We’re in the midst of an exciting December here at UUSM. Our service last Sunday included the reintroduction/reimagining of the Friendly Beasts Pageant, which involved the efforts of young people in our congregation – from toddlers through young adults, as well as our DRE, Jessica TenHave-Place. It was a lovely service and a lot of fun. I’m now looking forward to the Wine & Cheese Messiah UUSM Choir Holiday Fundraiser on December 19, our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on December 24, and our family friendly New Years Eve party, which will take place from 6 pm to 9 pm on December 31.
On the business side of things, there were recent staff changes. We welcomed Christina Pegus, who is providing office support. The addition of Christina frees up Esther Chase to focus on her Communications related work. This change should better support the needs of the community and aims to make the work of our Communications volunteers more sustainable.
Last week, members of the Board, the Leadership Development and Nominating Committee (LDNC), and the Co-Chairs of our Mission & Vision team met with our new UUA liaison to discuss the search for a settled minister. It was an informative session that gave us the opportunity to ask questions and better understand this important process. The very good news is that we’re still ahead of schedule for getting a settled minister in place in Summer/Autumn 2026, as planned. Please look out for communications from LDNC after the first of the year. With support from the Board and the Mission & Vision Team, LDNC is planning to engage in extensive outreach to the congregation as part of nominating the Search Committee.
It’s also wonderful to see the many ways that people are contributing to our congregational community, and to the larger community. For example, our new Art Committee has put up a gorgeous art wall, highlighting the work of several of our talented congregants. Our Lunches for Bunches team is also holding a clothing drive in December and January, with a particular need for quality winter clothes, and larger men’s clothing. They also need more plastic bags for lunch deliveries, if you have extras.
In addition to the above, there are many ways to get more involved in the community. In particular, ongoing needs include the Communications Team (commteam@uusm.org), Worship Associates (worshipassociates@uusm.org), and Children’s and Youth Religious Education (dmre@uusm.org). I’d also like to put a word in for the Coffee Committee (coffee@uusm.org). Serving coffee after Sunday service was the first thing that I volunteered to do at UUSM about a decade ago. It’s a great way to get to know the names and faces of the people in our community. As President, I still take one monthly coffee shift, as it’s a fun opportunity to say hi to congregants and provide a welcome to visitors. I’d also ask that, as you complete your year-end giving, you consider an additional gift to UUSM to help sustain our programs and increased staff hours. It looks like it’s going to be a busy and challenging 2025, and we’re grateful for your contributions.
That brings me to my closing thought. Yes, I am anticipating a challenging year on a lot of levels. Our work as a congregation will be more important than ever. I manage to hold on to an upbeat tone in part because I’m immersed in our vibrant and resilient congregation from week to week. We’re offering comfort to each other and help to the community beyond our walls. That is meaningful. It matters and will continue to matter. So, thank you for being a part of this community.
Best wishes to you all in the new year.
Eileen McCormack
President, UUSM
