From UUCGV Board President, Elizabeth High

     This October, UUCGV Leadership met for an online version of our annual leadership retreat. Our discussion included how to keep a sense of beloved community in this time of needing to minimize in-person contact. On the one hand, there is a real sense of mourning as we miss being in the sanctuary together, having potlucks, chatting together during in-person coffee hours, being able to hug or shake hands. On the other hand, there have been bonuses to the online services, including easier access for some people who have mobility limitations, regular community discussions after the sermons, and online coffee hour small groups that are randomly put together and force us out of “cliques”.

     A huge kudos goes out to Rev. Wendy, Chelsea, Amandalin, and Maya for all of their work adapting our services to an online format. Also much appreciation to Bill Conrod and the membership team for putting on a fun and relaxing “Fall into Fellowship” outdoor socially distanced picnic in October. Virtual meditations, online Goddess Group, and online discussion of Layla Saad’s book “Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor” are among the other community opportunities in recent months: much gratitude goes out to the leaders of these groups.

     In coming months, look for more new online opportunities, including an online auction and possibly an online film watching/discussion group. We hope to also have a partial second round of “check-in phone calls”: let me know if you would like to get a call or make a call to other congregants. If you are looking for other ways to contribute to UUCGV, keep your eyes peeled for announcements in the weekly emails.

     You also can contact the Team liaisons listed in every print newsletter under “2020-21 Leadership/Team Leadership Circle” to find out more about how to get involved with specific teams such as Worship, Membership, Religious Education, or Celebrations. We usually do not print phone numbers in the newsletter, contact our administrator Maya if you’d like someone’s phone number/email or an entire new UUCGV directory.

​     Wishing everyone love, light, and strength as we head into the challenging Winter of 2020-21.

~ Elizabeth High