This is my final blog as TUUC Board president. It has been a wonderful year highlighted by the honor of installing Linda as our settled minister. She has truly led the way for us to become a forward-thinking congregation. It has been an exciting time to be on the Board.

I want to share with all of you how uplifted and inspired I have felt in recent months. We have new blood and a new spirit at TUUC. It began with the pledge drive. Although we did not make our pledge goal this year, Tori Brewster and Eli Gandour-Rood brought new energy and enthusiasm to the process and have begun a path to a whole new approach to giving at TUUC. They look at year’s pledge drive as their learning experience and have begun to explore long-term possibilities for financial stability going forward. These two are just beginning to make a difference at TUUC. Stay tuned!

In the most recent Pathways class alone, a couple volunteered to start a young adult group that has already begun to meet. A new treasurer emerged. Someone enthusiastically volunteered to co-chair both the rummage sale AND auction. And that doesn’t begin to mention the immediate engagement of other recent new members. The list goes on and on . . .

Not only is there new blood and new spirit, there are new approaches and ideas about how to attain the goals being set. I have met with most of these folks and am excited by their enthusiasm and what they want to share. It is contagious!!

One immediate way to be part of this new wave and to bond with each other in fellowship is to work together to make the rummage sale and auction not only financial successes, but also FUN.  There will be an organizational meeting this coming Saturday, June 23rd at 9:30 a.m. at church — primarily for the rummage sale since it is around the corner in early September, but also to begin brainstorming the auction. Please come and get involved. Let’s get to know each other a lot better as we work as an entire church community to support our church and, ultimately, the greater community that needs us.

Thank you to all of you for your support this year. It has been the highlight of my time here at TUUC!

Barbara Tripp

TUUC Board President