Grace Notes

It always happens. Getting ready for a trip seems to bring out all the details and loose ends. They've been pushed aside for `later.' Leaving town for a bit means they need some attention and action. `Later' has arrived.

You may remember that I planned a trip to several places important in European Unitarian history as a major activity of my sabbatical. That trip had to be postponed because of family health problems. The Board & I agreed that I would "come back early," work part time in the spring of 2007 and make the trip in May of 2008. Well, May 2008 is here! How did that happen? There's so much to do! So these notes may jump around a good deal. Don't get dizzy!

A lot is on the UUFSC calendar while I'm away - the Auction (I have a proxy); Mothers' Day; the Annual Meeting of the congregation, with its elections and budget approval. Please keep them on your calendar and participate fully. The Auction is always fun; we have a tradition of bringing photos to honor mothers and other women important to us on Mothers' Day; and the business of the congregation sets the parameters of our life together for the coming year. Our Board members and officers need your support as all these events take place. The Worship Committee is planning for the May services and they want to see your smiling faces! It's exciting to see many new faces here on Sunday mornings! And our April Orientation program was especially well attended. Be sure to offer each other a warm welcome! We're at our best when we know each other. It helps a lot to wear your nametag. It seems we've let our good habits about them get a little lax. And even when we know each other well, sometimes that name just seems to slip away . . .

May and June are big months for transitions. Graduations, new jobs, travel plans, and who knows what else. Please let us know of any changes so we can share in celebration or sorrow (sometimes both!) and keep in touch with you. It's especially important to me, since I'll be away for a while. I want to keep up with the news!

Great news! The PCD Growth Committee has approved our application. (I guess the third time really is a charm!) The spring Chalice Lighter call will be made to help us fund furniture and storage arrangements for our new building. UUs from all around our district will be offering their dollars to help us make this dream a reality. The economy isn't helping us right now, but we're determined to get there no matter what. Thank you all. I'm sure I've forgotten some things, but oh well! Time to pack! See you June 1st!

Ever in hope,

Grace

[Ed. Note: This is the current version of "Grace Notes", a column our minister writes for the newsletter. It is are more pastoral and less formal than her sermons.]