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Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church
A Welcoming
Congregation
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From the President
Church governance in UU congregations is based on congregational polity and democratic principles, which means we are independent of external or higher church authority and can elect our board, conduct our business, and select our ministers and staff essentially as we wish (within the normal constraints of local, state, and national law). However, we do not exist alone. There are about a thousand UU congregations, and most are affiliated as member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, sharing experience and resources with each other. The UUA website, www.uua.org, is a vast storehouse of information, including an excellent resource document titled “Governance for Unitarian Universalist Congregations,” which discusses the important interrelationship of congregational size and governance style. The UUA also provides local resources within our region as the Pacific Northwest District in Bellevue, and at www.pnwd.org. The staff and associated personnel of the District office have provided much advice and many valuable services to us throughout our history.
Half of our Trustees are new this year, but we nevertheless have a very strong board. Vinnie Perrone and I are the only returning members from last year’s board, although Donna Larkin Mohr brings very significant earlier experience as our President, Larry Frank has been Treasurer of another UU congregation, and both Angie Hoffpauir and Sandy Bullock bring years and years of experience with UU congregations elsewhere. Unfortunately, our Secretary position remains unfilled (so please talk with me or Jane Martin of the Nominating Committee if you might be willing to help us in this important way). We meet in the church office on the third Tuesday of the month starting at 6:30, with an informal meal and social period. We begin our formal meeting time at 7:15. Guests are welcome, though rare.
In many ways this year seems likely to be one of consolidation for the congregation and the board. We have now moved beyond the celebration of our 50th anniversary and have just finished a year of forward-looking conversation and planning. We are in great shape with regard to facilities, staff, and congregational energy, but wish for more. We are both fond and proud of our Cedars community, and realize that what we have is worth sharing with others. Opening ourselves to guests and newcomers will enliven our community, expand the range of our activities, and deepen our relationships, just what we’ve said we desire.
Richard Wilson, President
P.S. For a lighter perspective, look at what a little internet research can uncover: If only things could be so simple! And with good humor, perhaps they are.
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