[printprofilepic]Like many, I drifted into Unitarianism during college. I was influenced in that direction by two friends, both of who actually grew up in the Los Alamos
Unitarian Church. But I knew little about the Unitarian church other than that it was quite liberal with no universal creed or set of beliefs. Despite my general lack of knowledge, I have been a friend or member of a Unitarian organization–first in Albuquerque, then Pullman, Washington, then here — since 1964. But through the years, I was still relatively ignorant of the tenets of the UU Church.
In the early 2000’s, our last minister, Rev. Jim MacComber, offered a class on UUism and Earle Marie and I decided to attend. Earlier, I had developed a part of my belief system that stated, if there were a God, I would lead my life such that He or She would certainly take me to Heaven, if it existed. During Jim’s class, I found out that this was a component of the second U in the UU Association. Before the class, I had no real idea of what Universalism represented.
A second revelation came when Jim made a statement about one of our Seven Principles. My reply was, “What Seven Principles?” And I soon become even more enlightened about the UU belief system.
The point of my two stories is: you, like me, can drift into this religion without first checking it out, but that’s probably not the best way. There are many sources of information available, starting with the literature and books available at our Church, or the UUA website (uua.org) or by talking to others. Better still, take one of the adult Religious Education classes that John periodically offers such as “Building Your Own Theology,” currently on-going (and unfortunately for me, filled).
Learning more on what the UU religion is all about is only part of it. It is still necessary to keep up to date on what is happening in our local Los Alamos Church. To find out what is going on right now, check out our website, www.uulosalamos.org. (If you don’t know the user name and password, call the Church office administrator or send an email to webmaster@uulosalamos.org) Inside our website you’ll find a number of informational documents such as the Church’s Constitution and Manual. I continually use these two references when I am trying to figure out how to carry out my duties. In fact, I carry a copy of these two documents to all meetings I attend. In addition, our website has things such as the minutes of all Board and Council meetings and other informational documents. And, of course, don’t forget the monthly Voice, either in electronic or printed form; and sign up on announcements@uulosalamos.org to receive church-related bulletins or on community@uulosalamos.org to keep up with other members and friends.
On-going Board Activities
Here are some highlights of the last two Board meetings:
1) We approved a change to a new office phone system and a new lease on an office copier.
2) The Board approved a committee to head the search for a new Director of Religious Exploration and signed off on the job description document.
3) The Board had discussions with the Building Plans Subcommittee and approved the Charge to the Architect document. The Architectural Search Task Force is currently interviewing potential architectural firms.
4) The Steward and Finance Committee have begun discussions of this year’s finance drive and have begun the process of developing a budget.
A Disclaimer
One of the few perks of this job is the opportunity to write this monthly President’s column. In my columns, I have covered subjects and made statements that, I have hoped, were helping to promote the well being of our Church.
The words and ideas I state are mine alone. I neither discuss them with, nor show them to, the minister, the rest of the Board, the Council, or the Committee on Ministry. Everyone sees them first in the Voice the same time that you do (except the Voice editor!).
If you disagree with me, I invite you to talk to me directly rather than passing on your comments second hand through others. I also offer any member or friend the opportunity for a rebuttal column anytime you would like.
Dean Carstens
2010-2011 Church President
