Suzanne Says Yes!
At the Special Congregational Meeting held on Sunday, April 20, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne overwhelmingly voted to call the Rev. Suzanne Meyer to be our Settled Minister. Soon after the meeting, the Search Committee called Suzanne. Suzanne accepted the call and will be our new settled minister. She will move to Cheyenne soon, but will not start at the church until August.
The Search Committee did a wonderful job and we thank you.
Yippee!
Mike Shonsey
President
From Our Church President
A Confession
I have a confession. For years now I have worried about something. I have felt we just weren't doing and haven't done enough at this. It also seemed to be an obstacle that I haven't had an easy answer for. Maybe it has even stood in the way of the church's growth. What to do? I guess confession is supposedly good for the soul. So, here it is.
I don't think we do enough to engage and incorporate newcomers into the church's life, organization and programs. We've thought about it, but we haven't found a way to always fit new folks into the church's daily life. There are exceptions, of course, and if you showed up one Sunday and the next week you were on a committee or taking on some task, I guess my concern doesn't apply to you. But, it seems like some folks come through our doors and don't immediately find a connection. Perhaps that is because we haven't provided them a way to connect. One solution will be for the leadership to continue developing ways to make connections with newcomers. Rev. Linda, Camille Furtney and the membership committee have developed some great new ideas this year and will continue that effort. Another solution, though, is if you are new and haven't connected yet but want to, talk to me or Camille (our Membership Chair) and let us know about your interest. We will help you connect. Sometimes, we miss people. We may need a nudge so nudge away. Please help us to help you get involved. It will enrich your, and our, experience here with the church.
Some areas that you might consider helping are: 1) Sunday coffee hour - make coffee before the service, put out whatever food has been arranged or help clean up. Maybe someone would like to take this on as their service to the church. It's a great way to meet people if you are new; 2) Join one of our committees - Fun and Fellowship, Religious Education, Sunday Services, Adult Religious Education and all the committees have room for new members. What is your interest or expertise?; 3) COMEA and CIHN - volunteer to help with the church's two programs to help homeless individuals and families; 4) Believe it or not summer is around the corner and we always need help mowing and watering the lawn. The Building and Grounds committee needs you; And 5) there are lots more activities to get involved in. Ask me, or Camille, and we'll fill you in.
Something that is important to all. Give and give generously to the Canvas - the church's annual pledge drive. It takes a lot of money to run this place, provide all the services and programs, and pay the staff fair and just compensation. We have real and doable dreams - expanded music and RE programs, building improvements, getting more people to conferences and meetings, and more. But, we all have to give generously and not just hope that others will pay the bills. You need to give! Everyone needs to give!
So, I hope you will both get more involved and give. I really believe the church is about "joy, belonging and creating possibilities." You make it happen! And what wondrous happenings are happening here.
Mike Shonsey