By Jessica Alaimo, Executive Director, Murray Grove & Parker Cohen, Murray Grove Board Secretary My name is Jessica Alaimo. With the help of Parker Cohen, Murray Grove’s Board Secretary, and a member of UUCWC, I am honored to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the historic Murray Grove. As I step into this role, … Continue reading Murray Grove Hosts Homecoming on October 5

By Scott Cullen, CrossCurrents Editor Welcome to the first of an ongoing Q&A series featuring congregation members. In our first installment, Nick Mellis, the promoter behind the Cosmic Crossings concert series, discusses his inspiration for starting the series, the music, the challenges of running a non-profit concert series, and why UUCWC is an excellent venue … Continue reading Inside Cosmic Crossings with UUCWC’s Nick Mellis

by Chris Piatek, Food Ministry Team Roland (Rollie) Rahn, a cherished UUCWC member for many years, was devoted to the Food Ministry and to serving the church in countless ways. Rollie had a passion for cooking and made meals for others whenever he could. When Rollie passed away in 2015, his wife Lori and daughters … Continue reading Roland Rahn Memorial Scholarship Supports Graduating Culinary Academy Students

By Leslie McGeorge, Co-chair, Earth and Climate Ministry How bad is climate change? What do we need to do to avoid the worst? What are utilities, states, and the federal government doing about it? How can I reduce my carbon footprint and save money simultaneously? Can I get incentives for an energy audit, weatherization, buying … Continue reading Strategies for Reducing Climate Pollution and Saving Money

By Sandee Steinberg, Chair, Finance Committee The Finance Team is lucky to have many returning members this year, as well as an excellent addition. The returning members are Barbara Drew (Auction Team), Scott Blaydon and Jane Root (Stewardship), Mike Hanson and Bonnie Gilbert (Endowment), George Faulkner (Capital Project Treasurer), and Denny Rodgers (UUCWC Treasurer and … Continue reading Meet Your 2024-2025 Finance Team

by Holly Bussey, Liaison, Denominational Affairs Many ideas were generated at this year’s General Assembly (GA). Whether or not a congregation wishes to further study, discuss, and take action is up to them. UUCWC will be working to incorporate our Values statement into all we do along with our continued work with racial justice and … Continue reading All Aboard for GA 2025!

By Lisa Schilansky, Ministerial Intern An adage says, put three Unitarian Universalists into a room, get four opinions. One thing I’ve learned in my seven years attending General Assembly (GA), is that we are a gloriously pluralistic faith. We talk a lot about religious pluralism, but to have such a difference of opinions and experiences means … Continue reading Keeping Love at the Center Even When It’s Hard

by Holly Bussey, Liaison, Denominational Affairs With love centered as a core value of the faith, more than 3,400 Unitarian Universalists from around the country and world gathered for an all-virtual Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly (GA) 2024, June 20–23. GA brought together 2,757 credentialed delegates from 734 congregations in 50 states as well as … Continue reading Highlights from a Historic Virtual General Assembly

Greetings! I’m thrilled to be taking over for Chris Piatek as the editor of CrossCurrents. This is, obviously, my first edition as editor. I trust you will be patient as I learn this new program. Starting with this issue, and over the next few months, you may see some changes in the newsletter’s formatting and appearance—unintentional … Continue reading From the Editor: Only the Beginning