Letter from the UCM Staff
UCM’s Staff, Board, and Executive Team are glad to welcome our new Acting Director of Lifespan Spiritual Exploration, Rowan Van Ness, and our new Sexton, Jason Kass! We are also grateful to Verdis for his past two years as our Ministerial Intern, and are excited to welcome him to our Staff Team this Church Year, as Coordinator of Worship & Arts Production and Adult Lifespan Spiritual Exploration . . . Continue Reading by Clicking Here
Watch your weekly e-newsletters for additional welcoming information about them, when they will be available, and how to contact them.
Also, if you haven’t yet heard, the printed 2022 Directory of Members and Friends is now available! Contact Emily at the UCM office (223-7861) if you would like a copy. Our Online Directory in Breeze is always available with the most up-to-date information, and is easy to use. Emily can set you up with login info and directions.
Emily has added the role of Rental Coordinator to her Office Assistant duties this summer, and we have now been open for rentals since July 9th. Please contact Emily (ucm.space@gmail.com) if you anticipate needing meeting or event space this Church Year (including Committee & Small Group in-person meetings, etc.). You can view our public calendar here.
Finally, we extend our gratitude to Fran Dodd for serving as Treasurer at UCM. With her election to the UCM Board in May, we are now seeking a volunteer for the Treasurer position. Please contact Sam (ucm.130main@gmail.com) for a full job description.
Thank you for your support of our hard-working Staff!
At summer’s beginning in June, the Executive Team (ET) had two thoughts in mind: the search for a new Acting Director of Spiritual Exploration and a new Sexton, and the evolving protocols for opening in the fall, this time with a newly installed ventilation system.
A hiring committee worked hard for most of the summer on the search for our Acting Director of Lifespan Spiritual Exploration, and recommended Rowan Van Ness. Rowan comes with a combination of experience, credentials, and enthusiasm.
The Governing Board agreed that she would be a wonderful choice. The Sexton spot has been filled also, with a highly qualified candidate named Jason Kass. Thanks to our hiring committees for all the work that went into the selection of our newest staff members! Welcome to Rowan and Jason.
The Air Quality Project (AQP) team has worked to deliver fresh air to our building with all the energy it can muster. At our first service on the 11th of September, your experience will be different: masks are now optional, there are no seating requirements, and there will be no sign in.
What are you looking forward to on our first Sunday? Being together, renewing friendships, and joining in our spiritual water ceremony? This is all possible because our AQP team has done the hard work. 
There are a number of key roles to fill this year. The ET hopes those with particular interests will step up to take on special projects, which may take limited amounts of time for great results. If we all share the work, it need not be a burden. Please think about ways you might help in the coming months.
We’re poised for a wonderful year, and hope to see you on the 11th for our first service.
The Executive Team: Rev. Joan Javier-Duval, Claudia Clark, Dawn Evans, and Leslie Parr
Update on COVID-19 Response
Our ventilation system is up and running, and the church has removed all remaining COVID-19 restrictions. While the COVID-19 virus will be with us for a long time, individuals have the information and tools needed to protect themselves and others from serious disease.
Masks are now optional inside the church building. Vaccinations and boosters are still strongly encouraged for in-person participation in church events inside the building.
We encourage congregants to make their own decisions about personal precautions based on their own level of risk. And of course, please stay home if you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms.
Please Note: Please be aware that while the ventilation system will be fully operational during services and other regularly scheduled events, it will not automatically be on everywhere in the church at all times. If you have a question about whether or not it will be running during your church-based activity, please contact Emily Seifert, ucm.space@gmail.com.