from the Board President
David’s Musings
~ Dave Thompson, Incoming Board President
I had a great joy this week of having my son and nine-year-old granddaughter visit. They live in North Carolina and it has been awhile since I have seen them. He is in the Army and about to embark on his 4th tour, this time to Afghanistan.
As the holidays draw near, the importance of the family and friends in our lives takes on a special feeling. Warm loving thoughts seem to pop up more often. Remembering past joys, deeds and adventures fills my mind with how important my connections are to me and those I interact with. Regrets too, intrude on my ponderings. I try to not give them much time or feeling, as truly, the past is just that and cannot be changed. By focusing on the good and joyful things, I transport myself into a joyful state of being, thus spreading my joy into the world for others to receive. Spreading joy is one of my personnel missions along with helping others find their true selves.
And Evergreen has its own joy to spread, with the Evening of Music on the 21st and then Real Folk bringing their unique brand of foot stomping music and cheer on December 12. The Winter Solstice celebration on December 18 is another special event not to miss. I wish I could attend the Candlelight Service on December 24, but that’s the night I spend with my
extended family having our own brand of spirituality and celebrating the best of the season.
In these uncertain times of financial upheaval and doubts for the future, it’s no better time to rejoice for what we have, and how we share it with eachother and the world.
Namaste.
Evergreen Money Matters
~ Jim Lehnus,Treasurer
Town Hall Meeting on December 13
There will be a town hall meeting in the Sanctuary following the service on December 13. The purpose of this meeting is to fulfill the requirement mandated at the annual meeting in June for a six month financial review of the 2009/2010 budget in relation to realized revenues. The budget approved by the congregation in June called for a balanced budget for this fiscal year. Jim Lehnus will outline our budget status, and actions that will be necessary for the rest of the fiscal year to insure that we do maintain a balanced budget. The meeting should start at 12 noon and we will provide the location as we get closer to that date.
This meeting should be of interest to everyone in the congregation, and does in fact, affect everyone. Please plan to attend and be willing to participate in a positive manner to discuss the financial health and direction of our community.
Council on Committees Meeting
~Karen Totten, Board Vice President
On November 22, the Council of Committees met. You may be asking yourself, “What is the Council of Committees?” Glad you asked. This council is comprised of the chairs, coordinators, or leaders of each committee of our fellowship. We met to introduce ourselves to each other, share where we are this year so far and what our work means to Evergreen. Twenty of our leaders were able to attend to be a part of this process of our “learnership” (as Bruce would say).
As vice-president, I will be sharing the final committee list with the Board at our December meeting. At that point, we can share the list of committees with you as a congregation, so you also know what work is being done for our Evergreen home.
If you are interested in joining one of these groups, contact information will be listed. New people always bring different ideas and energy to our work.