“Vernal clouds have turned the starwheel,” and so we begin another church year. Much the same news as this time last summer, but different all the same. New and old names transition on, off, and around the Board. The national unrest we felt weighing us down then continues on today. We are weary, we are hopeful, and we continue onward – together.

In the practice of interdependence, and living out the design of our tripartite Chair position, we write this letter to you jointly. Mac has been a steady, honest hand for the Board in his year as Chair. Sage is appreciative to have his guidance continuing on as the Past Chair. We say a heartfelt thank you to Dick Beeman and Jason Coleman for their humor and humanity this past year. Their perspectives will be missed, and we hope that their impressions will continue to echo through our work this coming year. And another special thank you to Rachel Levitt for standing in as our Secretary for meetings after the role was vacated last year. Their assistance helped us preserve our meeting process and kept the congregation informed via the detailed minutes they provided. 

The new Board has many new, eager faces joining us. Cosette O’Brien as our Chair Elect, Jane Williams and Kaidy Smith as Members at Large, Christie Launius extending her tenure as our new Secretary (having already graciously taken on the responsibilities last month), and Taryn InViva and Sarah Desmet stepping in as our new Deputy Treasurer and Lead Treasurer respectively. Already we have seen each of these individuals step up to participate in Board discussions the last two months when invited to join in meetings, and their presence inspires excitement for the upcoming year. 

Which is good, because there is much to do! The stewarding and shepherding of our budget is on the forefront of our minds as we transition into this church year. It will be a balancing act to ensure that we set UUFM on the right course both to co-create a positive, alternative future and to set the course to sustain that future. Uncertainties will arise, opinions will clash, but love must remain at the center. And we believe that all of us can make it happen – together.

In community,
Sage Phipps-Hinkle & Mac Benavides