From Our Board President
Dear Fellow Countryside Members and Friends –
As we enter the last month of the church year, I’d like to recap some of the highlights of what the Board and the congregation has accomplished this past year.
In early January, Rev Pam and Rev Karen announced their retirement effective at the end of the church year – June 30, 2026. The timing was such that the Board was able to quickly approve a search for a new contract minister and concurrently approve a contract search team consisting of Board members, Pat Wydell and Elizabeth Van Orden, along with congregants Judy Ball, Michael Lunter and Amy Zukoski. Pat agreed to be the head of the team, which got to work immediately and by the February 15th deadline, had prepared a congregational record and had gathered all other necessary documentation for the UUA’s ministerial search system. The search team’s concentrated efforts paid off, and the Board was able to reach an agreement with Dr. Emma Farrell to be our next contract minister effective August 1, 2026. Thank you to the contract search team for their hard work under such a tight deadline.
Also in January, the Board approved the purchase and installation of second array of solar panels for the church. This was the result of the tireless efforts of our Treasurer, Rick Rayborn, and the ad hoc capital projects team he assembled (Steve Black, Mike Calwas, Mike Gilley and me). To refresh your memory, early last year, the Board was approached by a non-member donor, who made a very generous offer to fund the second array of solar panels for the church. Rick worked with the donor and in January was able to secure his generous donation, allowing the Board to approve the solar panel project, which included enhancements to the roof area that will support the solar panels. While there have been some delays and sidetracks along the way, we are expecting that the new solar panels will be installed by late June or July.
Then in Late April, the Board approved the hiring of Dr. Mary Lamb Shelden to serve as our new Director of Religious Exploration, effective June 1. This will allow Mary to work with Rev. Karen for several weeks to facilitate a smooth transition. Rev. Karen has brought new life and vigor to the Religious Exploration program over the past two years, and the transition period with Mary should ensure that the RE program remains vibrant, relevant and continues to grow, after Rev. Karen retires.
Also, during our April 26 service, we welcomed 9 new members to the CCUU community. That is wonderful news! I’m grateful that CCUU continues to attract people who value an open-minded, welcoming community, with which to share their spiritual journeys.
In addition, our new Senior Minister, Dr. Emma Farrell will be ordained on Saturday, June 13, at Unity Temple in Oak Park. The ceremony will take place at 2:30 pm CDT, with former UUA president Rev Susan Frederick-Gray giving the sermon. A reception will follow. It would be wonderful if we had a large contingent from CCUU in attendance to show Dr. Emma our support as she begins the next phase of her ministry. You can RSVP online: https://partiful.com/e/DOknxls60cg9vzIxlEWo.
Finally, Sunday June 14 will Rev. Pam and Rev. Karen’s last Sunday with us. We will celebrate their ministry at CCUU with a potluck after the service, so please be sure to attend!
All in all, things are looking up for the CCUU community. We will end the current church year with a new Director of Religious Exploration, many new members, and we will begin the next church year with new solar panels and, most importantly, with a new Senior Minister. That’s very desirable position to be in. I can’t wait to see how the church grows and evolves during the upcoming year.
Thank you,
Gary LaBedz, Board President