FROM THE GOVERNING BOARD: Praises for the Journey
September 12, 2008
As the summer winds down and many of us return from summer vacations, I look forward to the new church year with excitement. In June, the congregation began a new journey. We decided to hire a consulting minister to assist us with developing our vision and mission, and with growing both in size and in spiritual depth. The Board hired Rev. José Ballester, who began working with us on Aug. 1. José has been an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister for more than 20 years and has served congregations in Texas, Florida, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Renowned for his social justice activism, he has led programs rebuilding firebombed African-American churches, providing youth program support on Native American reservations and vital services to migrant farm workers. His programs have also responded to both natural and human-generated disasters including recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Andrew, Midwest floods and West Coast riots. Additionally, he currently serves as a Trustee of the Unitarian Universalist Association. I am looking forward to working with and learning from José.
The Governing Board has already begun working with José on goals for the upcoming year. At our August meeting, the Governing Board decided that one of our priorities for the year will be to identify ways in which we can create a more welcoming environment for visitors. We are a warm and welcoming congregation. However, over time, we may have developed habits or practices that do not reflect that warmth. Throughout the year, we will explore a variety of ways in which we may inadvertently give a less than welcoming impression to visitors, including greeting practices, appearance of the building and grounds, layout of Eddy Hall and availability of information about Bell Street Chapel and Unitarian Universalism. Committee chairs are encouraged to consider these issues as well and to make suggestions for improvements to the Board. Together we can ensure that people who come in to Bell Street feel welcome and find it easy to participate in our community.
This is indeed an exciting time at Bell Street. We have begun a journey of self-exploration. As we move along this journey we will, with the help of our consulting minister, identify and articulate our vision, mission, and futures. As with all self-exploration, some of the work will be challenging, and the process will undoubtedly change us. However, this congregation has energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to building a vital spiritual community. We are ready for this challenge, and the Governing Board looks forward to this journey with you.
In faith,
Don Laliberte, President
Comments
Got something to say?