I’m happy to report on the first meeting of the 2025-26 WSUU Board after a fun meet-and-greet potluck.  We begin this year continuing to focus on the ongoing work of supporting and growing our Westside community. 

I am excited that we are in process of choosing our new Director of Religious Education (DRE) search and will have news to give the congregation soon. Many thanks to Rev. Katie for her commitment to our youth and we wish her well as she finishes out her time with us.  I’m also happy to report that a decision was made to fund training for Leilani Davenberry to support her as she continues her inspiring work with BIPOC small group ministries.  And lastly and notably, Rev. Carter and a volunteer group are working to launch a pastoral care team.  Look for further information and a group name shortly.

It was great to hear from Leilani Davenberry who did a wonderful/informative presentation to the Board about her online General Assembly (GA) experience.  From outreach to BIPOC groups and potential participation in Common Read – a denomination-wide reading and discussion of particular books to foster community and deeper conversations – Leilani’s learning and enthusiasm were contagious!  And speaking of enthusiasm, Scott Farrell attended the Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries Conference in Atlanta in July and came back inspired and brimming with ideas for the music program at Westside.  He’s recruiting new choral members for WSUU so contact him at music@wsuu.org if you have any questions or would like to join.

Great things within the church structure abound as well.  A contract has been signed for our new entry doors that were funded from the $12,000 given during the paddle raise portion of the recent WSUU auction. Molto grazie to Dan Day for replacing the 15-year-old wood step at the office entrance with a fine permanent concrete one.  Thanks to Soph Davenberry, Steve Finney and Dan Day for installing the new screen at the back of the chancel allowing folks in front on the chancel to see and read what’s on the screen behind them.  And finally, many thanks to Shannon Day for her tireless work, in addition to all her regular activities, in transitioning all WSUU operations to the new Icon church administrative system. 

Keep an eye out for future Board reports at Westside; there’s so much more to come!  And please feel free to contact the Board at board@wsuu.org.

Don Wahl, Board Vice President