President’s Message — June 2025

There are so many individuals within our community whose actions make a difference in our UUFP life. It would take many pages in the Sojourner to thank everyone for the time and effort they put forth. The following are a few of the people this month that need to be thanked.

• First, I want to thank Valery Murdock and Sarah Wennik who spent a lot of time reviewing resumes and conducting interviews so that we could fill the vacant spots supporting our Embers and Sparks in RE. This has been an ongoing process with many challenges and yet they persevered and were able to finally fill both spots. Part of our goals had been to continue to build out a robust Children and Youth RE program and we have taken another step in reaching that goal in great part to Valery and Sarah’s efforts.
• Next, I want to thank a person that many of the newer friends and members may not be familiar with: Lisa Jokiel. Lisa is a long-time member of the UUFP and for the past few years has been playing the organ at another church in Reading making it difficult for her to be present at the fellowship. Yet, she is the woman who works tirelessly to schedule speakers for our Sunday Services. Lisa will be stepping down from this role in December. She has earned a well-deserved rest and the fellowship is greatly indebted for all that she has done over the years. Her stepping down has created the need to build out our Worship Committee. We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to work as a team to schedule speakers to ensure that our Sunday Services are engaging and provocative. If you are interested, please speak to any member of the board.
• Next, I want to thank Iryne Carrasquillo for agreeing to become the Chair of the Social Justice Committee. With all that is going on in our country and beyond, it is important to find ways that the UUFP can participate to help drive change. Iryne’s endless energy and boundless enthusiasm makes her a great fit for this role. Already, she, along with Kay Price, has made people aware of opportunities to participate in various marches and causes. Please speak with her if you would like to become more involved or plan to attend one of the Social Justice circles held once a month after Sunday services.
• Lastly, I want to extend my own personal thanks to all of you – the friends and members of the UUFP. This is the last “President’s Message” that I will write since there will be a new president effective July 1. It has been an honor and a privilege to have served in this role and I am grateful to have been able to give back to a community that I love. Thank you for all the support that you have shown me over these past six years. I couldn’t have done it without you. As they say in Philly, “Youse da best!”