Barring any unforeseen surges or changes in the trajectory of the current state of COVID-19, we will be opening the Sanctuary for in-person worship again on Feb. 27 with 100 seats available. We will ask that everyone be fully vaccinated, boosted and masked. And although other congregations are literally checking vaccination cards, we will be working on the honor system.
We do this with the understanding that we are moving forward with more intention and less reaction. With this in mind, UUCF is undertaking a variety of efforts to reflect and plan for whatever comes next, which includes significant time and effort by a number of UUCF members and staff.
- The new Family Ministry Team* is exploring ways to integrate what has been known as Adult Programs and Religious Exploration into programs that make it possible for families to learn and worship together, as well as looking for ways to promote intergenerational programming.
- The Board of Director’s Big Questions subgroup is planning to hold focus groups in early spring to ask questions around congregational hopes and aspirations.
- All the ministers of the Potomac Partnership are exploring how they can utilize their various gifts and skills to minister in ways that serve all three congregations in order to serve the prophetic needs of our congregations and the wider world.
- The presidents and vice presidents of the three Potomac Partnership boards are meeting monthly to explore ways of deepening the partnership.
- UUCF’s Financial Sustainability Team is looking at a number of possible ideas that will creatively serve to support the future of UUCF.
- The Emergent Strategy Cross-Leadership Planning Team** is now working with all of this to begin compiling an “Emergent Plan” on how to move forward in these times of rapid change.
On Feb. 27, we are also kicking off our annual pledge campaign with our planned return to in-person worship. There will also be an online concert kickoff in the afternoon to include Emma’s Revolution, Peter Mayer and more. (Please stay tuned for details.) Like most years, this year’s annual fund needs lots of love to keep this community as financially healthy as possible.
These efforts to keep this congregation thriving physically, spiritually and financially are well underway. The time, energy and effort being put forth is substantial, and on behalf of the congregation, I would like to express my gratitude to the dedicated lay leaders involved with all these efforts.
We have had to work through so much in the past couple of years, and yet so much love, thought and effort continues to be committed to this community of connection and transformation. You will hear more about all these things in the days to come, but please rest assured, care abounds as we all do what we can to strengthen the foundation of this congregation now and for years to come.
*Team members are Rebecca Benner, Laurie Cunningham, Youth Ministry Coordinator Courtney Firth, Ian Hochberg, Senior Minister Rev. David A. Miller, Paula Prettyman and Director of Religious Exploration Diana Tycer.
**Team members are Susan Bennett, board; Courtney Firth; Scott Lundgren, at large; Vicky Maldonado, board; Rev. David A. Miller; Cami St. Germain, at large; Gina Wells, Coordinating Team; and Karen Wolf, Lay Ministers Council.
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