I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there is great energy in the congregation right now!

We launched a new look for our fellowship with our ingathering service, on September 10. The new logo includes a reference to the Tridge, the flame of truth, an arrow suggesting forward momentum,

and a simple tag line giving the public an idea of what it is we do here. Please help me thank Alisha Toyzan for the new design and Wendy Altmeier for shepherding the process.

We held our (first?) vision-mission retreat last weekend. Now we need to provide other ways for you to answer the questions “What do you want our fellowship to be?” and “What are we as Unitarian Universalists here to do?” Watch for posts, fliers, surveys, and added discussions!

Last Sunday’s attendance was our highest in years (82 in person at worship, 15 online, and 9 in RE class)! This included the choir attending and us recognizing 10 new members (yay!). And we continue to attract visitors, going into the year.

We do still have some challenges ahead. Enrollment for the “New UU” (“Exploring Unitarian Universalism”) sessions was low, so we are postponing them until January/February. We continue to need new members for all ministry teams and leaders for both the Worship and Engagement teams. If you have questions about opportunities to get involved, please let me, any staff member, or a board member know.

New this year, I will be providing “religious services” to teens housed at the Midland County Juvenile Justice (Care) Center. The director there is familiar with Unitarian Universalism and believes that my providing care will help give the teens the tools they will need to make wise choices. I will be visiting them on Friday evenings for the foreseeable future and may need volunteers in my absence.

I look forward to building on this momentum with you!

Rev. Eric Severson