Minister's Message
Rev. Hoyt-McDaniels writes a weekly Minister's Message for our church newsletter. Here are the most recent messages. For an archive of earlier messages visit Rev. Hoyt-McDaniel's personal website.
May 18, 2024, "Email Scam"
Once again, I want to warn our community to be careful with emails that may seem to be from me, but are not. It’s easy for a scammer to create a fake email address that looks like it might be from me, and then fool you into spending money, such as buying gift cards, supposedly to help me or a church member. Check the email address. If you’re ever suspicious the best strategy is to open a new email and contact me directly, or call or text me at the contact information listed in the church directory.
It’s wonderful that our church members are so full of good will and eager to help. It’s sad that someone would try to take advantage of that generosity. Don’t be fooled!
May 11, 2024, "Songs of the Soul'"
I've been having so much fun singing with the church choir. Rehearsal are fun. Singing on Sundays is fun. Our biggest event of the year takes places this evening with our Spring Concert titled, "Songs of the Soul."
What you may not know is that our director of Music and Technology, John Bergquist, has selected a musical program and written program notes for each selection that link the music to our church's mission statement and covenant ("Love is the spirit of this church" etc.). Tonight's concert is a great, low-key opportunity to introduce your friends to Unitarian Universalism and to our community. If you haven't already bought tickets, or want to buy a few more, the link is here.
See you tonight!
May 4, 2024, "Article II Forum'"
This Sunday, I hope you'll join me for worship on the theme of Democracy (our fifth UU Principle) and plan on staying after worship for a forum discussing the future of Article II of the UUA Bylaws where the Seven UU Principles formally reside. I've prepared an argument against a proposed revision which you can read here. Jacki Weber will deliver a response in favor of the revision.
Jacki's and my dual intention for this forum is to educate the congregation about this significant proposal and also to model how folks in a community can disagree about a controversial issue in a manner that leads to deeper learning and better decisions. I look forward to hearing Jacki's arguments and having my current opinion challenged. To disagree with respect is the foundation of a democratic system, which is also what I'll preach about earlier that morning.
April 27, 2024, "Budget Process"
With our Stewardship Campaign behind us… (you’ve attended a small group meeting, shared your thoughts and feelings about the church, carefully considered your most generous pledge, filled out your pledge card and mailed it in) you may be wondering what the budget will look like for next year. Here’s the next steps in the process;
The Finance Committee has met several times in April to consider our income and expense requests. They will present a draft budget to the Board at their meeting on May 13. The Board will then further refine the budget and schedule a series of budget hearings for the congregation in late May and early June. The Board will approve a recommended budget at their June 10 meeting. The congregation will then have a couple of weeks to review the Board’s recommended budget before voting to approval a final budget on June 30.