Committee Chair: Richard McLeod

2nd year of term

Committee Members: Laura Culler, Peck Drennan, Rebecca Drennan, Marc Drews, Anna Hamilton, Jessica Kross, Richard McLeod, Pat Mohr, Connie Quirk, Larry Siegel, John Starino, Phil Turner, Judy Turnipseed. Contributors: Linda Brennison, Karen Brown, Rod Brown, Scott Sargent, Mckenzie Scott. Board liaison: Emilio Pérez-Jorge. Ex-officio: Rev. Stephen Robinson.

• Major accomplishments this year.

Our most involved task this year was transitioning from Zoom service back to in-person services in the sanctuary. Simultaneously, we assisted in setting up YouTube streaming to expand our audience. David Roof and the Tech Committee were instrumental in completing this task.

As is the main duty of this committee, we arranged guest speakers for the Sundays Rev. Robinson was not in the pulpit, generally once each month. With his guidance we filled the calendar with a variety of appropriate speakers to supplement his sermons. A list of potential speakers continues to be maintained and expanded.

In-person services that required essential elements were coordinated and maintained. Service leaders gave the welcome, arranged and guided chalice lighters, presented community Share the Plate representatives, and welcomed musical guests arranged by Music Director Anna Hamilton. Attendance was counted at each service.

The committee and church members were kept apprised on the committee’s progress through agendas, notes, committee reports, budget requests, attendance counts, and an annual report.

The committee serves as one of the sounding boards for the minister when input is needed for directions and details of church activities and general UUCC direction.

• Please briefly describe any factors that facilitated or impeded your work this year.

We have added several new members to the committee, resulting in a wider age range. They have brought their own talents, suggestions, and viewpoints that assist us in making more appropriate plans. A number of church members attended committee meetings by their request or when requested by the committee. These contributors attended when appropriate and made valuable suggestions.

Rev. Stephen Robinson exhibited the leadership and the flexibility required to maintain smooth operation and scheduling of Sunday services. He was always willing to step in to fill any gap and to offer helpful coordinating advice.

As feared but expected, our plans and operations were somewhat impeded by the Covid-19 pandemic. This led to restrictions in presenting services as well as the attendance and comfort level of parishioners.

Monthly committee meetings were held on Zoom the first Wednesday of the month, which had the advantage of ease of attendance for members, though social interaction was more limited.

• Any special initiatives continuing into the next program year.

Having meetings on Zoom encouraged better attendance at committee meetings. Afternoon meetings seem to be more desirable for those who hesitate to drive at night for in-person meetings.

Not really an initiative, but promoted as regular elements of a Sunday service, was a variety of appropriate music from UUCC and guest musicians. These appearances greatly enhanced the service and seemed to be appreciated by the congregation. The music coordinator has been very adept at providing those and relating them to the topic of each service.

Through messages from the minister and guest speakers we will continue to address adherence to UU principles as well as current national and social issues. Seasonal and multi-generational services will be continued. Of particular emphasis is the ongoing discussion led by the Exploring Denominational Change Committee.

In addition to planning and maintaining a calendar of services, we continue to provide advance publication data about upcoming services for posting on the website, the Unigram, and the mailing of weekly events.

• Future dreams or long-range plans for the committee.

We continue to dream of a capital plan for upgrading the sanctuary with expanded seating, a designated area for choirs, and additional improvements.

The Worship Committee would like to be part of plans for increasing membership, like variety and publicity of services, and services that appeal to younger people or those of racial diversity.

• Constraints on accomplishing these plans.

Sometimes it’s difficult to determine the dynamics of the climate and majority attitudes of the UUCC. It becomes challenging for the Worship Committee to plan appropriately. Components like budgets, membership, and relationship to UUA are variables difficult to assess.

Respectfully submitted.

Richard McLeod, Chair