PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Friends,

Last year at this time I made a prediction for the year 2011: Spiritual growth and fulfillment for our congregation.

As I look back, I believe we have achieved just that under the guidance of our excellent minister, the Reverend Dr. Betty Stapleford. We are blessed with new members and a rededication of existing members. Attendance at Sunday services has increased. I see us as a lively and connected group of parishioners.

Of great importance is the fact that we now have quite a few new Chalice Lighters. We have more than the 20% required to apply for a Chalice Lighter Grant. Tom Stapleford has very kindly agreed to write a grant on behalf of our congregation. Thank you, Tom. In order to write that grant proposal he will need to know just how we plan to spend any grant money we receive. Even though actually receiving a grant may be some time off, it is important for us as a congregation to consider how best a Chalice Lighter Grant might be spent. As a congregation we will make those decisions.

The list of what I think is most obvious is short:  The Sanctuary, the Fellowship Hall, and the kitchen.

Those are my personal major concerns. What are yours? And how would you prioritize your list or my list? Send me an e-mail. Or call me on the phone. Or collar me in the Fellowship Hall.

We are blessed with an accomplished pianist, Dan Brodsley. His wife, Rosemarie Pfinder, brings us new delights with her richly elegant vocal solos. Thank you both. You enrich our services with your talents.

As always, I want to thank our various committees and individuals who put in time and effort to keep our little ship afloat. Without your efforts we would surely founder.

Thanks to you who sent in your Guest at Your Table envelopes. That money supports UUA outreach.

And thanks to each of you who fill our Blue Basket throughout the year. Your donations are vital to the Burbank Temporary Aid Center (BTAC). As you may know, we have been supporting BTAC since its inception. The phrase "Think globally—act locally" resonates with me. It is important that we take care of our neighbors.

My best wishes to you for the year 2012.

In solidarity,

Ann Miller Rillo