Rev. Millie Rochester, Associate
Minister
2008 Annual Report to the Congregation
The words of a colleague seem
appropriate: “Sheesh, what a year!” We
have come together these past months, sharing the pleasure of enabling Abhi to
rejuvenate his spirit through a much-deserved sabbatical; the shock of dear
ones’ deaths; the joy of my installation as your Associate Minister; and so
much more. Throughout the year, the
leadership of UUC has met each challenge, and the congregation has both
supported and celebrated.
I take this opportunity to
thank Abhi; Reverend Mark Morrison-Reed; members of the Board, especially Linda
Stoller and Susan Hegner; committees, especially the Sabbatical Committee,
Committee on Ministry and RE Committees; and church staff, especially Office
Administrator Yvonne Charneskey; RE Assistant Christine Pensa and recent
Assistant Rosanne Silverman; plant manager Janine Tompkins; and Music Director
Frank Wells. Most of all, I thank the
volunteers of UUC, especially those who contributed to the success of the RE
program.
And finally, I thank those of
you who made my Installation Ceremony such a festive and moving occasion, a day
that will live in my memory forever.
Here is a summary of my
activities this church year, in categories:
Religious Education-related
Children and youth registration and attendance decreased from last year, reflecting the
loss of several very active families.
Drawing to the end of the church year, there are 70 children and youth,
and attendance is about half that. To
accommodate low attendance at 9:00, we offered a light breakfast, however the
RE Committee recommended in November that volunteer resources be devoted
instead to the later service. Nursery
and child care are provided at 9:00.
Congregational luncheons
sponsored by the RE program continued this year. Special thanks to Charlotte Olson, who coordinated these events,
and to the many volunteers who devoted countless hours to cooking, setting up,
serving, and cleaning – the congregation really cannot thank these people
enough. Proceeds from the luncheons
enable us to train leaders and offer the renowned comprehensive human sexuality
program, Our Whole Lives for 7th-9th
graders next year, beginning in January.
The leaders are Heather and John Carpenter, Lore Eargle, Ray Williamson,
Ken Bliznick, and Meredith Machler.
Adult education was very successful, thanks to the stellar speakers who offered
courses, as well as our “in-house” volunteers.
Covenant Groups grew by 3 this year, and include at this count 129 people. Many thanks to Helga Reaves, the
coordinator. There are about a dozen other
ongoing groups.
Courses have included:
Understanding Islam (Abhi), 3 sessions
of UU History (Abhi, Millie, Wayne Arnason), Introduction to Buddhist Thought
and Culture (Frank Tedesco), Pathways to Membership (3 series led by Abhi and
Millie), Public Speaking Without Stage Fright (Bob Schneiter), The Money Taboo
(Mark Morrison-Reed), The Equanimity Equation (Michael Schuler), Life Lines –
Holding on and Letting Go (Millie), A Musical Trilogy – Thinking, Feeling,
Healing (Bob Schneiter, Susan Golden), Reconstructing Progressive Liberal
Religion for the 21st Century (John Buehrens), Articulating Your UU
Faith (Millie).
Worship
Due to Abhi’s sabbatical, I
have been a more visible presence in the sanctuary this year than in the past,
serving as Worship Leader and/or preaching.
I preached at UUC in August, September, October, January, March, and
May; and on request for another congregation another Sunday in March. I’ve been asked to preach for three more congregations
later this year. When I am not in the
sanctuary, I lead children in worship, and when I cannot, make other
arrangements.
Pastoral Care
Difficult family transitions,
illness, deaths and grief have affected UUC this year. Counselors from Hospice of the Florida
Suncoast and three Trauma Team specialists have supplemented what I have
offered in care. I touch base with
Jackie Brown, chair of the Cares and Concerns Committee, at least once a week,
meet with people by phone, in my office, at homes, in hospitals, and try to be
available whenever needed. Thanks to
Jackie Brown for her capable tracking and follow-through of the many people who
have been beset by circumstance this church year.
More than 200 people attended
the service I led with Mark Morrison-Reed December 15th to bring the
UUC family together in the aftermath of tragedy. In one 5-week span of time, I led 6 memorial services, including
two in the wider community, and participated in two others after that.
Monthly events such as Lunch
and Conversation with the Ministers and having lunch with UU residents of
Bayview Gardens provide opportunities for people to connect with one another,
and I always look forward to them.
Outreach
Some events occur annually,
such as a Blessing of the Animals, which I participate in. Several other activities/events came up this
year: 3 interviews with students writing about Unitarian Universalism, one with
the Family Resources Center, pre-marital counseling and non-member weddings;
participation in a community event to honor the homeless who died during the
year.
Denominational concerns
I consulted several times
this year with the Communications Director of the UUA, John Hurley, who
provided advice in dealing with the media.
Rev. Kenn Hurto, the Florida District Executive, was also very helpful.
I have met regularly with
other ministers in the Cluster and Florida District, and led a workshop at the
District Annual Meeting, and have been asked to lead a workshop for the Liberal
Religious Educators at GA in June. I
was recently nominated to serve on the Board of LREDA, a continental
organization. As a seminary program
advisor, I meet by phone with a seminarian and submit monthly reports; and meet
monthly with a new minister whom I mentor.
Administration
In Abhi’s absence this year,
my office hours shifted to coincide with his, and I have led the monthly staff
meetings. I continue to meet regularly
with Christine Pensa, who brings immense talent to her role as RE
Assistant. Volunteer recruitment and
child care arrangements are ongoing challenges for both of us.
I look forward to enabling
greater connections among our members and friends
In the 2008-09 church year,
and hope you will share your insights with me.
Respectively submitted,
Rev. Millie Rochester