Hello Chalice friends and readers of this newsletter! This is my first column as your new congregation President, and the beginning of my second time being President. My last time was exactly ten years ago, for the 2015 – 2016 fiscal year. So much as happened in our lives since then, but I am excited to work together with our Board, for you! 

I want to welcome first-time visitors to Chalice and first-time visitors to our website. “You Are Welcome Here” is something that you hear quite a bit when you visit in person. Please do visit our inclusive congregation for a Sunday service, if you are thinking about it. Are you a spiritual refugee? Please visit and connect with new friends who share your values. We have childcare but children are welcome in our services. We also have Religious Education programs which, during the summer months, have many fun activities. Our welcome song is sung during the beginning of each service in both English and Spanish–”eres bienvenido aquí”. Each service is unique and varied, with much wonderful music and singing.

Our recent June 8th Music Service, which you can watch on Chalice’s YouTube channel (search for Chalice Unitarian Universalist Congregation on YouTube.com) with our past services, was titled “Better Together”. This service honors the importance of living in community with one another, recognizing our diversity and appreciation of our mutual needs and interdependence. This service filled me with so much joy! Having so many talented singers and musicians in our congregation come together really lives up to the title “Better Together”! Thanks to all who performed and thanks to all who attended.

Part of our Opening Words in each Sunday service, read aloud by our Worship Associate:

“We are a community of diverse beliefs and experiences, nurturing the liberal religious spirit and united by our desire to grow in love and in service. Whoever you are, whomever you love, whatever your life’s journey, you are welcome here.” 

Spiritual refugees, visitors, friends and members alike, you are welcome here!