From the President - May 2010
When I agreed to serve as president of the board of trustees of TJMC-UU, I knew that I would have lots of new experiences, learn new skills, and come to a different understanding of what it means to be part of a church.
I was full of anticipation and trepidation as I looked ahead. I was excited to be a part of this time in the life of our church, but uneasy when our former settled ministers left. Building on our great foundation, I knew that we would continue to grow into an even better and stronger community.
When I agreed to serve as president, I did not expect that our search for a settled minister would take an extra year, that we would experience a major recession that would impact our ability to raise pledges, so that we would have to make the most difficult choices in our budget that we have ever had to make in my memory.
And yet, here I am, spending more time than I had anticipated at meetings, making phone calls, writing messages, speaking - in short, working with other members of the board and the congregation to ensure that our church will continue to grow into an even better and stronger community. It is hard work, but it is also holy work. My commitment to our beloved community is stronger now than it was when I agreed to lead the board.
I am energized by the commitment of so many others to make hard choices because it’s what is best for the church. I am gratified when people agree to join the committee in search of a new interim minister. I am proud when I stand up with fellow congregants at the IMPACT meeting. I am hopeful when I listen to a Coming of Age youth share her statement of faith. I am warmed when I meet the eyes of another as we pass a candle during the offertory. I am touched by the voices of the children and adult choirs. I am strengthened by the kind words and warm hugs of so many people.
I am committed to supporting the work of this church with my time and money because I cannot imagine my life without it. I have faith in this beloved community and in all of you. I encourage you to strengthen your commitment to our church, having faith that we will work together to make it stronger and better in the year ahead.
In gratitude and faith,
Pam Philips, President of the Board