From Our Ministers

What do you say to someone you don’t know when you see them on Sunday?
Some people say they don’t want to offend long time members by mistaking them for someone new. All you have to do is smile, extend your hand, say your name and “Good Morning”. You can ask what they liked about the service and say what in the service spoke to you. You can ask how long the person has been coming to UUCB and tell your own story. This place is buzzing with interesting people and everyone, long time members and first time visitors, seem to appreciate a warm welcome and an engaging conversation. Warm hospitality is the order of the day.

What do the ministers do when a member of the congregation comes to them with a complaint about another member? Recently this came up. Here’s the decision we three ministers agreed on. Our first and best choice of response: We will ask the member who has a complaint to speak directly to the other member. If the person says they can’t do that, then we may ask if we or a lay leader can accompany them to speak with the member. If the person says they can’t do that, we may ask if we or the lay leader can speak their name as we talk with the member. If the member says they can’t do that, then we will have to say we are sorry but there is nothing we can do. We three want to promote healthy communication and speaking directly.

Who can make the organ pipes sing, chime, comfort, lift your spirits, and call you forth? Sandra Soderlund! Sandra will retire at the end of May after being a church organist for 40 years, over 10 years here at UUCB. Can you guess how many Sunday Services, Weddings, and Memorial Services she has played? Her fine musicianship and good spirit have blessed us. We celebrate Sandra on Sunday, May 28! Come and express your appreciation and best wishes.

What is the Fiesta on Sunday May 7th, from noon to 3:00? It is our fun live and silent auction where you bid on concert and theater tickets, family excursions, restaurant dinners donated by local businesses and social events hosted by members of the congregation. Your winning bids support UUCB and you get to know other members by participating in events or services they offer. The two of us are offering an evening of radical affirmation which is a supper and toasting for eight guests. It.s not too late to turn in your donation!

What’s on the calendar for June 10, 11, 16, 17, or 18? Hold one of these dates onto your calendar for the melodrama Lily, the Felon’s Daughter. Come boo and hiss the villain, cheer the hero, and sigh for the lovely Lily!

What’s a life affirming way to energize your life and have fun with this community? Let’s dance together … single and partnered, young and old and everybody! Come to the Board of Trustees hosted Prom on Friday, June 30!

Throughout this newsletter, you’ll find many upcoming events are offered.

See you at church!

Barbara and Bill
Revs. Barbara and Bill Hamilton-Holway, Co-Ministers