Author: Laurie Gauer
Welcome to LFUU's 2025-26 Program Year! My first instinct was to say, “Welcome HOME!” After 35 years as a member, the beginning of our program year feels like a homecoming to me. But if you haven’t been coming to Lake Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists for very long, maybe it doesn’t yet. My second instinct was to say, “Welcome BACK!” But perhaps you’ll be visiting us for the first time . . . I’m excited for you and us!
Although we’ve been on our program break, we had several Fellowship gatherings over the summer to keep us connected: Building & Grounds Clean-up on May 31st, No Kings Protest in June, Picnic in July, Canoe Trip and Rummage Sale in August, and Book Club met all three months. A huge thanks to the Rummage Sale committee and everyone who donated items to sell: the effort added over $1,000 to our treasury!
Individuals and committees have been working over the summer to move us forward and ensure a successful program year. In June, our Board of Trustees had two meetings in one: the last of 2024-25 and the first of 2025-26. Our next meeting is September 11. The meeting notice, agenda, and request for additional agenda items will be sent to you on Monday next week.
This fall, I’m looking forward to being delighted, inspired, and challenged by our upcoming programs. To be reminded of our values and why I’ve been a UU for 35 years. To gather with you all more often. To support our community with our monthly food collection and Soup Sunday. And to be grounded and comforted by our routines and rituals, and the knowledge that they are ever evolving and transforming to fit our needs and meet the moment.
Last year, I wrote a Message from the Chair every week. It was a bit much, so this program year, I’m writing one every month. Marnie will continue to send a weekly newsletter with timely notices and reminders.
In closing, I’m sharing a message that was sent to congregational leaders from Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association. I encourage you to read it and watch the video, which includes messages from several UUA leaders:
Beloveds,
It is my great honor to bring you greetings and welcome as we lean into a new congregational year. In this video message, recorded for all our congregations and communities to share at this time of ingathering and renewal, I join with leaders from across the faith to offer words of courage and enduring commitment. Together, the shared voices of religious professionals, lay leaders and UUA staff invite us to consider how we are called to live our values in these days.
In Gathering Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=167D6sZMPcI&feature=youtu.be
We know that our ministries unfold in challenging and complex times. And yet, our tradition teaches that love’s reach is expansive enough to include everyone, that no one is excluded from worth and dignity, and that this love has the power to overcome the fear that silences and stills us.
As my colleague CB Beal has said, "we must be intentional about moving fear out of the center and replacing it with love - over and over again - as often as is necessary.” May we do this work of centering love - connected as a faith and in our own communities. In all that this congregational year will bring, may we lift each other up as we meet this moment, together.
-- Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, UUA President
Yours in Fellowship,
Laurie Gauer, Chair, LFUU Board of Trustees