Save the Date: March 20, 2011
The next big event in the church is the Annual Meeting after the Sunday service March 20. This is when we elect board members, vote on proposed bylaws changes, and get financial updates and progress reports.
Here are some important things to know:
1. Membership
Although all are welcome at the annual meeting, only members may vote on the board or any issues that arise. The church accepts new members two times a year, and with the March 10 Membership Orientation meeting, the next opportunity is just in time for the Annual Meeting.
Membership requirements at UCSA.
Next membership orientation:
• Thursday March 10, 7 to 9 p.m. UH office conference room
Next New Member Ceremony
• Sunday March 20 (during 11 a.m. Sunday Service)
2. Board Candidates
Board members are elected at the annual meeting to represent the congregation. Four places are open on the eight-member board. Each of the candidates for the church's board of directors was asked to write a short article telling the congregation more about themselves. Read about all the candidates.
Featured this week:
Lisa Peneau
(Member-at-large nominee)
In Lisa’s words:
I’ve always felt a nearer spark of divine Presence although not quite traditionally. My father was an Air Force chaplain ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to minister in the military. When I was three, I asked him if he could remember his past lives, and suddenly a very strange look came into his eyes…I did not ask again.
Then ten years later, my Protestant Dad responded to the calling I felt to be a nun by saying, “You can’t be a nun. We don’t have nuns. You can be a minister if you want, but we don’t have nuns.”
This too came with an odd look from him and I thought, Of course, WE don’t have them but someone does, and anyway, how could I be a minister? Girls aren’t ministers - hasn’t he noticed I am a girl!? Furthermore, there were no female military chaplains when I grew up. Obviously, some institutional chaplain’s kids find life theologically confusing.
Serving years later, as an Air Force chaplain for 22 years, I settled most things for myself but not all. Spirit retains for me an element of mystery as well as a Source of love, power, peace, patience, strength and wisdom—all that I value most.
Because of a Powerful peace, when I was 17, I realized one Sunday while visiting my grandparents in Oregon, that I felt a call to serve Spirit with my whole heart. Both my parents were surprised that I made the choice just then, but they emphasized a focus of unity among all who hold life accountable to Spirit, encouraging me to discover my own treasure of truth at my own pace.
My personal theology is still evolving from fully ecumenical (while a student at Vanderbilt Div School) to a more Spirit-centered interfaith focus with UCSA’s lovely, lively, loving faith family. I am grateful for the learning and growing at UCSA. I am also grateful for the understanding my daughter has found, that she’s noticed similar spiritually communing kindness and strength while learning and growing at UCSA.
A leap of soul toward Spirit’s joy has characterized our lives since we began coming a few years ago. We feel more wisdom, too, and a deep loyalty and love toward Rev. Linda and her ministry leadership, because we experience Spirit’s authentic truth and wisdom in her life of unselfish devotion.
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