Greetings fellow congregants , 

As spring brings us out of our homes we look forward to gathering together for worship and discerning, and laughing together..

As Putin’s war of choice spreads across Ukraine, displacing so many from their homes during a moment of global recovery… 

And as we prepare to welcome our new members and, possibly, invite a new reverend to our church…

Our hearts turn to the question of what welcoming means. How can we be a welcoming community for all who seek sanctuary within our doors? How do we stay grounded in our journey together? What ways do we nourish our inner lives?

This iteration of the board is the latest in a long line to grapple with the challenge of sanctuary renovation. Along with the usual complexity of the task, comes the many questions associated with our post-pandemic re-entry. 
We’ve heard the call of the congregation. Committee chairs, new members, former board members, and long time attenders have urged us forward in renovating our sanctuary. Though we may not agree on everything (as is normal for UUs), we all understand the need for a sanctuary that honors our great journey to this moment and prepares a way for the needs of our future. 

Over the next few weeks we will begin to lay out our plan to tie together the visions previously laid out by previous committees, engage the congregation, and initiate the work. 

We’re also aware of the need to hold more conversations on pronouns and the reasoning behind social justice terms.
The BoT, The Transitions Team and The 8th Principle Cmte  will hold several convos on pronouns and the reasoning behind social justice terms. I hope everyone who’s been curious about this will join in those conversations. 
Also, the staff is doing amazing work, have you thanked them lately? Join us for  GratiTuesdays to provide some easy ways to show our appreciation.

Till then, take good care of yourselves, and each other, 

• Cir L’Bert, Jr. 
  President, UU Church of Akron, Board of Trustees