UUCM Monthly News
February 2021
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February 2021 -- A Stable Faith
As I write this, New Hampshire has reached a grim milestone. Over 1,000 NH citizens have died due to COVID-19 since the outbreak last March.
On the bright side, we have a new administration in Washington who are at least trying to combat the pandemic. Vaccines are available and while getting them into people’s arms is turning out to be a challenge, things are beginning to improve there also.
Yet, authorities and experts tell us the most difficult month lies before us. Personally, I have seen enough stupid behavior to have no difficulty believing that and I suspect you all have seen your share of it as well.
It has been a long haul to this point, and I know we are all beyond anxious for things to get back to some sense of normalcy. So, let’s remember that we are a people committed to creating beloved community, and that commitment often calls us to sacrifice personal desire for the welfare of the whole. Hang on for a bit longer, wear your masks, keep physical distance even as you build social connection. We can do this…together!
You are all beloved!
Clean hands and open hearts!
Rev. Shayna
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Virtual Worship - Sundays at 10:30am
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Description of services will be in the Weekly Update, posted online, and in the calendar.
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Thanks to All Who Donated!
On the Martin Luther King Day of Service, members of the church, plus contributions from others in the community, collected a whole truckload of food and other provisions for SHARE! Love Wins!
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A Message From the Board
Thank you to everyone who attended the Winter Congregational Meeting on January 17 on Zoom. We appreciated you being there, and being so patient with us as we found our way to the unanimous vote to display our support for Black Lives Matter with a Statement of Conscience, as well as a flag or banner on our building. Thank you to the Racial Justice Task Force for doing the hard work to bring this to a vote, and thank you to our Moderator, Lynn Coakley, for keeping everything moving smoothly.
It doesn't seem possible, but it's almost time for UUCM's Stewardship Drive! Please read your Weekly and Monthly emails to stay up to date on the upcoming Stewardship activities, as well as the latest happenings at UUCM. There are lots of ways to stay connected with this community as we move slowly toward the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. Perhaps it's our chalice, lighting our way home to UUCM! Until we can meet in person, we hope to see you on Sundays for worship, or at Coffee with Rev. Shayna on Tuesday mornings, or at one of the other gatherings on Zoom. If you still need help using Zoom, please contact Rev. Shayna or Marti Kennedy, and we will get you the help you need! We will get each other through this.
Blessed Be,
Marti Kennedy, Board President
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Reopening Team Update
The Reopening Team continues to meet and monitor changes in the landscape of COVID-19, particularly as it impacts NH in general and our congregation in particular.
A number of months ago we recommended to the UUCM Board that the congregation move from Phase III (where small meetings of people in the building were possible) back to Phase II (where staff and Friday Guys alone are permitted to be in the building). While we are all glad to see a vaccine rolling out, as you well know, that rollout has been slower than anticipated. Additionally, the virus’ spread has significantly increased.
What this means is that we will again recommend to the Board that the building remain at Phase II until the vaccination rollout reaches a majority of our citizens and the rate of virus spread decreases significantly as well.
Thanks for your patience. We are all looking forward to being able to be together again. When that day comes, we want you ALL there!
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Finance Committee News
Important Messages from the Finance Committee:
1. Please keep sending in your pledges if you are financially able.
2. We are looking for a leader and helpers to put on a fun night with a virtual Auction.
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We are not receiving pledges at the rate expected, so our income is less than expected – BUT we are still financially solvent because we are spending significantly less than expected in Maintenance, Utilities, Children’s RE, and other committees. As shown here, we are running at a deficit, but we also have $23,000 in carryover from money taken from the Endowment last year and not spent. So we are using that (which is according to plan).
Finance Committee Happenings
- The fundraiser for our UUA Fair Share brought in about $2,200. It costs $91 per person for UUA and regional fair share dues. It is not too late to send in money earmarked for the UUA dues.
- We are looking at doing two virtual fundraisers: a virtual Auction and a virtual Trivial Pursuit night. This is important as we would like to raise about $7,500 more in fundraising.
- We are gearing up to support the Stewardship Team and generate the 2021-22 budget.
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Stay connected! All meetings are being held on Zoom. Check the online calendar or Weekly Update for additional event details and Zoom links.
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Adult Education on ZOOM
Wednesday, February 10 @ 4pm
Because it is so close to Valentine’s Day, on the 10th of February we will look at famous couples over the course of art history, enjoying all those kisses that in art go on forever and ever. Then we can talk about our favorite couples in literature, movies, and real life. So be thinking about romance in a novel or movie or in history that you find enjoyable or intriguing, and consider sharing that.
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Virtual Coffee with Rev Shayna & UUCM Friends
Tuesdays @ 10:30am
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What in God's Name
"What in God's Name" is a podcast featuring Rev. Shayna and her good friend and colleague, Rev. Chris Owen. The show runs about 20-25 minutes and explores current events through the lenses of theology and philosophy. There is a new show each Thursday. You can subscribe to get an email link to the latest show each week and you can listen to any show in the archive at their website: Whatingods.com.
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Racial Justice Task Force
Thursdays @ 4-5pm
Discuss issues around racism/racial justice, share resources, and plan actions! Contact Cathy Goldwater for more information
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For Pastoral Care Assistance in February: Contact Linda Higgs or office@uucm.org
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Donate Food to SHARE
Please purchase and deliver Canned Ham, Canned Meats, Side Dishes (seasoned pasta mix, hamburger helper, etc.), Ravioli & Beefaroni to SHARE this month. Click to see where to drop off food.
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UUCM 603-673-1870 office@uucm.org
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