Updates from the Board – July 2021

The 8th Principle: Building Our Community

I hope you found Sunday’s worship and discussion as inspiring and encouraging as I did. Paula Cole Jones brought us a critical message about our UUA efforts to fully implement a multicultural, anti-racist congregation with respect and love for all members using our collective power to change our culture, nourish our souls and unify our congregation. Paula offered to do a workshop on how to build this beloved community through her Consulting Firm. The Board built in funds for guest speakers. If you would like to schedule this for PrairieUU, let me know.
In Covenant,

PICNIC IN THE PARK! PrairieUU IS TOGETHER IN PERSON!!!!!

Returning to Parker from New Orleans was a challenge with delayed flights, etc. Despite getting up at 5:00 am on Sunday to review emails from PrairieUU, I misread directions and went way off base. When I arrived after the service, all were enjoying the fun and fellowship allowed with the in person get together, that we have all craved for so long. Many thanks for the organizers, leaders and fun makers. A wonderful way to start the summer of healing. PrairieUU rocks!!
I am personally excited and looking forward to learning about how PrairieUU can move forward. We have more consultants to help us reflect, understand and move forward to become the loving community we have envisioned. This coming Sunday, Rev. Paula Cole Jones will deliver the message. She has been leading the UUA effort to define an 8th principal. In August, we have Rev. Carol McKinley and an additional UUA minister in Diversity. I am very appreciative of the PrairieUU members who strongly supported bringing in external experts to challenge and guide us.
I hope you will join us virtually for these discussions. Please note that there will be other in person meetings in July (25) and August (15). SEE YOU THERE!
In Covenant,

The Minister Search Committee has been formed

The Contract Minister Search Team has been appointed by the Board. We are fortunate to have a talented and committed group to do this search. The Board has appointed myself, Janet Stevens, to be the Team Lead.  Jan Cruz and Margaret DeLeon are the two representatives from the Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM). Timothy Bishop, John Kelty and Kyra Storojev responded to the request for Congregational Members to serve on this Team.
The Team will come up with a candidate(s) to recommend that the Board hire to start in September. A brief survey will be emailed to members shortly, to ascertain what characteristics you want in a minister and what roles you think they should focus on.
You can also share your thoughts with any of the Members above.
Janet S., Minister Search Team Lead