It is a pleasure to write to you this month and give our President, Eileen McCormack, a break from the monthly update. As she shared last month, the Leader Development and Nominating Committee (LDNC) has embarked on comprehensive outreach to all members as we start the search process for a settled minister. LDNC members, along with Board members, are reaching out to you to get your thoughts about the search committee. I hope you can take a few minutes to speak with us, so we have a good sense of how to move forward.
Our long-term congregational administrator, Nurit Gordon, will be retiring in late March. She has been an important part of UUSM, providing much institutional knowledge and administrative stability, especially during the recent periods of significant change in our community. I worked closely with Nurit during my four years as Treasurer and appreciate everything she taught me about how best to manage our finances. I have also appreciated Nurit’s calm and welcoming demeanor and will miss her when I visit the office. We will have a farewell for Nurit on Sunday, March 23, after the service. Please join us on wishing her well.
We are fortunate to have hired Alfonso Wilkerson as the congregational administrator.
Alfonso, who goes by Alfie, started on Monday March 3rd. He has extensive experiences in financial management, human resources, technological applications, and operational procedures. While his experience is mostly on the business side, he is genuinely enthusiastic to join our UUSM team. During the interview, he admitted not knowing much about UUs prior to interviewing and was excited to learn that a community like ours existed. He demonstrates a willingness to work with all kinds of folks and genuine compassion toward everyone. We are fortunate to have found Alfie, and we look to welcoming him to our community. After he has a few weeks to settle in, we will invite him to join us on a Sunday service so that we can officially introduce and welcome him.
Lastly, I thank you for being part of the UUSM community. I imagine that many of you are feeling like I’ve been feeling the last few months — distressed about the political climate around us and worried for the future. I know that the best remedy for this kind of stress and anxiety is to be part of a supportive community. I don’t how things will turn out, but I’m hopeful and reassured to have folks who think like me in my life. So, thanks again!
Vilma Ortiz
Vice President
