In my monthly columns, I’m usually commenting on what’s coming in the next month but this month, I’m looking back at last month because April was AMAZING!
On April 5th the ministerial search committee announced that Rev. Diana Smith was UUSM’s candidate for settled minister. Following this, there was lots of planning and discussion leading up to Candidating Week between April 18-26.
Candidating Week began on April 18 with Rev. Diana’s arrival. She met with the search committee and board members, then she attended the concert of our choir with the UU Studio City Choir at the UU Studio Church. On Sunday, April 19, she preached on how to celebrate the possibilities that can emerge when we create communities of mattering. She met with church leaders and groups that afternoon and over the days that followed. On Saturday, April 25, UUSM families, children, and youth, along with other church members, enjoyed an informal picnic with Rev. Diana at our church. On Sunday, April 26, Rev. Diana preached on the many ways we can create communities of caring together and live Love ever more fully and fiercely into the world.
On the afternoon of Sunday, April 26, we held a special congregational meeting to consider Rev. Diana for settled ministry. The congregation enthusiastically voted to call Rev. Diana Smith to be our settled minister. Afterwards, we held a reception to celebrate this amazing accomplishment. All of this happened in April!
While Rev. Diana was visiting UUSM, Rev. Jeremiah was visiting University Unitarian Church in Seattle. He had a successful candidating week, which culminated in a congregational meeting where they enthusiastically called him to be their settled minister. So, May begins a transitional period where we say goodbye to Rev. Jeremiah and prepare to welcome Rev. Diana.
We held our stewardship campaign in early April. While the campaign is now officially done, we still welcome your pledges. While it’s great to see increased pledges, we want hear from you even if you continue to give the same amount in the same manner. By taking a few moments to submit a pledge, you are affirming your commitment to our beloved community. Click here to submit your pledge.
It was exciting to be part of our community in April. The excitement will continue as we proceed to the end of the church year. I look forward to seeing you at our joyous upcoming services and events.
