Jimmy Franklin, First Vice President, Board of Trustees

It is an honor to share this month’s Board Connection with you as the First Vice President of the Board of Trustees.

This year, the Board has been focusing on strengthening connection — with one another, with you, and with the staff who keep this congregation thriving week after week. We are committed to improving communication, increasing transparency, and ensuring our work aligns with the long-term health and vision of UUCCH.

This is the heart of strategic governance: not only tending to what is immediately before us, but also looking ahead to what will sustain our mission in the years to come.

Our Board meetings are open to the congregation and take place every third Tuesday of the month on Zoom. The link is always available in the Newsgram, and all are welcome to attend. Whether you simply listen or choose to speak during the public comments portion, your presence is valued.

At our upcoming meeting, we will be addressing several important items, including:

• Lay Leader Training as we continue our work through Hotchkiss Chapter 5

• Updates from the Infrastructure Project and Advisory Committee

• An update from the Solar Panel Ownership Task Force

• Reports from the Financial Advisory Committee, Endowment Committee, and Human Resources Advisory Committee

• Discussion of Staff Holiday Bonuses

This work reflects our ongoing commitment to stewardship — of our mission, our facilities, our finances, and the relationships that shape our community.

This month, I also want to highlight something new we are introducing as a congregation. Our staff work incredibly hard — sometimes harder than they should — to ensure we have meaningful services, smooth Sunday mornings, engaging programs, and a building that is welcoming and functional. They manage challenges with patience, care, and dedication, all in service to this community.

Our staff includes:
Rev. Eric Posa
Melanie Jones, Director of Lifespan Faith Engagement
Natasha Steinmacher, Director of Music Ministry
Julie Rigano, Church Administrator

To recognize their commitment, we are beginning a special holiday staff appreciation collection, which we hope will become a lasting annual tradition. This is not about obligation — it is about gratitude. It is a way for the congregation as a whole to say “thank you” for the care and energy our staff give throughout the year.

If you would like to contribute, you may do so during the offering by using the envelopes provided by the ushers. You can also visit www.uucch.org, click the “Give” button at the top right-hand corner, and scroll to “Employee Gift” at the bottom of the Online Giving page. Contributions will be accepted through Sunday, December 14th.

Please know that your involvement in this community, in whatever way you offer it, is valued. This collection is simply one opportunity for us to express our shared appreciation.

Thank you.