Reports & articles
Board Update
The Board has spent a lot of time focused on the Strategic Planning process. Under the guidance of the
UUPP Team, the work is moving forward with an impressive amount of congregational participation
through surveys, interviews and the worship service on January 19. We appreciate everyone's
contributions. After a few months of intensive data gathering, including our reflective Sunday service, we
will be moving into the evaluation and decision-making phase of the planning process. The Board plans
to hold an additional planning meeting within the next few weeks to focus on how the collected
information can best be translated into actions that the congregation may want to take in the future.
The Board is also involved in other issues including conversations with the City of Northampton related
to parking and building drainage, organizing a facilitated discussion on the proposed fossil fuel
divestment
resolution,
and
a
review
of
proposed
changes
to
the
fundraising
policy.
Some Board and Council members attended a workshop entitled “Growing Better Religion,” offered by
the Clara Barton District in January, which gave a slightly different perspective of who we are and what
our work is as we plan for the Society’s future. One member who attended said she enjoyed meeting with
fellow UU’s and imagining how we might envision the next “Great Awakening” in our religion.
In addition, the President’s Team will be meeting next week with the Nominating Committee to discuss
candidates for the various positions which will open up in May. It’s hard to believe that elections are only
4 months away! If you are invited to fill one of these positions, please consider serving the congregation.
The future of the Society depends on all of us working together in community.
Sheri Hall-Smith
The Pioneer 4