Embracing Possibility
I am sitting at my computer, coffee cup and pen by my side – along with pencils, paper, a water bottle, appointment calendar, and stacks of files… The files include multiple proposals for human service agencies as I am a grant writer, scripts and scenes for Theatre Adventure as I am one of their staff, as well as meeting agendas and notes, Bylaws, directory, policies, and stewardship materials for All Souls Church. Some people would look at my desk and think it is a mess!
I see it as filled with possibilities. Each of these documents describes something that is in the process of becoming – a proposal for a vital human service, a play to be performed, the many documents of a faith community that gathers to deepen our relationships, nurture our spirits, and live out our values. The Soul Matters theme for April is Embracing Possibility. Our Stewardship theme is Growing Together in Faith. This growing is ripe with possibilities. One aspect of All Souls Church that I have most cherished is the creativity and dynamism of our active congregation. People act on their ideas and voila! – new possibilities emerge!
Please know that when you contribute your ideas, initiate or take part in activities you are contributing to the growth of the congregation. We take turns being leaders and followers. We take turns giving and receiving support. We contribute financially, to the best of our individual abilities, to support our collective ministry. If you are still considering your FY27 pledge or gift, now is the time to complete your Stewardship Commitment Form (it’s never too late). We embrace and grow possibilities together.
A bit of news from the Board:
Appreciation to all Members who were able to attend our Special Congregational Meeting on February 22nd. 53% of the congregation attended and unanimously approved revised Bylaws which will guide our operations.
We have appointed Jamie Gibson and Marty Shaw as delegates to the UUA’s General Assembly with virtual meetings and activities to be held June 14 – 21. The theme is Meet the Moment: Together Everywhere. You too can attend. Register online at https://www.uua.org/ga/registration.
We approved sponsorship of the performance of BLACKOUT on April 25th (see description in separate article) and will co-sponsor a Kirtan Celebration on June 4th with the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community.
We looked at the upcoming schedule in preparation for our Annual Meeting. We noted the following deadlines and meetings:
- Thursday, 4/16 – Deadline for committees and staff to submit Annual Reports to the office
- Sunday, 4/26 – Meeting to review the proposed commitment between Minister and Congregation
- Sunday, 5/3 – Meeting to review the proposed FY27 Budget for All Souls Church
- Sunday, 5/17 – 104th Annual Meeting of All Souls Church
As always there is a lot going on. As spring begins we are starting to see flowers emerge at All Souls Church and our gardens at home beckon as their snow covers melt away.
May we flourish and grow together in faith, Leslie