Greetings,
We made it through the election and have reason to hope for healing as we look to a new year and a new administration. The prayer vigil offered by Rev. Bill, Rev. Tom, and Intern Minister Stacy on election eve was a time of calm and blessing in the frenzy of that night.
As Rev. Bill reported, we prevailed in the lawsuit we joined with the Western States Association to protect our right to bear witness to, and protest, oppression free from interference by federal officers. Not only were we successful in protecting our rights in Portland, we also provided a framework that will help other communities of faith protect their right to express their faith through action. This is truly an example of thinking globally and acting locally. Thank you to Rev. Bill, Dana Buhl and our social justice groups for all they have done to help us put our faith into action.
In early November the Board watched Paula Cole Jones’ presentation about the 8th Principle and will continue our conversation about it in our December meeting. There will be many opportunities for the congregation to participate in this conversation over the next few months. Keep an eye on the Front Steps for information on upcoming meetings.
On Sunday, Nov. 22, we held our first Board Forum of the year. The topics were the Evaluation of Ministry and Church and Board Goals. We had a good turnout and there were many great questions.
This is the last year of our current 5-year church goals and so is also the year in which we determine our goals for the next cycle. There is so much uncertainty, it is difficult to imagine where we might be in five years. So, for this planning cycle, we will be formulating 3-year church goals. The timeline for the process is:
- Congregational meetings – Jan. & Feb.
- Draft goals – March
- Review and revise goals – April
- Adopt goals – May
We also shared the Board’s current 1-3-year goals. They are:
- Continue to examine the ways in which power, privilege and White supremacy culture affect our church, including our Board work
- Develop an understanding of the church that is emerging
- Review and consider a possible change to the size of the board
- Continue to support the Ministerial Search Committee and the transition to a new Senior Minister
In spite of Covid-19, our congregation continues to thrive. Even as we grieve the loss of our in-person worship, children coming into RE classrooms on Sundays, and our wonderful choirs, our ministers and program leaders have found new ways for us to come together to experience worship, music and community. We are grateful for these blessings in this time of giving thanks.
In service,
Mindy Clark
Moderator, Board of Trustees