Dear Ones,

What a wonderful weekend! Our 20th Anniversary Founders Day dinner was amazing! Much gratitude to Julia Peters and her team of cooks, bakers, and sous chefs for the delicious food. It was also wonderful to be treated to musical entertainment from various members. There is so much talent here! And the surprise quilts for Rev. Nan and me – oh, my. They are beautiful works of art, to treasure forever. Thank you, Jan Spencer, for working your quilting magic with these pieces of fabric from members of the congregation.

Special gratitude to Grace Drake and the 20th Anniversary Committee for all their hard work in making this all come together. AND for every person who helped make the weekend a success. I don’t know all the names, but I know much work went into sprucing up the grounds and buildings, setting up, cleaning up, greeting, and much more.

The Sunday service was uplifting and inspiring! It was so good to have UUFB Minister Emerita Rev. Nan White preach. Afterward there was more food! The Sunday brunch was another tour de force from many wonderful volunteers.

A member recently said to me, “The great think about this congregation is that they come to the plate when help is needed.” Truer words were never spoken.

When you read this, Tom and I will be in Vermont. We won “3 nights in a Vermont condo” in last year’s auction, so that’s where we’ll be!

And that reminds me – the annual auction is just around the corner! Do make plans to attend. It’s always a lot of fun, and there’s something for everyone!

Twenty years is quite a milestone for a congregation. Many who were here at the beginning are no longer with us. Many more have walked through these doors and found a lifesaving message, transformation, a faith home. There’s been much laughter, lots of work, and many tears – and it’s all been worth it. As we celebrate, let’s look forward to what the next twenty years will bring!

Blessings,
Rev. Lori Hlaban