The Board was delighted with another successful Winter Solstice service – and sends a big thanks to all the volunteers who worked so diligently to prepare for this. Our fundraising for the Neighbour Centre surpassed last year by a large margin!
Our community came together in a heartening way for the celebration of life for Paula Ulrich. It was Jacqueline Willette’s first time as our Lay Chaplain, and she provided a wonderful service. We also learned some creative ways we can maximize the use of our space.
Jacqueline’s formal installation as our Lay Chaplain will take place on Sunday February 9th and it’s also a Harmonia and Potluck Sunday, so let’s all come out and congratulate Jacqueline!
Following a presentation to the Board by Sara McEwan, we moved to endorse her to research the records, written and otherwise, that pertain to the history of the land on which Westwood is situated, and to learn more about contemporary Land Back initiatives as a part of Westwood’s exploration of Truth & Reconciliation. This information will be shared with the congregation at a future date.
Thanks to Sara and Lindsay for a major kitchen reorganization! Check the table in the basement for items that no longer serve our needs and are seeking new homes. Westwood has come a long way in tidying up the basement – but there is still more work to be done, particularly in the former nursery.
The Board was sad to hear that Hannah, our multiplatform technician, will be focusing on university in the fall so we will be looking for someone to fill the position. On the job training will be provided prior to September. Please put your networks to use to help us find someone. Contact Lorian for more information: president@westwoodunitaran.ca
We are going to resume use of the Meetup app on a trial basis to see if this helps people find our programs and services. Please make sure Elaine gets the information she will need to keep the postings up to date.
We are going to discontinue the Skip the Depot clothing donation program as it has not generated sufficient revenue to compensate for the space the donation bin takes up in the back yard. The bin may stay in place for a few months until it can be removed. However we will still continue with the bottle pick-up service.
The Board moved to endorse the CUC’s affirmation of transgender and non-binary communities and reaffirm our support for the principle of the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
Register now for Gratitude & Inspiration: a choral weekend featuring Paula Roberts, running March 7-9th.
Save the date: Beyond Land Acknowledgement Soup and speaker series March 16. Note this has moved from a Friday evening to Sunday evening.
At this January Zoom meeting, the Board also happily recognized the 10th anniversary of our wonderful Administrator, Elaine Jeong, with a small gift of appreciation! Anytime you need help, she is there to figure things out. Congratulations to Elaine on her 10th Anniversary with Westwood!
