DECEMBER 2024 – BOARD MESSAGE
The holiday season is here! If ever there was a need to connect in community to find joy and to lift our spirits, now is a good time to do so at MDUUC. Please review this issue of the UU Beacon thoroughly and avail yourself of anything that provides an opportunity to nourish your soul as you navigate all the pressures that may surround us in December and beyond.
One particular event worth celebrating was our annual Bid4Love fundraiser that took place last month. The positive energy it generated already marked it as a success once it was underway. Moreover, preliminary results are that more than $50,000 has been raised, including about $16,000 for the “Big Ask.” Deep gratitude is due to Sharon Solstice and Elsie Mills – along with the entire Bid4Love team that made it all happen – for their exceptional hard work in creating such a special time to be together. The Board also thanks everyone for their donations, participation, and presence. The magic was a collective effort!
At our most recent Congregational Forums the Board has presented our ongoing efforts to revise the MDUUC Bylaws in two areas:
- Streamlining the conduct of Congregational Meetings and the creation of a Board-appointed advisory position of Parliamentarian
- Reducing the size of the Nominating Committee with provisions for filling vacancies on it should they arise
Our Forums are intended to provide MDUUC members important information and updates from the Board, the Treasurer, and the Ministers as part of our commitment to transparency. They are also good venues at which members can offer comments and suggestions to the Board in addition to use of its designated email: board@mduuc.org.
Your Board has recently approved the launching of a Philanthropy Council. It is tasked with prioritizing and implementing recommendations put forward by last year’s Financial Sustainability Task Force. Please stay tuned for more exciting developments regarding financial stewardship and a comprehensive campaign as plans begin to crystallize.
It is a pleasure to announce that Peggy Kroll has accepted an appointment to serve on the Board until June. A devoted member who has been visibly active in our Justice Ministries, she will complete our roster by filling a vacant position. Welcome, Peggy!
As we continue to move forward, here’s wishing you and everyone you hold dear all the blessings of the winter holidays from your MDUUC Board of Trustees!
In faith and service,
Mark David Watanabe (he/him/his)
Co-President, MDUUC Board of Trustees