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First Unitarian Universalist
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First Unitarian Universalist
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It has been turbulent year but as I uttered Sunday in calling the Congregational Meeting to order, “I’m having a surge of optimism.” We had a chance to meet our new interim minister, Rev. Drew Johnston, and from the comments relayed to me, we shared in the delight of the moment. While Rev. Johnston invited us to contemplate who we are and why we choose to come together on Sunday mornings, he gave us much in addition to think about and I am really looking forward to the next 6 months. I would also like to thank Todd Ballou, our Music Director, and all the beautiful children who gave us the gift of song. The whole experience made me very grateful to be a part of this church.
After the service, while sharing in the delicious potluck meal, we took the affirming step of approving the new constitution and by-laws. We are indeed poised to look forward to a new year of opportunity. But before we plunge into 2007, I would like us to take a moment and thank those who have donated so much time and effort to our Congregation. First, thanks to the committee who revised the constitution and by-laws, taking our comments and criticisms into account to bring us documents with which we can grow; the Future Facilities Task Force for hours of devotion and clear presentations that greatly enhanced our understanding and commitment; the Interim Minister Search Committee and the Settled Minister Search Committee; the Religious Education Committee and Athena Kolbe, our Church School coordinator, who, in difficult times put the children’s needs first and foremost; the new (and old) volunteers who run the sound system; the Worship Committee who kept us going with beautifully meaningful worship services; Todd Ballou for his magnificent music each Sunday and Gwen, our new Choir director, plus the choir who devotes time and energy to practice and perform; John Angry, head usher, and his team of ushers; to the Women’s Alliance who make our church a richer place; and finally, to all of you who choose to spend your Sunday mornings with us.
And I want to say a special thank you to Drew Johnston who, despite what he might have heard about our church, and despite the difficulties he was apprised of by the Search Committee, and despite the thought of leaving the Pacific Northwest’s Puget sound area, Seattle and Mt. Ranier to live in Detroit (where Mt. Eliot just cannot compare) chose to be with us for the next 6 months. I am so happy you stayed with us while you visited and we had a chance to get to know each other. I got the distinct impression that you well understand our history and that you come well equipped by training and generosity of spirit to help us become the church we would like to be.
Linda Darga, Moderator
My visit to Detroit was busy and exciting and, in some ways, incomplete. I look forward to my return and our brief time together. I am scheduled to serve as your interim minister for six months, through the end of June. The time will pass quickly and I hope we will use it well.
Several of the folks in attendance on Sunday, December 17th, gave me cards with their thoughts in response to some general questions I raised during the service. This is a great start! On top of my list of critical accomplishments for us to make together is the clear statement of what First Unitarian Universalist, Detroit does, what is the mission of this congregation? We will talk about this in depth and probably have to struggle some with the ways time has passed since there was a sense of a unified mission for the congregation. During that passing of time many things happened, many wonderful things I am sure. If there had been a clear, widely held agreement on why the congregation exists though, I expect I would have heard that by now.
As we get to know each other in the beginning of my time with you, we will also be getting to know our collective purpose for being. I find this exciting and compelling! Having met many of you briefly I know that there is much goodness in the congregation and I am honored to join you for a brief part of the journey.
But first, I have to get the rest of the way back to Seattle, pack my things, and drive across the country to see you again in Detroit. I will take notes along the way and carry you in my thoughts.
As I am able I will also check my email and answer my phone. Both are listed below.
Blessings on you and the beginning of a new year!
- Reverend Drew
(206) 229-1918 mobile phone
I am planning a fundraiser Sunday, January 14, at 2 p.m. at the Detroit Repertory to see Between Men and Cattle. I have reservations for 14 and will be selling tickets at coffee hour or you can contact me by phone or email margretbeck@comcast.net. The plays are excellent and we can go to dinner afterwards at the Traffic Jam. Hope you can come. ~ Margaret Beck
The Settled Minister Search Committee
continues to stay in touch with the U.U.A. Transition (formerly Settlement)
Office and our Interim District Representative, Rev. Lisa Presley. The final
packet is hot off the press and tucked into binders. Rumor has it that Federal
Express has been busy!
The MSC Committee once again thanks every member of the Congregation for your
patience, contribution to the process, and enthusiasm.
Calling all writers! If you have poems, short stories or other original short written works that you would like to share, you are invited to participate in the program for Women's Alliance on January 17, 2007. Lunch is at Noon. The program will begin at 1:00PM. Please contact Alma King to be included in the program. To make reservations for the luncheon call the church office at 313-833-9107 or Eiko Takemoto. The deadline for reservations is January 15th. The membership fee for the Women’s Alliance is $25.00.
We will be meeting on January 7th at 1:00 P.M. The selection for January is The Memory Keeper's Daughter. Please pick a question from the back of the book and come ready to discuss it.
Friendly Faces
Thank you to Earl and Ann Harvey, Dan Wiest, Jon and Irene Schultz, and Donna Walker who provided support for Unity Fellowship's Celebration of Rev. Darren McCarroll's 10th Anniversary as their pastor.
Michigan UU Social Justice Network
Thank you for all of your generous donations. At the December 17th service, First UU donated $105.00 to MUUSJN.
11. Len Zettel
15. Eiko Takemoto
16. George Waterman
20. Colleen Dolan-Greene
21. Richard Thomas
24. Faye Colling, Marilyn Meyer
Strange Laws Around the World
