Many thanks to Pam Garn Nunn for planning such a meaningful and helpful service (“Long Live Life!”) on December 29th. Pam and Susan Wynn led our ritual for the new year as we (safely) burned slips of paper with mistakes and regrets listed for 2019 while writing down and preserving aspirations for 2020. The lighting of the Menorah, done so beautifully by Carolyn and Allayna Stevens, provided a renewed sense of hope that was only deepened when Pam shared her personal reflection. As she noted, Pam was inspired in creating the service by the words of Howard Thurman. I’ll repeat the line that is still on my mind: “We turn our faces toward the year being born with a riding hope that will carry us into the days ahead with courage and with confidence.” In 2019, we experienced significant changes within our church. Much of what happened during the last year was exciting and positive. I can’t think of a better example than the celebration of our sanctuary journey with Edwin and Antonio held just a few weeks ago. The installation of our new windows and solar panels is a close second. We also offered thanks and showed our appreciation for the many years of wonderful and loving service given by Rich Roberts and Bob Carlyon. These things happened while the regular work of the church—such as conducting worship, organizing social justice programs, preparing the community meal, teaching Sunday School, completing the stewardship campaign, managing communication, maintaining our building and grounds, managing our finances, and so much more—was handled with the utmost care and concern for the well being of our beloved community. To Rev. Tim and our marvelous staff, I want to offer the thanks of the Board for your hard work and dedication. To the many lay leaders and members of our congregation who make these activities happen: thank you, thank you, and thank you! You are the true source of the “courage and confidence” that I hope the UUCA will continue to feel in 2020. The Board will soon hold its annual retreat. Our emphasis will be on navigating change in a way that is inclusive, loving, and true to our UU principles. While change can be exciting and inspiring, it can also be disorienting or even disappointing. One of our goals for the new year will be to create as many opportunities as possible for members of the congregation to share their ideas, hopes, dreams, plans, and passions about the future direction of the UUCA. I don’t want anyone to feel silenced or to leave us because they don’t feel heard. I passionately believe that we can grow together, with the diverse beliefs, outlooks, and life experiences present right now in our congregation included in the conversation. In the spirit of Pam’s service, let me close by saying that I’d like to apologize to anyone who didn’t feel heard by the Board, didn’t get a prompt or helpful reply to a question or concern, or who felt disrespected. I am proud of what we accomplished, but I also know that we can do always do better. I want to thank the members of the Board for their dedicated service: Hallie Bowie, Steve Wagner, Becky Dempster, Scott Piepho, Sarah Culver, Cir L’Bert Jr., Dan Marksz, and Kyle Josza. Lastly, let me offer a quick shout out to a trio of former Board presidents who always give me sage advice and encouragement: Charlie Nelson, David Wynn, and (of course) Jen Welsh.

Happy New Year! ~ Rob Sturr, Board President