President’s Letter — June 2007

Dear Members and Friends

(1) What is the price of democracy? (2) Do UU’s hibernate when it is warm?

On the local scale, the price of democracy is your attendance at our annual membership meeting at 11 am on Sunday, June 3rd. No inspirational sermon by our Reverend Jim Covington, no wonderful piano pieces by Erika Schenker, no moving songs by Spirits in Harmony, no guest speakers deepening our understanding of the issues of our world. Those of us who need some of this weekly fare will attend the 9am service on June 3rd. At 11 am we will present issues that require your input and your vote. Your attendance will be a reflection of your commitment to our 5th principle:

“We UU’s affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.”

In this one meeting we set the course of the Fellowship for the next year by
o Electing 4 (of 9) members of the Board of Trustees
(the 9 members elect the officers, including the president), and
o Discussing and perhaps approving changes to our bylaws, and
o Reviewing our financial performance of the last year and approving a
budget for the next year.

These decisions set the expectations for the next year. There is actual or potential controversy in each of the areas above. It is not safe to make any assumptions about the outcomes.

I do know that each of you attends UUFBCO activities for many reasons, some in common, others unique only to you. Some come and like what is presented!and hope and expect that it will continue as it is. Others see vast potential, and hope we will evolve into the Community we need to be. The status quo is not assured and changes can only reflect your needs and inspiration if you participate. We hope you will make every effort to attend.

The price of democracy begins with your scrutiny of the candidates, the issues, and the budget proposals, asking enough questions or proposing changes, such that the focus for the next year is reflective of the will of the members.

So, in our religion, your participation in these deliberations really is an act of faith!and the price of democracy.

What happens over the summer? Do UU’s hibernate when it is warm? In this Fellowship we keep it moving all year long. On Sundays, after June 10th, we do go into summer mode. That means there will be 9 am lay led services. I highly recommend that you come and participate. Last summer I came to about four of them!and regret that I did attend them all. Usually a smaller group attends, and the focus is chosen by the presenter in collaboration with the Program Committee. We will light the chalice and sing some hymns. The intimacy of the smaller group usually allows participants to get to know each other better, to share and get support as one desires, and to support your spiritual and community needs while others are traveling or vacationing or just sleeping in. Those interested in leading a session should contact Phyllis Tortora.

Other committees and certainly your Board of Trustees will work through the summer so that come September, we are ready for the rush of energy that comes with the beginning of our new year of activities and services. It may seem a bit quieter, but there will be a lot going on. And if special needs arise, we will be available!

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