Minister’s Report
Rev. Stephen A. Ames
December 10, 2009 - (covering Nov 5 –Dec 2)
HIGHLIGHTS
Our Director of Religious Education, Candee Cole, is taking a well-deserved sabbatical, January through May. I will be helping the RE program during those months more than usual, assisting with the Teacher training in January, meeting with the RE chair twice monthly, and so on. As with all sabbaticals, this is an opportunity for renewal not only for the DRE, but also for the Religious Education program and for the congregation’s identity as a religiously-educating body. How are we all religious educators? What ways of being are we modeling for our young? What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist, deeply?
My two six-session Emerson classes concluded this week, each ending with deep and sometimes personal spiritual reflections in the last two sessions. Each class had 20 registered and averaged about 16 in attendance. These classes underscored a thirst for spiritual reflection and growth, and a rootedness in our liberal religious tradition.
We welcomed 25 new members at worship services on November 8! Just a few were long-standing friends or former members who joined for the historic November 1 vote of the congregation to purchase the Scottish Rite property at 13th and Chambers. Most have become involved with the congregation in some way.
Within a few days of the big vote, I noticed heightened anxiety in some communications, particularly over email. Let's make an extra effort to be respectful, clear, and mindful with one another, especially as we raise concerns and questions. (And let's use email sparingly, such a problematic medium). Moving through not just one major transition but at least three -- physically relocating, adjusting to a new ministry, and transitioning into being a program church -- increases the stresses on the system and individuals, even those who feel positively about most or all of our transitions. It's a great opportunity for each of us as leaders to be a non-anxious presence for one another and for the congregation.
WORSHIP
Nov 8 -- Channing's Challenge: "Self-Culture" -- Ingathering of 25 new members! Also granted lifetime membership to Florence Douglas and Eve McConnaughey.
Nov 15 -- Ethical Eating
Nov 22 -- Thanksgiving Cornbread and Cider Communion, 1/2 intergenerational
RITES OF PASSAGE
Prepared and led memorial service of Suzanne Whaley, Nov 8. The congregation turned out in large numbers for Suzanne, her family and friends, many preparing the space, bringing food and drinks, and staying to clean up. The Chalice Choir, of which Suzanne was a part, sang two songs, including "Dancing Queen."
PROPERTY TRANSITION AND CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Participated and spoke at the Capital Campaign kick-off Sunday afternoon gathering on Nov 22.
STAFF & ADMINISTRATION
Usual meetings with Director of Religious Education, Music Director, and Office Administrator. Working with these three, especially the Office Administrator, on staff evaluations.
Preparing for the DRE’s sabbatical.
Met with David Atkins of the BPOC (and a lawyer who works with nonprofits) to explore possible changes to check signing, cash deposits, and related matters. The church is required to move all of its accounts to Siuslaw Bank, which is lending us the money for the property purchase. This will make cash deposits more complicated, so we're looking at greater involvement of the Office Administrator. With the resignation of the Treasurer, we're also looking at ways of taking some duties away from that position to make it more manageable for a church this size.
LEADERSHIP
Presented 1.75 hour program on the Pastoral-to-Program Church transition at the monthly Coordinating Council meeting, with I believe 28 in attendance. Participants recommended repeating the program, which included small group discussion as well as presentation of materials, to others, preferably on a Sunday after church. Finding a good Sunday (when I’m not already committed to another group, not just before the holidays, etc.) is a challenge; I’ve tentatively set March 14 and will reschedule this sooner if possible.
Consulted with Nominating chair Betty Hosakawa regarding possible future directions of the group as well as particular leadership positions.
BOARD AND EXEC
Met with the Exec on Nov 5.
Met with President and Vice President on Nov 24.
PASTORAL ASSOCIATES & PASTORAL CARE
Re-introduced Pastoral Associates to congregation at worship services on Nov 15.
Following Suzanne's memorial service, I have not had much time for direct pastoral care, other than brief check-ins
Met with Pam Dillehay to plan a support group gathering for people suffering from unemployment in their families (date TBA, most likely Dec 13 or 20).
CARING COMMITTEE
Past chair Bob Coleman and other past members have stepped forward to re-start the Caring Committee. Met with them Nov 15.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & SGM
Six-session Emerson classes completed the first week of December, on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. The Tuesday evening class ended very well, with rich, often personal, theological discussion.
With Leora White, have assisted Dick Loescher in writing the SGM curriculum in monthly meetings.
Met with RE Chair Melanie Namkoong to plan for DRE Candee Cole's sabbatical.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Met with SJUUCE leaders separately about promoting a new Social Justice table in the social hall on Sunday mornings.
COMMITTEE ON CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY
Participated in monthly meeting as usual.
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Met with most members of the Budget Committee regarding concerns from last spring.
PERSONNEL
Consulted with chair, Mary Brau, regarding role of the newly reformed committee.
INTERFAITH AND LARGER COMMUNITY
Met with Rev. Steve Overman of The Faith Center, across the street from our new home.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM
Consulted with UU colleagues
TIME OFF
Took the Thanksgiving weekend off for my monthly Sunday free of pulpit duties.
UPCOMING EVENTS
(this schedule omits meetings I attend regularly: Board, Exec, President-VP, CCMS, Pastoral Associates meetings, Worship Team, SGM facilitators meetings, SGM curriculum planners meetings, etc.)
Dec 5, SGM training
Dec 13 or 20 (tentative), unemployment support group
Dec 20, bon voyage to DRE Candee Cole for her sabbatical
Dec 24, Christmas Eve services, 6 and 8 pm
Dec 25-Jan 10, Christmas and New Years holidays, winter vacation
Jan 22, Board mini-retreat
Jan 23, RE teacher training
Jan 26, Adult RE teacher training
Jan 31, Caring Committee
Feb 3, End of Life class
Feb 7, preaching in Ashland
Feb 19-21, PNWD Assembly, Bellevue, Washington (I do not plan to attend this year)
Feb 24, End of Life class
Feb 28, Canvass and Capital Campaign kick-off
Mar 14, (tentative) Pastoral-to-program presentation, 12:30-2:30 pm
End of March, study leave or vacation, dates TBA
April 4, Easter
May 2, Music Sunday
June 6, DRE Candee returns, reflects on sabbatical
June 13, Flower Communion, last service of regular church year
