President’s Report 2019/2020

This year UUCC hit the ground running in July 2019 only to hit the wall as a pandemic struck in early March of 2020. Despite this set back, our hard-working Committees and Board of Trustees approved and completed many projects and held numerous events.  First, I want to recognize and thank the Board Officers and Trustees for their support and hard work. Many thanks to: Rod Brown, President Elect, Tim Vandenberg, Past President, Jeanette Walton, Treasurer, Bob Gillespie, Secretary, Caroline Eastman, Chair of the Finance Committee and the Trustees, Jessica Kross, John Logue, Deb Matherly, Pat Mohr, and Terrence Sullivan.

Also, I can never forget the Committee Chairpersons and all their accomplishments. Please join me in thanking your fellow members who have stepped up and led the Committees that do the work of the Congregation:

Adult Religious Education: Angie Dodd Rabon

Animal Ministry: Anita Grossman

Building and Grounds Committee: Shannon Edwards

Caring and Hospitality Committee, Keitha Whitaker

CYRE, Beck Sullivan

Denominational Connections, Keitha Whitaker

Endowment Committee, Phil Turner

Finance Committee, Caroline Eastman

Fundraiser Committee, Don Dodson

Green Committee, Kevin McKinney

Kitchen Committee and Memorial Services Coordinator, Linda McLeod

Leadership Development Committee, Emilio Perez-Jorge

Membership Committee, Nancie Shillington-Perez

Memorial Gardens Committee, Pat Mohr

Partner Church Committee, Lee Minghi

Personnel Committee, Marc Drews

Security Committee, Nancie Shillington-Perez

Social Action Committee, Laura Hartwig

Technology Committee, Donald Griggs

Worship Committee, Marc Drews

Website Conduit – Lis Turner

The annual committee reports will be posted on our website at uu.columbia.org to provide detail on their projects for the year.

Last, but far from least, with deepest appreciation I want to recognize our staff without whom we would be unable to function:

Rev. Stephen Robinson Minister

Scott Sargent, Director of Religious Education

McKenzie Scott, RE Assistant

Anna Hamilton, Music Coordinator

Andrea Dudick, Administrator

Ginny Verne, Bookkeeper

Bill Dolley, Sexton

Ronan Sullivan and Janae Walton, Nursery Workers

I would like to take a moment to mention just a few of the things UUCC members and friends have accomplished this year and while I do so, there will be a slide show of our Beloved Community.

• E-Giving
• New Sanctuary Blinds
• Compelling programs for adults and children
• New security lighting and cameras
• The Cabaret
• New sound system
• Music beyond our greatest expectations
• Delicious meals
• Blessing of the Animals
• Social action in our community
• Welcomed new members
• Financial stability
• Composting and recycling
• Holiday gatherings and decorations
• Beautiful memorial services
• Granny “D”
• Congregational conversations
• Applied for a security grant
• Art shows and receptions
• Beautifully kept building and grounds
• Services and sermons that inspire
• Beloved community

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In closing I would like to say that despite unexpected events, whether a pandemic or something worse, UUCC will go on stronger than before. Please remember that UUCC is an independent Congregation. All decisions made concerning opening and closing will be made by your Board of Trustees.  We may receive some suggestions on how to proceed from the UUA, but ultimately, our local Board has the final word.

It has been an honor to serve as your President.

Linda Brennison, President