Basking in the glow of our 175th Anniversary Celebration, and looking forward to the joys and relaxations of summer, Church Council met briefly on Tuesday, July 12. Highlights of the consent agendas and the meeting follow.

Celebrations and farewells were lifted up:
  • A joyous and fun-filled anniversary celebration to celebrate 175 years since the founding of our beloved church home
  • Pride Sunday and the Annual Church Picnic
  • We said farewell and Godspeed to Tenor Christian Figueroa, and to Jelena Kovrlija, our Financial Coordinator.

We welcomed, with gratitude to the work of the Personnel Committee:
  • Andrea Bellarosa, Office Administrator
  • Jessica Bliss, Financial Coordinator
  • Joe Brady, Facilities Manager, Half-Time
  • Michael Calmes, Tenor Soloist

Task Force and Committee Highlights:
  • Anticipating a successful Search for a Senior Minister, we began to discuss the logistics for a special congregational meeting, including possibility of a hybrid meeting.
  • A task force is discussing updating our Church Management Software to determine if there is a more user-friendly database program.
  • The Strengthening Church Governance Implementation Task Force is near to finalizing an update to the Time and Talents brochure, renamed Time, Talents and Opportunities. The brochure, which is a comprehensive collection of the many ways to participate in the life of the church, should be ready for Rally Day in September.

Despite a somewhat slower summertime pace, WHCC continues to be involved and engaged:
  • A book group, based on Ibram X. Kendi’s book, Stamped, led by Rev. Rick Edens and Rev. Anne Marie Holloway.
  • The Second Community Garden Summer Service Project, with gratitude for the donation of community garden space by Martha and Chris Stowell.
  • And, as always, thoughtful preparation of inspiring, provoking and uplifting worship services by our wonderful clergy, Rev. Rick Edens, Rev. Dr. Jill Edens, Rev. Judy Swahnberg, and Rev. Anne Marie Holloway, and Dir. Of Music John Finney.
  • The next meeting of the Church Council will be on Tuesday, August 16, via Zoom.