From the Board President
Dear Countryside members and friends –
Last week, as I was beginning to collect my thoughts on what to say in this letter, I was primarily thinking about the upcoming Ingathering and Water Communion service on Sunday, September 7. However, on Thursday morning, Reverend Pam received the sad and shocking news that one of our members had been arrested for possession of child pornography. Once Reverend Pam notified me, my attention quickly changed to convening a meeting of the Safe Congregation Response Team (SCRT), notifying our Board members and deciding how best to address this situation. Over the remainder of Thursday and through most of Friday, communicating via phone calls, emails and two in-person meetings, the SCRT (duRee Bryant, Matt Myren and Karolina Kozakiewicz) along with Rev. Pam, Rev. Karen and I, decided that informing the congregation promptly was the best course of action. So, a congregation-wide email explaining the situation was sent on Friday afternoon. While all of us are still trying to come to terms with this news, there is not much more that can be done other than wait for the legal process to run its course.
After all that, I am really looking forward to the Ingathering service this Sunday. The Ingathering and Water Communion service has been a tradition at Countryside Church for more than the 28 years that I have been a member. Earlier in our history, the minister often took most of the summer off for reflection and study. The services during the summer (roughly beginning after the annual meeting in May and lasting through the first Sunday after Labor Day) were mostly led by congregation members or guest speakers. Accordingly, Ingathering Sunday was the first time in several months that most of the congregation saw the minister and each other. In addition, the Water Communion is an actual and symbolic comingling of water that we bring back to share from our journeys away from the church during the summer. The Ingathering service is joyous celebration of reconnecting in community. One that we can all benefit from at this time.
In addition, after the service there will be a potluck hosted by our Board of Trustees – they will help with set-up and clean-up and will bring some entrees. Of course, the Board can’t do it all by themselves so please bring an entrée, salad or side dish to share – dessert won’t be needed, as we will have cake to celebrate Alison Vernon’s 10th anniversary at CCUU. There will also be a short recognition ceremony, but please be sure to congratulate Alison yourselves when you see her.
We are in the preliminary stages of planning the Board’s Fall retreat. It will be held at church on the evening of Friday September 26 and the morning of Saturday September 27 (no, we won’t have a sleepover). The specific topics have not been determined yet, but in general terms we plan to discuss how to get things done at CCUU and discuss longer range planning ways to increase membership. The Board of Trustees only will meet on Friday evening, then we will meet with ministry committee chairs and interested parties during the morning on Saturday, for learning, brainstorming and planning.
Finally, early autumn is often a time when individuals and families search for new spiritual communities. Please pay attention when you are gathering with friends in the narthex before the service and afterwards in Atherton Hall. If you notice a new face, please welcome them warmly. As is often said, you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression.
Thank you for being a part of this amazing spiritual community,
Gary LaBedz, Board President