This weekend marks an important milestone for UUCL: The end of our
2009-2010 church year.
It is a time of many transitions for our
Congregation -- some bittersweet, but all important in forging ahead to
build our Beloved Community.
This Sunday, June 27, we say goodbye to our 2008-2010 Consulting
Minister, Rev. E. Bonnie Devlin, who has shepherded us through two
turbulent years and helped us rebuild a cohesive, collegial community of
supportive seekers. You won't want to miss Sunday's service and the
after-party, where Rev. Bonnie will say farewell and we'll express our
gratitude for her loving service.
Also on Sunday, we'll give our thanks to this year's Board and
Committee leaders and install the new Congregational officers you've
elected at our last two Annual Meetings: Board
President Theresa Lutz and President-Elect Tracie Welser (although
Tracie is away, we'll welcome her in absentia). It's a chance for all of
us to say thanks to those who have helped revitalize UUCL over the past
year.
Finally, we'll kick off the new church year with a brand-new
enrichment opportunity:
the Arts and Crafts
group. They'll meet every 4th Saturday at
1:00pm to work on arts or crafts and teach other techniques, with the
goal of creating a team project for the benefit of UUCL or other
causes.
You'll find details on these and other weekend
offerings below:
Saturday, June 26
1 p.m.: Arts and Crafts, Social Hall. Organized
by Blenda George (709-9096) and Sue Harsanyi
(666-1925), this new group is aimed at the productive fun of creating
art and objects. Join the first meeting and help us get creative on
every fourth Saturday!
Sunday, June 27
10 a.m.: Adult Discussion Group,
Social Hall. Have you ever met a "celebrity" or famous figure? What
was the experience like? Share your ideas during this weekly
conversation.
11 a.m.: Sunday Service, Sanctuary. Rev. Bonnie offers "A
Farewell Blessing," as she reflects on her service at UUCL and the
challenges and triumphs we've shared.
12 p.m.: A
Celebration for Rev. Bonnie, Social Hall. Show your gratitude to
Rev. Bonni as we fete our departing minister
2 p.m.: EarthFamilies Evensong Gathering, TBA. Meet at
UUCL for Pagan Day Out, a chance to enjoy a late lunch off campus.
Please
also remember to bring cash and material donations for Gulf Oil Spill
relief. See last week's message or contact Heather Curry at
RE@uuclakeland.org
for a complete list of needed items.
Note that as of Thursday, July 1, any emails sent to
president@uuclakeland.org
will be opened by your new President, Theresa Lutz. I will continue
acceptiing personal emails at my home address,
rafiwrite@tampabay.rr.com.
Remember, too, that Sunday services and other events will continue
throughout the summer, and our new minister, Rev. Marni Harmony, will
join us for her first service on Aug. 15.
It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your President for
2009-2010, and I look forward to continuing to serve you as a Board
member and active volunteer. Thanks to each and everyone of you for
making my time in leadership so rewarding.
In faith,
Rafi
Rafi Ellis
President,
Board of Trustees