November 2024

Kim’s November Did You Know? Video

Watch the latest highly recommended installment of Kim’s Did You Know? video series.

First Quarter Treasurer’s Report

By Denny Rodgers, Treasurer, Board of Trustees

At the annual meeting in June, we projected a net income of at least $26,000 for the last fiscal year. We netted well over that and now have over $344,000 in non-restricted/cash reserve funds available.

At the same meeting, we also approved a budget with a deficit of $37,200 and $7,200 in unbudgeted construction costs for this year. Last year’s increase in reserve funds will negate those costs. In addition, we proposed internally financing $100,000 in Capital Campaign pledges due into 2026, thereby saving over $4,000 in debt service interest.

Subtracting all of that from the reserves, we have almost $200,000 remaining. From that figure, we will hold back $150,000 as a contingency to cover three months of budgeted expenses, leaving us with $50,000 of what I call “opportunity money,” which will grow by $100,000 as Capital Campaign pledges are paid. Other assets include almost $200,000 in the Facilities Reserve Fund for future replacement or maintenance projects – and over $400,000 in the Endowment Fund.

Almost Everything You Wanted to Know about Marilyn Gonzalez

A Q&A with Our New Church Administrator

By Scott Cullen, CrossCurrents Editor

It’s been over two months since Marilyn Gonzalez started her new job at UUCWC as church administrator. I’m sure some of you have had the pleasure of meeting her, while others have yet to have that opportunity. I met Marilyn during her first week at UUCWC. Since then, she’s helped provide me with technical support and guidance as we both learn how to use the new version of our newsletter program.

Whether you’ve met Marilyn or not, it’s time to get to know her better. The following Q&A, which includes some fun questions, will paint a more vivid picture of Marilyn beyond the short bio on the church website. It may also provide a few icebreakers next time you see her.

How did you first become a UU?

Marilyn: Having spent my first thirty years living and working in New York City, I moved to Northern Virginia to work at PBS headquarters in Alexandria. Up until then, Catholicism was a big part of my life as a Latina, but when I moved to Virginia in 1999, things changed. Catholicism was no longer a good fit, and I needed to find a new community that better aligned with my values. I took an online quiz that suggested Unitarian Universalism, so I looked for a church I could try out. I ended up finding my home at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax in Oakton, Virginia and never looked back.

You just started your new role at UUCWC in September; what’s the best part of the job so far?

Eco-Leadership in Action: UUCWC’s Gold-Level River Friendly Initiatives for a Healthier Community

By Steve Saddlemire, Earth and Climate Ministry

One of UUCWC’s best-kept secrets is our participation in The Watershed Institute (Pennington, NJ) River Friendly program. The program is open to nonprofits, individuals, and local businesses who seek to keep our region’s water supply clean and healthy.

We were awarded Gold-level status in 2020 because of our strong policies and practices regarding watershed protection.

Led by the Earth and Climate Ministry (ECM), the implementation of the River Friendly program addresses a collection of more than 16 guidelines intended to enhance our environmental stewardship.

Sound or “green” eco-friendly activities include lawn mowing practices (reduced areas and frequency to maintain a meadow area), stream bank maintenance, reduced use of plastics, conservation-minded maintenance of our grounds, sponsorship of environmental education programs, participation in area cleanups, advocating and applying green energy initiatives and more.

Each initiative is monitored by a member of ECM, and corrective action is taken as required. If you would like to participate in UUCWC’s environmental leadership, contact earthministry@uucwc.org

Hungry Church and Concertgoers Will Love Our Bowl of Chili

By Christine Piatek, for the Food Ministry

Last year’s chili fundraiser for the Interfaith Food Alliance (IFA) was so well-received that the Food Ministry has agreed to sponsor another this year in conjunction with the fabulous jazz band concert on Sunday, December 15^th. Right after the 10 am service and before the noon concert (which you will not want to miss!), the Food Ministry will serve a nourishing and delicious bowl of chili and cornbread for a $5 donation. Proceeds from the chili fundraiser will go to the IFA. There will be take-away containers for those who want to stock up on chili for the coming week. Choose from beef or vegetarian/vegan chili and a side of regular, gluten-free, or vegan corn muffins. Our Sunday Fellowship program will provide coffee and other beverages.

The IFA is a coalition of fourteen faith-based communities joining together to fight hunger in the Morrisville (PA) School District by educating the community, advocating for those in need, and feeding hungry children and their families. UUCWC is one of the faith-based partners providing funding through our Council for Faith in Action’s Faith Expression Funding Team and food insecurity assistance through the Food Ministry.

Support this vital community action and enjoy a wonderful big-band jazz concert on the same day.

Murray Grove: A Sanctuary for Healing, Inclusion, and Community in Turbulent Times

By Parker Cohen, Murray Grove Board Secretary

In today’s contentious political climate, many feel drained, worried, and alienated—particularly those from underserved communities who fear for their rights and voices. Murray Grove stands as a sanctuary where people can reconnect with themselves, find peace in nature, and experience a community built on respect, inclusion, and healing.

Rooted in Unitarian Universalist values, we affirm the inherent worth of every individual, champion justice, and foster inclusive, diverse communities. Murray Grove serves as a safe space for all—LGBTQ+ youth, people of color, those from marginalized backgrounds, and anyone seeking refuge and understanding. Amid societal divisions, we promise to offer a place to breathe, heal, and reconnect.

Our serene setting nurtures the spirit and restores the soul, offering an escape from the pressures of daily life and political turmoil. Here, nature becomes a healing force, inviting rest, reflection, and clarity. It’s a place for joy, contemplation, and community, where being gentle with oneself is encouraged and celebrated. In a world prioritizing productivity, Murray Grove reminds us that rest is both necessary and deserved.

Now more than ever, people yearn for a sense of belonging and safety in a community that celebrates differences. Murray Grove will always be a place to find support, recharge, and reconnect to values of inclusivity, compassion, and social justice. No matter the political climate, we offer a sense of home for all.

In challenging times, we invite you to embrace the beauty of community and the power of togetherness. Murray Grove is here, ready to welcome all who need it. Please, be gentle with yourselves.

Contact us at (609) 693-5558 or via our website to learn how you can use our space for a day, for a weekend, or for programming assistance.