It’s hard to believe that this is already my last column of this calendar year! I thought I’d take this moment to lift up some of what we have accomplished together in 2024, above and beyond all of our regular activities like worship, children’s faith development, Soul Matters, and a wide range of committees, teams, and interest groups:

• Restarted the UUFM Choir with the hiring of Choir Director Mark Brekke
• Increased staff hours to increase our outreach, young adult ministry, and more
• Responded quickly to the flooding in our building (and some of your homes!)
• Participated in PrideFest (interfaith worship, parade, and booth)
• Participated in Indigenous Peoples Day
• Were honored at Dave Braveheart’s memorial (and showed up in large numbers—about 20 of us)
• Wrote postcards to potential voters to get out the vote
• Hosted Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon at a public event on Preserving Democracy
• Have seen an increase in newcomers and returning members and friends since the election
• Purchased an AED and had staff and others trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED use, as part of our safety plan

I know this is only a partial list—there is so much good ministry being done in and beyond the congregation, by so many of you. Thank you for all the ways you live our values and support our mission!

 

With deep gratitude,

Rev. Diana