It was a real pleasure seeing people file into the building on Sunday for our first in person service in a very long time. Some would say too long. As a testament to how much attendees enjoyed the experience, we had to gently encourage people to leave in honor of our decision to not allow … Continue reading Board President’s Message 12.08.21

The long wait is nearly over.  On Sunday, December 5 we will once again welcome people into our building to experience Sunday Services in person. It’s been a long time in coming. Though the experience will be different from what it was prior to closing—we ask you to be vaccinated, masked, and physically distanced—for some … Continue reading Board President’s Update 11.30.21

There is light at the end of the tunnel as we continue our march toward in-person Sunday Services. We’re not there yet, and we will not fully reopen until COVID infection rates drop significantly, but we are planning to allow for limited attendance under certain conditions beginning December 5. We will ask that attendees be … Continue reading Board President’s Message 11.10.21

The Board met yesterday, September 21, 2021, for a special session to discuss plans for re-opening the Fellowship. As you are aware, COVID rates and hospitalization continue to climb in the Mankato region. The Board has voted, however, effective October 1, to allow small groups of 10 or fewer people to gather on the main … Continue reading Board President Message 09.22.21

How great was it to see Reverend Rita in the pulpit on Sunday? Thanks go out to Andy, Jeff, Triselia, & Macey for pulling it off without a hitch. Soon, we hope, we’ll all be able participate in Sunday services live & in person. The COVID numbers we’ve been watching continue to be high in … Continue reading Board President Message 09.15.21

Message to the Fellowship: The Board’s decision to delay the reopening of our building was made with the best interests of UUFM in mind. Not that it was a welcome decision or an easy decision, but it was the sensible & responsible thing to do in the face of increased infection & positivity rates across … Continue reading Board President Message 09.08.21

Dear Friends, Warm weather, longer days and encouraging news of increased communal safety renew my energy and motivation.  Last week, I spent four days camping at Whitewater State Park.  I marveled at the wild flowers of Spring in rugged hikes and long walks.  These explores cleared my mind of busyness and opened me to prepare … Continue reading Board President Notes 05.19.2021

I hope you’re planning to attend our congregation’s Annual Business meeting on May 23, immediately after service.   We gather to review the past year’s challenges and accomplishments and evaluate the path forward. I’m proud of the internal work the Fellowship has accomplished this year.  The Board has sought to strengthening UUFM’s resilience by engaging with … Continue reading Board President Notes 05.12.2021

Dear Friends, I’ve come across two new words that fascinate me.  The first is a slang term used by a South African friend of Dutch descent.  The second I encountered at a Webinar. Plonking a practice of allowing each day to unfold as it will, with its stresses and opportunities, and in resilient fashion, making … Continue reading Board President Notes 02/10/2021

Dear Friends, February is the short month, the month of love and yes, stewardship.  Stewardship is rooted in belonging; an essential human need.  UU congregations are brave spaces for belonging.  We are invited to question, act on shared values and experience refuge, regardless of identify.  We express our intent to belong by lovingly placing our … Continue reading Board President Notes 02/03/2021