| First Unitarian Connection |
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Note: When the newsletter is sent via email, the text may be truncated. To be sure you are seeing the entire newsletter, please click on the "view in browser" link near the top of the message or scroll to the bottom where it says [Message clipped] and click on: View entire message
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| Sundays at First Unitarian Church |
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Sunday, March 17 - 11:00 am
"Becoming in Community: Claiming Relational Power"
Join us in person or watch on YouTube.
How do we become who we are? Not in a vacuum. We are not self-made despite our commitment to making informed choices for ourselves. Rather we grow in the soil of community and through the sense of connection that is relational power. Explore with Frederick Douglass, Starhawk, Saul Alinski and the Velveteen Rabbit the significance of the power of relationship to transform us and make us better people than we expected to be. Rev. Jonalu previously served this church as Program Minister from 2002-2015.
Participating in today’s service:
Service Leaders: Rev. Jonalu Johnstone, Guest Minister; TFAA: Tim Atkins, DLRE; Worship Associate: Zel Scott; Call to Offering: Paul Spicer; Chalice Lighter: Terry Ward; Choir Director: Chukwuebuka "Ebuka” Ezeakacha; Accompanist: Steven Elkins Kennedy; Music: 1UC Choir; Technical Support: Tammy Epperson and Ellisya Ravencroft; Ushers: Members of the Reproductive Justice Committee
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Child Care and Nursery
The Childcare Rooms are open from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm each Sunday morning. (10:00 am to 11:00 am for childcare for any adult programming happening and 11:00 am to 12:30 pm for worship.)
Childcare will be taking place in the nursery and attached preschool room.
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Sunday, March 17, 10:00 am
Sunday Morning Meditation (In-Person)
Please join us for meditation practice in the Buddhist tradition (lower level, next to Corley Commons).
All are welcome; no meditation experience necessary!
For more information contact Lori Jervis.
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Sunday, March 17 - 10:00 am
Sunday Morning Coffee Hour (in-person)
Join us for “Morning Coffee Hour.” In addition to our wonderful Meditation Sunday mornings before service, you’re now also welcome to hang out in Daniel Hall from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, grab a donut and a cup of coffee, and chat with your fellow congregants about whatever’s on your mind. Come back after the service for more social time.
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Upcoming Sunday Morning Services - 11:00 am
March
March 24 - Welcoming transitional minister Rev. Suzanne Redfern-Campbell
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Transition Tracker
We are in transition!
Now that we’ve said good-bye to our beloved Rev. Diana, it’s time to look forward and embrace the opportunities we will have in the coming months to benefit from the experience and wisdom of two new ministers: first, Rev. Suzanne Redfern-Campbell, and then in August, our two-year interim minister.
Rev. Sue will be arriving in Oklahoma City this weekend. Though Jonalu Johnstone will be officiating at this Sunday’s service (3/17), Rev. Sue will be in the office starting next Monday. Some of you may have an opportunity to meet her next week, but we can all look forward to her first service on Sunday, March 24. I’m sure this congregation will give her the kind of warm welcome we do so well.
Marcia
President of the Congregation 2023-2024
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On Saying Goodbye Well
“After Running Through the Thistles the Hard Part Begins” is an essay by Rev. Dr. Mark Morrison Reed that provides guidance to UU ministers on how to leave a congregation well. The essay revolves around these three difficult truths:
- You will love your parishioners with all your heart but never befriend them.
- You will pour out your lifeblood for the community but never settle there.
- You shall die to the congregation so that the ministry might live.
During my candidating week in the spring of 2018, I mentioned multiple times that I wanted to be your minister, not your friend. This was a refrain I maintained after I was called to serve here. I know some of you disagreed with this approach, but it came directly from my training and the wisdom of great ministers like Rev. Morrison Reed. He writes, “We are not as free to share all aspects of our lives and ourselves. Nor can we make friends with whom we please, for that would create two classes of parishioners -- the chosen and the not. Finally, when our ministries come to an end so must the relationships, lest we take up space the next ministry needs if it is to take root.”
Rev. Morrison Reed goes on to quote from Mary Oliver’s poem, “In Blackwater Woods”: “To live in this world, you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal, to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it, and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.” Although I worked to model and maintain healthy boundaries, I have loved this congregation with all my heart and given you my best: my authentic and vulnerable self, my hardest work, my commitment, and even my creative mistakes. But now the time has come to let you go. To set aside the “ethereal cape” of minister so that the ministry of First Unitarian can continue to thrive.
The UU Ministers Association guidelines are quite clear on what is expected of a parting minister: “There should be no intentional or ministerial contact between a departing minister and members, staff, or clients of congregations … they have served until there can be a covenant expressed in a Letter of Understanding between predecessor and subsequent ministers. … The provisions of this covenant should be arrived at through conversation and negotiation with an understanding that the well-being of the congregation and the new ministry is of primary importance.” In other words, from the moment I end my ministry at First Unitarian, my connection to this congregation will be through its future ministers and there can be no significant contact until I can establish a covenant with your new minister(s). (I say “significant” contact because there is always the chance we will run into each other at a session during General Assembly, for example. In that case, there is no need to turn away and pretend we don’t see each other! Such wonderful chance encounters are one of the joys of our small and deeply interconnected faith.)
What does all this mean, practically speaking? It means:
• I will not participate in memorial services or any other ceremonies for First Unitarian members and friends unless I am already in covenant with your new minister and am invited by that minister. Please do not put your new minister into an awkward position by inviting me first and then seeking their permission.
• I will not accept any invitations for social interaction (even outside of Oklahoma City) unless I am already in covenant with your new minister, and this meets with the guidelines of that agreement.
• Instead of “unfriending” all 1UCOKC members on social media, I will be “unfollowing” you and creating a “restricted” category so that I do not see your posts (to avoid the temptation of offering pastoral care, even virtually) and so that you only see the posts that I make public, until such a time as I have been able to enter into a covenantal agreement with your future ministers. Jim and I have created Facebook and Instagram accounts for our farm (“La Granjita de Taos”) and you are welcome to follow us there.
• In the event of a chance encounter (at GA or at a restaurant in Taos, for example), I will not discuss church “politics” or any other aspect of congregational life at First Unitarian with you.
• If you need a letter of reference or similar kind of support from me, please reach out through your minister.
I write all of this not to appear harsh, but to establish clear guidelines so that your new minister can have all the space they need without any interference from me and so that I’m also able to let go of this beautiful community that I’ve loved so much, in a healthy way.
Although we will be apart, please know that I will continue to hold this congregation in my heart and in my prayers. As it says in that song from the musical Wicked: because I knew you, I have been changed for good.
– Rev. Diana
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Supporting What We Love
If you’ve already made your pledge – Thank you!
So that the congregation’s leaders can draft the 2024-25 budget in time for the spring congregational meeting, we need to receive all pledges for the next church year (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025) within the next week.
If you are facing financial difficulties or uncertain circumstances and can’t pledge for this coming year, we hope you will reach out to Rev. Diana for a waiver, no later than March 14. (Note: all waivers are confidential.) As a reminder, membership requires making a pledge or having a waiver on file.
Pledges can be paid by check, credit card, or automatic withdrawal.
You can pledge online by using the QR code above or go directly to: https://1ucokc.breezechms.com/...
Alternatively, you may mail in the paper pledge form that you received in the mail, place it in the collection plate during a service, or contact our Office Administrator, Marlies Grogg (405-232-9224; mgrogg@1uc.org).
Thank you for all you do for our beloved First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City!
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WE NEED YOU!
Your Auction Committee is looking for a few more volunteers!
It is a big task to accomplish in a short period of time. Any help would be appreciated. It will all be over by May 4, so it is only going to be a few weeks of commitment. Please let Marlies know if you can give a few hours of your time to make this major fundraiser a big success.
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Please do not bring items to church and leave them to be discovered by someone.
If you have an item(s) you want to donate to the church, please contact Marlies Grogg, our office administrator, first. She will then give the information to the appropriate area personnel (ex. RE, Alliance, kitchen, grounds, etc.) to determine if there is a need for the item{s).
It is important that we keep track of all donated merchandise in order to properly maintain rooms in the building and the church as a whole. It is very easy to "clutter" up the building but not so easy to "unclutter" it.
So before you donate items, please make sure the church actually needs them. Thank you.
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Online Auction begins Sunday, April 21!
Auction Team!
Dear Fellow UUs,
The online auction is scheduled to start on April 21st. The auction team is busy gathering donations from restaurants, businesses and museums. We are still looking for donations from our church members. Would you be willing to donate a brunch, lunch or dinner? Visit to the zoo or local museum? Music or theatre performance? Have a service you could perform? The possibilities are endless. This year we are asking that donations are limited to activities and services rather than smaller items. Thank you for your understanding.
There will be an online silent auction from April 21st to May 3rd, then an in-person auction/party on May 4th with hopefully some big items on the ticket. Given the time frame, we would appreciate all donations be submitted by April 14th so there is time to complete the catalogue offerings.
Donations may be submitted to: joancain48@gmail.com.
Many thanks from your auction committee
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News from Befrienders
Befrienders relies upon donations. Those donations are used to provide cards, stamps, and items for memorial receptions. If you wish to make a donation, please send a check and put Befrienders on the purpose line of your check. Thank you.
Befrienders is ready to assist members of our church who are recovering from surgeries or illnesses by offering cards of well-wishes, meal trains, transportation to church or medical appointments as well as arranging for visitations, and we provide the receptions following memorial services.
Befrienders have teams assigned for specific roles.
- Lana Henson leads our Cards of Well Wishes team and can always use extra hands to write cards to our members who are ill or who are recovering from surgeries.
- Ginny Boykin leads our Memorial Receptions team. She calls on folks to bring food for the receptions.
- Patti Kate leads our Transportation team and is looking for folks to be added to her list of people willing to be drivers for anyone needing a ride to a doctor’s appointment, therapy appointment, etc. She is actively recruiting for folks to be on her team.
- Kathy Nyswonger leads our Visitation team. She, along with others, actively go out and visit with members who are unable to get to church or some of the social events. She is actively recruiting for folks to be on her team.
- Meal Trains – we don’t have a team leader yet for this team of people willing to step up and provide a meal to an individual or family. Much of the work of the leader is organizing the Meal Train on line. If you are interested, please contact Susan Bishop for more info,
If you are interested in joining any of these teams, please let Susan Bishop know at sdbishop50@gmail.com.
The next meeting of Befrienders is Thursday, March 14 at noon in the Eddy Room.
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First Unitarian Cares!
If you (or someone you care about in our community) would like a caring card, a ride, a meal delivered to your home, a prayer, or a pastoral visit, please contact Susan Bishop (Chair of Befrienders).
Please contact Marcia Woodward (President of the Board) or Cathy Webster (President Elect) if you need financial assistance. The Minister's Discretionary Fund is available for anyone who needs emergency financial support. In the past, the fund has been used to help cover rent, groceries, fuel, home repairs, medical costs and other needs. Allocations from this fund are completely confidential.
Requests for support from this fund have risen significantly. If you have financial capacity, please consider making a gift to the Minister's Discretionary Fund. Thank you!
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| Adult Education Classes & Courses |
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Every Wednesday - 6:00 pm
Wednesday Night Meditation
Interested in meditation but can't quite make it on Sunday mornings? Or maybe you just want more meditation? We are adding a Wednesday night session to our schedule (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm) in the meditation room in the lower level (Corley Commons).
For more information contact Larry Little.
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Wednesday, March 27 and April 3, 6:00 pm, Daniel Hall and Zoom
UU the Vote for LGBTQ+ Equity - Facilitated by our Radical Welcoming Team
In recent years, we are witnessing a severe roll back of many LGBTQ+ protections, that so many of us worked so hard to achieve. We are calling all Unitarian Universalists everywhere to #UUtheVote for LGBTQ+ Equity because our values of interdependence, equity, democracy, and the inherent worth and dignity of all people are direct antidotes to the fear, bigotry, and inequity that define our world.
The UUA Welcoming Congregation Renewal Program requires 10% of the membership of the congregation, 24 people, attend our yearly welcoming RE programs for First Unitarian to continue to qualify for Welcoming Congregation renewal each year.
Childcare will be provided in the nursery.
Contact Lynn Ann Wagner for more information, flowerdancer@hotmail.com
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/96100858600?pwd=T2czbXlqVEhLeHI1bDlnZE4xQkVTZz09
Meeting ID: 961 0085 8600
Passcode: 512215
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March Change for Change
For the month of March our Change for Change partner is Pivot.
PIVOT works with young people (12-24) who are homeless, disconnected, or otherwise at-risk.
Programs include a shelter with clean beds and nutritious meals; a Community Intervention Center, which connects youth in need with food, clothing, housing, mentoring, and medical care; trauma counseling; a teen resource center; Tiny Homes independent living; and much more.
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CHANGE FOR CHANGE needs your help. Did you know that anyone can suggest a worthy local non-profit in our community? Do you know how?
- Check out the 1uc.org website and click on the justice tab
- Then click on Community Partnerships and click on the application in green in the middle of the page.
- Submit the application to Deborah Shinn or Anne Murray, or leave it in the office Social Justice mailbox. Or you can email the completed application to them. They be found in Breeze.
WE APPRECIATE IT WHEN CONGREGANTS NOMINATE WORTHY COMMUNITY PARTNERS. THANK YOU!
RAMADAN CELEBRATED AT FIRST UNITARIAN! Mark your calendars now for the annual celebration of Ramadan, sponsored by the Dialogue Institute of the Raindrop Turkish House. The date is March 30th
and doors open to Danial Hall at 7:00 pm. Our Muslim friends will provide all the food and an explanation about Ramadan. You don’t want to miss this sacred Islamic event which is family friendly at our church. Reservations are required so please reserve your seats with Susan Bishop at sdbishop50@gmail.com. Deadline for reservations is Monday, March 25th.
NEWS FROM UUSC (UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SERVICE COMMITTEE): - NEWS FROM UUMFE (Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth)
Dear Friends: The climate crisis is a crisis of disconnection. Humans are disconnected from the natural world and have forgotten that we are nature. Restoring a reciprocal relationship with Earth (and all life) addresses a range of human-caused problems that have led to climate disruption. It also benefits us and restores us for the work of justice. This is UUMFE’s role in the climate justice movement. We help you reconnect with Earth and the natural world - psychologically, emotionally, physically and spiritually - so you can deepen your commitment to Earth care, metabolize eco-anxiety and grief, and work for justice for all life including people most impacted by climate disruption.
This month, our Monthly Musings help you and your congregations connect to Spring Equinox and the rhythm of the year. They help you deepen your relationship with water. And they tap into courage as a spiritual practice and eco-virtue so that you can act boldly for climate justice. Our event focused on World Water Day helps you gather in community to learn and share.
As always, we are grateful for our partners in the work, and you’ll see their good work reflected here, too.
May the newness of Spring remind us of what is possible.
With care and love, Rev. Kelly Dignan
NEWS FROM OK POLICY INSTITUTE: 3 - Oklahoma law sets the minimum amount of notice a tenant must receive for their court date at three days. This means a person could miss their rent on the 1st, and find out on the 8th that they have court in three days that could result in them becoming homeless. [Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation via OK Policy]
• From OK Policy & Housing Solutions: Oklahomans need more action to address the eviction crisis
DAY OF ACTION AT THE CAPITOL - Join advocates and community activists from all across the state on Thursday, April 25, for our 2024 Day of Action at the State Capitol, hosted by OK Policy and Together Oklahoma. Tap into your political power and work toward changes that make our communities safer, healthier, and more equitable. [Learn More] [Register]
Day of Action at the Capitol, Second Floor Rotunda | Oklahoma State Capitol
Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. | Event starts at 10:00 a.m.
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| Sustainable Living Organization |
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Sunday, March 27, 10:00 am, Eddy Room
Sustainable Living Organization
SLO will meet this Sunday at 10 in the Eddy Room. We will plan our proposed Earth Day Service as well as hear about an exciting cohousing development planned for eastern OKC.
Recycling update: we have been asked by Fertile Ground to eliminate placing our mixed recycling in plastic bags before placing in the appropriate bin in the outdoor trash enclosure. Glass Recycling, in a separate bin, has never been placed in plastic bags. Reminder: aluminum foil and pans are not recyclable, as they melt at different temperatures than aluminum cans. And, soiled pizza boxes are compostable when torn enough to place in the 5 gallon buckets labeled from Fertile Ground! Clean boxes may be placed with cardboard in the mixed recycling receptacles.
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Help Us Keep Our Building Safe
Please, if you exit the building through a door that is locked, make sure that the door is completely closed and locked behind you. If you are one of the last people out of the building, please help us make sure that all doors are fully closed and locked. And if you are holding an event at the church, please do not prop exterior doors open or unlock them and leave them unattended. And when you are done, don't forget to lock the door!
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Current Safety Level: Masks Are Encouraged
Masks are optional at all church events but are always welcome and encouraged.
- If you choose not to wear a mask, it is especially important that you do not attend services or events if you have any symptoms typical of COVID, flu, or RSV. Please stay home and join us online.
- Please continue to wash your hands frequently. And please be sure to throw away used tissues. Don't leave them in the pews.
- No one should ever be pressured into removing their mask. Please honor everyone's choice.
- If you haven't yet had your latest COVID booster please get it now!
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First Unitarian Covenant of Healthy Communication
“We need not think alike to love alike.” One of our Unitarian Universalist ancestors, Francis David, spoke those words more than 400 years ago to describe the foundation of our unity as a religious community. To this end, we, the people of the First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City, agree to the following:
* I tell my own story and let others tell theirs.
* I use “I” statements when expressing my own views, always mindful that my thoughts, opinions, and experiences may not be shared by others
* I check the accuracy of my perceptions and assumptions.
* I avoid “awfulizing” negative experiences.
* I say what needs to be said to the one who needs to hear it.
Communicate directly with the person or group involved, instead of gossiping or speaking negatively about others in the wider community
* I devote at least as much energy to careful listening as to careful speaking.
Listen actively and seek to understand the perspectives and opinions of others
Be curious, appreciative, and informed about perspectives that differ from my own.
Recognize and honor the diversity of beliefs and spiritual paths within our community, including the words and ways people choose to express their spirituality
Honor the contributions and needs of those who have been historically marginalized in the larger world and in our congregation and seek growth in our ability to be welcoming.
* If something prompts anger in me, I report it honestly in a way that invites positive solutions.
Be forgiving and loving when I or others make mistakes
Apologize, when warranted, and seek to make amends
Call on congregational resources when help is needed
* I refrain from blaming and shaming.
Assume that others act with good intentions
Be respectful and kind in our words, tone, and body language
Use email, social media and other forms of electronic communication with respect, kindness, and special care.
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Note: Most meetings continue to meet via Zoom but some groups may elect to meet in the building. Please contact the meeting organizer directly if you are uncertain of the location.
- Sunday Morning Meditation – Every Sunday at 10:00 am, Meditation Room - Corley Commons (contact Lori Jervis for information - see article above)
- Tuesday Discussion Group – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am (contact Ron Wasson for information - see article above)
- Bell Choir Rehearsal – Every Wednesday, 5:45 pm, Sanctuary (contact LaDonna Hunt for information)
- Wednesday Night Meditation - Beginning January 3 - Every Wednesday, 6:00 pm, Meditation Room - Corley Commons (contact Larry Little for information)
- Choir Rehearsal – Every Wednesday, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary (contact 'Ebuka Ezeakacha for information)
- Befrienders - Thursday, March 14, 12:00 pm, Eddy Room (contact Susan Bishop for information)
- Exploring Spirituality - Friday, March 15, 7:00 pm (contact Lu Ann Faulkner-Schneider for information)
- SLO - Sunday, March 17, 10:00 am, Eddy Room (contact Tempie Nichols-Rood for information)
- Healthy Lifestyles - Monday, March 18, 7:00 pm (contact Lu Ann Faulkner-Schneider for information)
- Finance Working Group - Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 pm (contact Ron Wasson for information)
- Gardening Covenant Group - Tuesday, March 19, 7:00 pm (contact Barbara Gallivan for information)
- BRUU - Wednesday,, March 20, 7:00 pm (contact John Schneider for information)
- Radical Welcoming Team - Thursday, March 21, 6:30 pm (contact Lynn Ann Wagner for information)
- Fiber Connections - Saturday, March 23, 10:00 am, Eddy Room (contact Paula Geisinger for information)
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If you have a newsletter article you would like to submit please email your article to mgrogg@1uc.org no later than Tuesday (the day before the newsletter goes out) by 5:00 pm.
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**********************************************************************************
In order to save printing and mailing costs and to conserve natural resources, the Annual Report will not be mailed by default to all congregants. Instead, it is available online. Please contact Marlies Grogg (mgrogg@1uc.org) if you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Report.
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Did you know that you can access all church policies and procedures as well as Board meeting minutes on our new website? Just go to 1uc.org, and click on the "members" link in the upper right-hand corner (just to the left of the Facebook and other social media icons). This will open a page that says "Protected: Members." The password is @600NW13thSt [Note: the password is case-sensitive; do not put in additional punctuation or spaces.]
From here, click on "church documents." All official policies and procedures can be found in the "policies" folder. The bylaws and Board of Trustees meeting minutes are in the "governance" folder. Please disregard the "website SOPs" folder, which is for administrative use only.
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CHURCH STAFF
Lead Minister - Rev. Diana K. Davies
Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration - Tim Atkins
Choir Director - Chukwuebuka ('Ebuka) G. Ezeakacha
Accompanist - Steven Elkins Kennedy
Office Administrator - Marlies Grogg
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2023-2024
President of the Congregation – Marcia Woodward
President Elect – Cathy Webster
Immediate Past President – Marshal Gimpel
Clerk – Deborah Shinn
Treasurer – Ron Wasson
Clare Auwarter Emily Hildebrandt Lorriana Lee-Knapp Larry Little Ann Meeks Doug Vincent
Committee on Ministry
Suzanne Broadbent Lori Jervis Liz Pillar-Little John Schneider Tom Peryam Derrick Wagner
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