“If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.”
– African Proverb
A friend sent this quote to me this morning and it seems a perfect reminder of why we come together in religious community. There is so much we have accomplished together. The committees are operating at peak performance! This is obvious when we look at any given month’s calendar. There is the Daring Democracy Series, many well-attended Adult Ed offerings, Membership is always reaching out to new friends, and the Caring committee is doing what it does so well: caring for our members and friends.
The Communications lets us as well as the community know whats going on within and outside our walls, the Finance Committee keeps us on the beam financially, and Buildings and Grounds keeps the building and gardens looking fabulous. Thank you to all who work on these committees! If you are new and wondering where to get involved, please come talk to me, or anyone on the Board about what may suit you.
Years ago, I used to tell new members and friends that sitting in the pews for a year or so was a good way to become acclimated before jumping into “work” on any committees. I see this now as a mistake. It is exactly by jumping in that most people feel like they belong.
Joining a fundraising event (or even the Fundraising Committee!), volunteering on the first and third Wednesdays to prepare and deliver lunches for the homeless shelter run by Action, Inc (hence the title, Action Lunches), volunteering to spend a morning or afternoon at the Thrift shop, and serving on committees are all ways to make new friends and be of service.
Everyone is busy. Everyone has a lot going on in their lives. It has always been this way, and I assume it will continue. Do not let your busy lives stop you from offering yourselves at the UU Society of Rockport! We need you.
Perhaps one of the most important jobs a person can take on is to serve on the Board of Trustees. Every year, the congregation elects a slate of Officers (President, Vice President, Clerk and Treasurer) as well as several Trustees at large. This Board meets once a month and sometimes makes decisions between meetings via email.
The Board represents you! If you have any suggestions or questions, please know that the Board wants to hear them.
The current Officers and Trustees are as follows:
President: Terri Desmarais
Vice President: Jerry Sharfstein
Clerk: Joe Rukeyser
Treasurer: Newt Spurr
Trustees at Large:
Pam Amico, Susan Beattie, Imke Littman, Mary Golden
For reasons involving term limits and some extensions, many of these fine folks will be stepping down when 2018 ends. Pam Amico is heading up our Nominating Committee so if Pam calls you on the phone, pick up! Several of you have already said YES! On behalf of the congregation, I am so grateful, and look forward to working with some fresh eyes in 2019.
In 2019, we will have all new officers! Please consider stepping up on behalf of your religious community. Thank you for caring about your congregation! You will not regret it.
See you at 4 Cleaves Street!
~Rev Susan