Greetings. We have reached the end of another church year – a year of ongoing transition that once again highlighted the hallmarks of SUUS: a community that is committed, compassionate, and resilient. We’ve had more than our fair share of ups and downs, ins and outs, sads and glads – and we remain strong and vibrant. Which is a direct result of the efforts of our wonderful staff and volunteers! Many thanks to them!
As we prepare to move forward into a new chapter in the SUUS story, let’s reflect on some of the highlights of the past year:
- We continued with in-person services and Faith Formation explorations, and made masks optional.
- We resumed in-person activities such as game nights, the SUUS auction, and coffee hour, all of which helped rebuild community spirit and a feeling of moving forward out of the pandemic.
- We hired Rev Jade to provide ministry throughout much of the year. Knowing her time with SUUS would be limited, Rev Jade encouraged us to aggressively pursue a search for more permanent ministry.
- Which we did, and thanks to the Minister Search Team, we found Rev Craig! We’ve entered into a contract that reflects the long-term relationship he and SUUS want. We so look forward to his ministry!
- After 7 years, Martha Hoffman decided to commit herself full-time to the critical work of her non-profit organization, Call to Care Uganda. So, we searched for a new Office Administrator and were thrilled to find and welcome Jill Brunelle, who is a delight to work with.
- While we are saddened that Amy Buckley has stepped down as Director of Faith Formation, we are thrilled that she will continue as our Director of Music. A search for a new Faith Formation leader is underway.
- We partnered with All Souls in New London to provide the OWL program for our youth.
- To streamline our leadership, we consolidated and eliminated a couple of standing committees and transitioned others into work teams.
- We created Board Liaison roles, to improve communication within SUUS leadership. Each Board member acts as the contact point for one or two committees, to keep the Board and committees up to date on news and issues.
- We held our first Committee Fair, where committees took turns hosting coffee hour and providing information to raise awareness of what their committee or work team was all about. This helped to rejuvenate volunteerism and reconnection.
- Two long-serving members will be stepping down from the Board: Sue Schaedler, most recently the Co-chair; and Neil Schultes as Treasurer. They have contributed greatly to the work of the Board and we are forever grateful for their dedication to this community.
- And we welcome 2 new members to the Board: Frank Sirianni as Treasurer; and, Mike Roy, who will be the new Secretary as Ann Alvarez becomes a Co-Chair.
A reminder that we will be pausing our regular service schedule until July 30. We will have Worship Associate-led services from then until August 27, when Rev Craig will lead his first service. And during July, the office will be open, but Amy and Nick will be taking the month off.
Have a happy, healthy, and safe summer.
Best regards –
The Board of Trustees