The CVUU Board of directors met Thursday, May 19, 2022. Board meeting minutes are available upon request from the CVUU Board Secretary (Suzanne Miles) or Congregational Administrator (Susie Gullixson), approximately 30 days after the date of the Board meeting. The Board currently holds hybrid Zoom/in-person meetings. The meeting is on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. The meeting is open for congregants to observe. Congregants who want to present something to the Board must notify CVUU Board President Steve Ciganek (ciganeks@gmail.com) prior to the meeting to be included on the agenda. The next Board meeting is June 16, 2022. The following is a synopsis of pertinent items:
Reverend Viola reports the multi-platform worship services have been very successful. Challenges persist around trying to find enough volunteers to staff all aspects of the Sunday service. This has meant a sacrifice of the coffee hour in Zoom on several Sundays. This means that those who are not in-person at the church have lost a vital part of the community engagement that they have relied on for the last two years of the pandemic. • Because of the departure of the Lifespan Faith Development Coordinator, the Minister will not offer Owning Your Religious Past. Depending on staffing and volunteer engagement, it may be offered in the Fall of 2022. • The Minister is facilitating a small group of parents while the children are meeting for Religious Education (RE). It is hoped that the hour before worship will present an opportunity for other offerings to become available. • The Minister has been participating in the planning meetings for the Interfaith Pride Service which will be held on June 21st at 7:00pm at Temple Ohel Sholom in Norfolk. • CVUU received confirmation that they have been accepted as participants in a five-year study focusing on the impact the pandemic has had on congregations. Participation in this study entitles CVUU to an honorarium of $2,500 payable in two installments. CVUU should receive the first installment of $1,250 this year. • The UUA’s General Assembly will be from June 22 to June 26. The Minister will be attending. CVUU needs delegates.
COVID-19 cases in Virginia Beach have risen to “MEDIUM.” Therefore, all congregants and visitors who attend in-person services/events in the sanctuary shall wear a protective mask.
DRE Paul Greggs reports a successful return to in-person RE classes. While there will be no RE during the summer, activities will be held after services. Plans for Chalice Camp are also underway.
Stewardship reports we are at 73% of our $455,000 goal. We have approximately one month before finalizing our FY-23 budget so keep those pledges coming.
CVUU’s Strategic Long-Term Planning Team has developed a wonderful five-year plan. Here are its five main points:
- We want to know each other better (internal) and to be known better in Hampton Roads (external).
- We will raise CVUU’s financial portfolio (and educate the congregation about it more fully).
- We will develop a robust Religious Education (Adult RE included, developing and sustaining leaders, life-span education).
- We will expand work with social justice to put our 8 UU principles into action.
- Take the steps and raise collective understanding to be a fully-operational program church.
Word on the Street is the most recent Community Table evening was so successful that by 5:45 p.m., they were out of food. 50 meals – yes, 50 – were provided. The need in our community is great. Volunteers and financial contributions are always welcome. • As previously reported, Victor Hugo has volunteered to lead our choir for Reverend Viola’s installation. Turns out, he is a “darn-near perfect CVUU Choir Director.”
Board Bouquets:
Leo Bevon, Steve Ciganek, Sally Daniel, Tasha Dockery, Jeanine Harkleroad, David Howell, David Kidd, Nikkie Lucier, Russell Rohring, Stacia Sanders, Robyn Thomas, and Reverend Viola for their work developing our wonderful Strategic Long-Term Plan.
Stacia Sanders, Susie Gullixson, and Tracy Brune for organizing CVUU’s successful first Buy Nothing Fair.
RE Teachers!
Minister’s Installation Committee – Sally Daniel, Martha Shore, Elisa Dickon, Lee Ellen Knight, and Rev. Viola.