to hear life stories, to explore differences and similarities, and even a place to test our UU Principles. We provide each other sympathy, empathy and advice. We share secrets and vulnerabilities. My experience is replicated in all seven groups.

Our Sunday services are great and continue to improve. I look forward to seeing you on Sundays. However, there is even more to gain by also participating through the week in our Committees, Interest Groups and Community Circles.

The light is on, the door is open. Please come in, we have much warmth to share.

Eddy Fried

President of the Board of Trustees