President’s Letter — May 2007

Dear Members and Friends,

Giving, Green and Leadership.

From the pulpit Gary Simon, who with Sally is leading our pledge process, admitted that he does not like asking people for money. Most of us feel that way. Then he went on to say that his membership in our community was very important to him. Again, I think we were with him. I hope each and every one of you have been able to view the extraordinary video he produced. Simple concept: interview some of our members, ask them to describe the importance of the Fellowship in their lives. Granted Gary selected some very special people to interview: Jan Ruotolo, Paul Yue, Michael Schwartz and Christine Kerwin, Nenette Kres, Sheri Brown, Bethany Davis, Frank Panzer, Peter and Chris Fromme. (Here is Gary’s secret: Those interviewed were no more special than you!) Their messages were eloquent, we learned more about them, and we heard how they VALUE their membership. No glossy salesmanship, just value. I encourage you to pause long enough to compare what you spend on various important parts of your life. If you find strength, support, insight, camaraderie, the sacred or other UUBCO experiences of VALUE, that comparison should guide you on the appropriate amount to invest in this Fellowship. Please fill out your Pledge Form, and turn it in by May 6th.

Last month my President’s Letter was a bit of a rant, I apologize. Please plan to attend the June 3rd General Membership Meeting. One item of business will be to vote on the Green Sanctuary Proposal. The vote is not on committing to ecologically appropriate practices. Plastic utensils have not been banned from the Fellowship, and will not be as a result of any vote on June 3rd. If the proposal is affirmed by a majority of the voters present, we will be committing ourselves to the serious examination of issues associated with sustaining our environment. We will be exploring the seventh principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. At the same time, let us not lose sight of the fourth principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning. So, in the meantime–to the extent that we use plastic utensils and other disposables, we may continue using them–until and unless we learn why not to use them. Then, as a democratic organization (see principle number five), we may decide to modify our practices. We would be committing to be inquisitive and purposeful.

Lastly, please exercise your democratic RESPONSIBILITY by attending the General Membership Meeting at 11 am on June 3rd and by voting for four of your nine Board members. I could say that this is your chance to, “throw the scoundrels out” but three of four are leaving of their own accord. I am the only current Board member who has the temerity to think that I might be reelected. Please thank Daria Greg, who served as Board Secretary and liaison to the Program Committee. And thank Dave Morkal, past President, liaison to Buildings and Grounds and Sharing and Caring Committees, convener of the Leadership Committee, and member of the Administration Committee. Lastly, please thank Betsy Turner, Vice President, liaison to the Fundraising Committee and member of the Administration Committee. If you did not see my email of April 17, those interested in serving on the Board, still have a few days to contact the Election Committee of Dave Morkal, Amalia Connolly and Karen Witting. The plan is for the nominees to prepare personal statements/bios that will be available to you four weeks before the election. Talk to the candidates, talk to others who have worked with them. Ask how they will spend your money and make decisions that guide the course of your Fellowship over the next two years.

Please submit your pledge forms, and the amount should reflect your value of the Fellowship and the extent of your financial ability to support our work. On June 3 vote on the focus of learning about how our practices effect the environment, and also vote on four of nine positions on the Board of Trustees.

Come to see us because we like to see you!

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