Spirit of Life Unitarian Universalists

As we move into summer, we celebrate the changing season, and changes at Spirit of Life UU, welcoming new Spirit of Life UU president Dara Moore, with thanks for ten amazing years of leadership to past president Diana Dechichio . See Diana’s message below and read on to enjoy more news and updates.

June Sermons

6/6 Rev. Patrick Munsell
6/13 Roddy Biggs
6/20 Bonnie Dassing
6/27 General Assembly Sunday service

Chalice Chatter from your President

Dear friends,

This is the last President’s letter I am writing to you. I have been your President for 10 years and I am happy to be turning over the gavel to Dara Moore for the upcoming year.

How to sum up the past 10 years? We have weathered a pandemic. We have seen ministers come and go. We have seen members and friends come and go, from relocation, death or other reasons. It is always sad to see someone go but we know we don’t suit everyone. We have had rental experiences, mostly good, occasionally not so good. We have a couple of long term solid rentals and we are more financially sound than we have been. Our core membership is strong and vital. Our online distribution list is growing. Our building and property are paid for. The building
needs constant upkeep and maintenance but whose house doesn’t?

It is bittersweet to write this last letter ending my tenure as President. But I know it is for the best for the church and for me. We need new ideas and a fresh focus. We need the perspective of someone different. We have been coasting along for a while now, surviving but not planning for a future.

While, as I said above, our core membership is strong and vital, we have very few people doing the work of many. Over the years I have taken on more tasks than are part of the President’s role. In preparing for my summer in Maine, I have had to delegate quite a few things.

Stepping down as President does not mean I am going anywhere. Dan and I are NOT moving. Dan will continue as Treasurer. I will stay on the board for a Past President year. And of course I will probably still continue to do some of the “extra” things I used to do, like Denominational Affairs and Parish Life. You all know that sitting still is not my style!

In summary, it has been my joy, honor, and privilege to serve Spirit of Life as its President since 2009 (Terri Willingham served from 2012-2014).

Thank you for your confidence in me.

With love and faith, Diana

Spirit of Life UU 2021 Board of Directors & Trustees

Please join us in welcoming this year’s leadership team!

President—Dara Moore Vice-President—Gary Seckinger
Secretary—Melodie Oleson Treasurer—Dan Dechichio
Past-President– Diana Dechichio
Trustees—Kathy Schaedel, Jerold Crawford

Parish Life

One of the topics during the May Board Meeting was a discussion on  policies for reopening in September. The decision was to open with services outside on the pavilion, with everyone masked, even if vaccinated. Coffee hour will also be held on the pavilion. Store bought food only and paper plates to be used. THINK was advised to follow CDC guidelines when they open in September.
 
One of the topics this year at General Assembly is the 8th principle. It will be a two year process, this year at GA there will be discussion, with voting to be held at next year’s General Assembly. The board decided on Sunday to hold off on any decision making for us until our Diversity Task force can convene and other churches in the cluster decide how they will proceed. 

Jerold and Jeff have rebuilt the fire pit. It is beautiful! Thanks Jerold and Jeff!

Here is something exciting— The SANDBARR VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE has built their courts and have started practices!

Share the Plate for June: The American Heart Association

For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke and helping families and communities thrive. This month, you can designate your Share the Plate charity contributions to the American Heart Association by including an additional donation with your pledge contributions.

About Spirit of Life Unitarian Universalists

Spirit of Life Unitarian Universalists is covenantal and eclectic faith community located in Odessa, FL that welcomes seekers from all spiritual, theological and philosophical backgrounds who wish to join in a free, rational and responsible search for truth and meaning in their lives.

Please join us remotely each Sunday at 11am until we can join together in health and safety once more, later this year.