JD Stillwater Talk with Dinner: Monday, June 30, 5 PM. Details on the online calendar and at the News & Events tab above.

Huge Summer Yard Sale: Saturday & Sunday, July 12 & 13, 9 AM to 5 PM. Donations accepted earlier that week. Details on the online calendar and at the News & Events tab above.

Learn about upcoming events on the online calendar.

Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.— Walt Whitman

From the incoming president

Dear Friends,

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve. Most of you are acquainted with me, but I want to share more about my philosophy and goals as I assume the role of UUCNC president for the 2025-26 church year.

I intend to try to lead from a place of love, grounded and guided by spiritual perspective. You can expect me to prioritize our Mission, Vision, and Covenant of Right Relations in decision making. My background in social and environmental action will shape the way I lead us, as I typically consider impacts of actions on our community and beyond. Some of my personal priorities include political action to defend democracy and working to create a resilient, welcoming community that is able to receive climate migrants as our planet continues to heat up. Our proximity to one of the Great Lakes is a true blessing!

While I value organization, efficiency, and attention to details, I will try to focus on the bigger picture. I naturally arrive at questions of purpose, functionality, acting with integrity, and adherence to principles. Our search for meaning on life’s sacred journey is important to me.

Several years ago, my nephew asked to interview me for a school project on leadership. When he asked me what I thought were the most important traits of a leader, I said without hesitation, “listening to people and letting them know that they’ve been heard.” You can rely on me to do my very best to listen to your concerns. I may not always be able to implement your wishes, but I will hear your concerns and work toward compromise when possible.

There may be times when a decision seems superficial, but the true worth is in the feeling of being understood for those who find that issue important. I know neither the board nor I can please everyone, but no one should feel unheard, devalued or left out.

I take commitment seriously, to my family, my ideals, and to UUCNC. Considering our group’s diversity and the high regard we have for questioning, each person in our congregation (including me!) should recognize that decisions won’t always go their way. I ask you all to be flexible and remember that we are committed to our Covenant of Right Relations and to the health of our community.

I have my faults—especially taking on too much and being forgetful—and ask you to be patient and forgiving with me, as I will try to be with you. In keeping with our covenant, I’ll make an effort to “trust in (one) another’s good intentions, and to know my own.”

I welcome reminders, so don’t hesitate to give them to me!

May the light of truth guide us. May the warmth of community comfort us. And may the fire of commitment burn bright within us. I look forward to traveling life’s sacred journey further with you.

In Loving Service,
Janey Wagner