“Thank you.” Words spoken, and written, to ensure you understand that gratitude abounds within me and the leadership and members of RVUUF.

This past calendar year has been so meaningful in many ways. Last January you began your search for a new mission and once we peeled back all the words/ideas/opinions to discover you want to “Embrace diversity, empower connection and engage in the work,” you’ve begun to learn how to do just that, together.

Participation in Soul Matters Circles offered an embrace of each other. A variety of Social Justice actions including supporting the food bank and homeless shelter in Ashland and inviting homeless to eat Thanksgiving dinner and proclaiming Black Lives Matter witnessed your embrace of others. You’ve empowered your connections within RVUUF with board game nights, Camp Latgawa, and holiday craft event.

The Neighborhood teams support of Sunday morning services has helped to create a sense of community and belonging for many, including meaningful Sunday services filled with inspiring music. Your welcoming of new members always gives hope that RVUUF continues to meet needs and stay relevant in today’s world.

You’ve engaged in the work trying to figure out how to address the homeless needs of families in Ashland, empowering connections with vulnerable people. You’ve continued the work of learning compassion for each other in mine and Rev. Cat’s practice classes, alongside the compassion you’ve shown to oppressed people in the valley by standing up to hate.

You’ve contributed financially all year long to special offerings given away every month and to the everyday functioning supported by a very committed and talented staff. You’ve comforted and supported members who are struggling with health as the congregation ages. And you’ve embraced families who do their best with all they face raising a family in the Rogue Valley.

Thank you for giving of yourself. Thank you for giving your time, talent and resources in 2016. Thank you.

The new year promises to be full of challenges in the face of uncertainty, and it promises to remind us all that RVUUF is equally as important as in its 63 year history. Your vision and new mission is in place and ready for you to come together in ways you never dreamed about in years past. Hope abounds when in community! Happy New Year!