Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown

As we close out this fiscal year, it is safe to say that this has been a successful year for UUFP. This success is due solely to the commitment and actions of our members and friends. Over the past few weeks, there are some efforts that need to be recognized.

First, the Membership Committee has worked overtime conducting numerous UU 101 and 102 classes to meet the need of individuals who have expressed interest in membership. Previously, UUFP held only one session of each class per year. I think Miranda Van Horn and Kay Price have held at least three. Thank you.

Second, the newly formed Children & Youth Religious Education (CYRE) Committee, led by Valery Murdock, worked with our RE teachers to create a UUFP Parent-Teacher Covenant. This document helps to clearly outline expectations of teachers, parents, and children during Sunday services. With the increasing number of children attending on Sundays, it is important that there is a clear understanding of the commitment that UUFP has to the children and parents and vice versa. Thank you, CYRE Committee, for putting this important document together.

Lastly, I would like to thank Rev. Kim Wilson for her commitment to UUFP as a guest speaker over the past few years. Another ministerial opportunity presented itself which, unfortunately, means that she will no longer be available to conduct Sunday Services for UUFP. She has been an inspiring and calming presence to the UUFP community. While we will miss her, and we wish her well in her new endeavors. Thank you, Kim, for all that you have done for us.

I know that many more people demonstrated commitment to our fellowship over the past month. Please know that your actions are appreciated.

With Gratitude, Linda

In last month’s column, the feedback from the fellowship survey was presented. As was stated, the feedback from the survey was taken very seriously by the Board of Directors at UUFP and we attempted to incorporate the feedback into the goals that we set for the upcoming fiscal year. These goals help to ensure that the Board makes decisions, including financial decisions, that help us to deliver on our mission: nurturing spiritual journeys, embracing diversity, celebrating community, turning values into action.

The following are the goals that the UUFP Board of Directors have set for the new fiscal year that starts July 1:

1. Ensure that UUFP remains a viable religious community.
   a. Manage finances responsibly.
   b. Continue to invest in updating our building.
   c. Create long-term plan for major improvements.
   • Roof maintenance
   • Sanctuary ceiling
   • Sanctuary floor
   • Sanctuary wall tiles
   • Replace flooring in other areas (kitchen, entrance, minister’s office, etc.)

2. Ensure that technologic capabilities continue to support and enhance the entire
   UUFP experience.
   a. Conduct needs assessment of our technologic capabilities. Needs assessment should include input
   from UUFP Committee Chairpersons.
   b. Create a short-term and long-term investment plan.

3. Deliver Sunday Services that are in alignment with the UU Principles and the
   UUFP Covenant
   a. Increase Worship Committee budget.
   b. Identify speakers whose talks are well received by the fellowship and book them out as often as they are willing to come to our fellowship.
   c. Continue to get feedback on speakers and presentations.
   d. Ensure there is a clear link to UU Principles for every Sunday Service.

4. Invest in Religious Education
   a. Children’s RE
   • Roof maintenance
   • Hire a Nursery teacher
   • Provide budget for RE teacher
   • RE Committee to work with teachers to develop a Parental Agreement
     b. Continue to build out and fund Adult RE programs.
     c. Continue to build out and fund RE program for teens.

5. Enhance Community Awareness of UUFP
   a. Continue to hold and advertise events that can include the surrounding community.
   b. Provide budget for communications.
   c. Communications to always include wording that states that we welcome people of
   all races, religions, genders, sexual orientation, etc.

These goals are the next step of our journey, based on our progress towards this year’s goals. At
the upcoming Annual Congregational Meeting (scheduled for Sunday, June 2, after services), we will review our accomplishments for the year as well as vote on the leadership team and budget that will keep us moving forward. Please plan to attend this important meeting.

With Gratitude, Linda