Rev. Tina Cansler Clark

Hello High Streeters,

As I write this column, it occurred to me that I have been here exactly 2 months. My goodness, a lot has happened in that short 60 days. We’ve had great joy (the announcement of a new little one who will be born into our church family in the coming year), and great sorrow in the crossing over of our beloved Donna Davis and Roby Kerr. (May their memories be a blessing.) Isn’t that the nature of family, though? Joys and sorrows held together in Love and connection.

We have some exciting opportunities coming soon, with workshops and special services as we move into the holidays. (Watch the church calendar and our social media.) We’ve taken a deep dive into getting to know our Developmental Goals and will begin our “Reimagining Sessions” very soon. We have the opportunity to create the community we would like to be and I am so looking forward to our work together.

You may have noticed that our Sunday order of service has “A House of Belonging” underneath the picture of our building. I hope we will all adopt that as our way of thinking about High Street—a place, as poet David Whyte says, we can bring the ones we love. And a place where we can be our authentic selves and know that we will be loved. A place that offers us opportunities to live a life of service to the good of the world. And a place that does indeed hold our joys and our sorrows.

As we move into the season of gratitude, know that my heart is filled with gratitude for the gift of being your pastor. I see you and I love you all.

Holding you in Love,

Tina

Marie Holliday

As I write this the weather has suddenly turned much cooler, reminding me of the change of the seasons. This means we are about to enter a very busy time in the life of our congregation. I?m glad that Halloween, which is my whole family?s favorite holiday, is on a Saturday this year so that everyone can enjoy it safely together.

The next Saturday, November 7, will be Donna Davis? Celebration of Life Service at 2 p.m., followed by a Reception downstairs. I?m asking everyone who may attend to please bring a nice finger food to share with her family (some of whom are vegetarian).

The next day, November 8, immediately after the Service, we will hold our Annual Fall Congregational Meeting in order elect Officers and Trustees. The Slate consists of: Amy Sumpter, President; Terri Saunders, President Elect; Marie Holliday, Treasurer; and Beth Van Houtte; Spencer Ault; and Bertram Tulloch as returning Trustees. Additionally, Spencer Ault will be on the ballot as a new incoming Endowment Trustee. (Trinity Anderson is in the middle of her two year term as Secretary). Members, please plan now to stay to vote.

On Sunday, November 22, will be our Annual Thanksgiving Potluck with turkey and some dressing provided. Please bring your favorite dish which makes the day very special for you!

On December 21, Sage Circle will host our Annual Winter Solstice Service and on December 24 will be our Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. As a reminder, the Offerings collected at these Services are donated directly to the Minister?s Discretionary Fund, so please decide now to donate generously.

The Annual Incoming/Outgoing Board Retreat will take place January 2 at High Street from 1 to 4 with some lunch included. The next day, Sunday January 3, will be our Annual New Year?s Eve Potluck with ham provided, and you can bring the greens for money, black eyed peas for luck and/or cornbread or a dessert to complete the meal.

On Saturday, January 30, we will hold our Annual Goods and Services Auction at High Street. There will be some work/set up days prior to that, especially on Friday the 29th. Mark your calendars for this fun and important event, and be thinking now of what You can contribute for the enjoyment or aid of your friends.

As always, I thank each of you for everything you bring to High Street?s beloved community!

In faith and love, Marie Holliday

Jim Scott

Based on September financial reports:

Hello, fellow High Street UU Members and friends.

Items of Note:

1. Finances stand at or near the following:

·Pledges received are at 35% of the total goal for the fiscal year while we only are 25% into our fiscal year.

·Expenses are at 30%. A large percentage of these expenses were for building maintenance, repairs, and catch-up of a missed inspection expense from the previous year. The building expenses accrued unexpected costs early in the fiscal year with more building maintenance yet to be done. Building expenses currently stand a little above 50% of allotted expenses used. Any funds donated to the Rose-Heckman Building Fund will help accomplish existing renovations that are greatly needed and will help keep our historic building beautiful and well maintained.

·Total paid staff wages are near our expectations at 33%.

2. As an upcoming member of the Endowment Team and current Treasurer, we have been reevaluating the needs of our Endowment Fund. Our finance team has been talking to several financial institutions to find the best one to handle our Endowment Fund going forward. A comparison will be made to ensure that the fund is more closely managed with better returns and less fees. We will be comparing financial institutions to ensure accessibility, management, and fees are all in OUR best interest (Pun intended. LOL.)

3. We offer several ways you may support the church through donations. With each of the available ways to donate, you can choose the fund you would like the donation to go to.

The various ways you can donate in support of High Street:

·You can donate online through the website at www.highstreetchurch.org

·You can text our code word HSUUC to REALM (73256)

·Pledge envelopes are available in both foyers and in the backs of the chairs in the sanctuary. Please include your name and you may designate a fund for the donation

The current funding choices are:

·Canvass Pledges (Pledges may be made at any time during the year)

·In Memory Donna Davis

·In Memory Roby Kerr

·Plate Offering

·Minister’s Discretionary Fund (MDF)

·Rose-Heckman Building Fund (This fund used for all types of building expenses)

·Grace of Goddess – unexpected donations

You may even split your donation between two funds as well as assist with the processing fees for these transactions. Note: the transaction fees are higher for Credit Card or Debit card entered, they’re a bit less by ACH transfer where you enter the Routing and accounts number from your bank account. If you need assistance with online giving, please feel free to reach out to Debra Clapp at bookkeeper@hsuuc.org or drop by the office after services on Sundays.

4. Please, we ask everyone to be diligent in keeping the church safe and as well as not escalating utility bills. Safety Team has a procedure in place to be completed by the last people leaving the building. The fire doors and building check are part of the safety check. The front door and North stairwell door may stick so they need to be pushed or pulled hard. The procedures also include lights in all areas of the church being turned off when the last person leaves.

5. The Care Team and Social Justice Team have joined up to create food boxes for people in need. Members, friends, and community will be able to get a box of staple foods to take with them. This will provide relief to the MDF (Minister’s Discretionary Fund) expenses. On Oct 25th in the fellowship hall, we had several volunteers help assembling 25 food boxes. They will be stored in the office. We will replenish as needed.

Thank you for your time and attention,

Jim Scott