Annual Budget Drive: 2023-2024
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From the Heart
What a difference a year can make! 2022-23 brought us together in person and online.
UUCE’s capable staff is a well-functioning team, ready to travel with us to fulfill our mission.
Pictured: Jennifer Williams, Susanne Giordano, Joe Rondeau, Kat Johnson, Ryan Doppelmayr, Tina DeYoe, Rev. Jen Youngsun Ryu, Izzy Crecca, and Austin Eldridge (left to right).
We Grew in So Many Ways...
We grew in numbers, welcoming nearly 30 new members. We grew our Faith Formation programs for Children and Youth, with the Youth Group resuming meetings, and the nursery reopening for the youngest among us. We expanded our access for worship services, making the chapel a dedicated space for people needing less stimulation during worship, while maintaining online access for the 50 or more people who join us on Zoom each week. Our music program grew with the addition of the Chalice Choir.
Pictured: Our Awesome Teaching Team, Imani DenHerder, Kerra McSpadden, Grace Pike, and Mel Keller (left to right).
Pictured: UUCE Members at the MLK Day March outside Autzen Stadium.
We kept on learning...
We found opportunities for education and spiritual growth. Youth participated in Coming of Age and Our Whole Lives (OWL).
Adults of all ages were invited to participate in Faith Forward classes like UU Elevator Speech and the Spiritual Leadership Path.
Our justice groups held educational events, from UU Earth Action movie nights featuring climate focused documentaries, to the Accessibility Task Force’s public webinars. We partnered with SURJ for a workshop on Defund Fear where we reimagined safety in our community.
We shared and enjoyed each other's company...
We connected at the All-Church Picnic, hosted monthly potlucks, and Caregiver Nights Out. We held holiday events for families and anyone who loves intergenerational activities. We returned to many of our annual events, including the Book Sale, Solstice Spiral, and the Holiday Bazaar (pictured, right).
We showed up for our community...
Community offerings continued to support worthy causes, with another record breaking year. All four conestoga huts have residents. We showed up in protest, at an Anti-gun rally with neighbors, a youth-led March for Choice. We hosted a Pride Day booth, and a Trans Day of Remembrance vigil.
We founded new affinity groups and formed new partnerships including: Defund Fear workshops with SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice), the newly formed Indigenous Connections Circle, a Pagan Affinity Group, LGBTQIA+ Group, and UUketarians. We also hosted community events including the Oregon Interfaith Hub’s Services, TransPonder’s Gala Fundraiser, and we look forward to future partnerships!