Message from the President  – Looking Ahead 

It’s a bit daunting to step back into the role of President of All Souls Church but at the same time it feels like returning home.  When I considered “What’s next?”, tan image of a sunrise came up, with blue sky above; clearly the sky is the limit…  or in other words, being in our faith community offers many possibilities for spiritual growth, creative engagement, social justice, and deepening friendships as we care for one another and our world. Not to mention music, art, crafting, games, ice cream and so much more! 

Many thanks to Ron Niswander for his three years of service as our incredibly capable Treasurer.  Many thanks to Carla Fogg for stepping unexpectedly into the role and serving as our President during this past year.  I am delighted that she continues on the Board along with a very strong team – Norma Willingham,  VP,  Mia Joiner-Moore, Treasurer, Kay Curtis, Clerk, Janet Athens, and Deborah Rowe, Members-at-Large.   We look forward to working with Rev. Telos and our dedicated staff. The Board plans to hold a Retreat in August to get to know one another a bit better, to develop a shared understanding of the many activities and groups at All Souls, and to set goals for the year ahead.  We will revisit some of the results of previous retreats as many concerns of church life are an ongoing work in progress.

At the Annual Meeting I noted a few goals that I hope to address during the coming year:

• Update of our By-Laws
• Review of our Landscape Plan with hopes of implementing some of the recommendations such as outdoor gathering spaces and a memorial garden or walkway
• Continued focus on the building improvements recommended by our Capital Needs Committee and consideration of how we organize ourselves to address ongoing building care
• Planning for our congregational vote to invite Rev. Telos into settled ministry

We will hold two Special Congregational Meetings this year in addition to our May 2026 Annual Meeting.  The first meeting will be on October 5, 2025, which is called to vote on installing Rev. Telos Whitfield as  All Souls Church’s Settled Minister.  The second special meeting will be to vote on proposed new By-Laws (date to be determined). 

Please be in touch with your concerns, ideas, and areas that you are excited about and wish to pursue as a member or friend of All Souls Church.  Board members serve in elected leadership but the heart and energy of the congregation is vested in our membership. 

May we act together in faith, Leslie