Since our Reverend Jessica Star Rockers came to us, KUUF has been talking about Shared Ministry, what it means and what it looks like. Reverend Jessica is a gift and a treasure, as evidenced by last Sunday’s Solstice celebration, which brought so many people into active participation in our service. It was a joy, bringing us together to celebrate the return of the sun. While yesterday had only about 5 more seconds of daylight than the day before, the service reminded us of the hope that lies ahead.
Our community of volunteers, members and friends who give tirelessly of themselves has sustained me with hope through this long time of lockdown, uncertainty, and isolation. Below are some of the ways individuals are making our Fellowship stronger, and putting love out into the world, serving KUUF in personal ministry. I know there is more than what I share here, but I want you to know how members and friends of our Fellowship are giving their time, talent and treasure to build our beloved community.

Our holiday food drive collected more that $3000 and 800 pounds of food for the Bremerton Helpline.
After an immense maple tree fell onto the drain field for the Easter Seals building last spring, a cadre of chainsaw-wielding volunteers worked for hours to clear the tree so we could assess the damage.
Since then, that same cadre (joined by more folks) exchanged their chainsaws for shovels and dug holes to find where the pipes are broken. This is work that could have cost us $2000 per day, but our building and grounds team took it on themselves. The repair work is now commencing.
Members’ pledges are continuing at our normal pace, despite economic uncertainty. We are so grateful for the support of so many.
Our Settled Ministry Task Force spent countless hours surveying members about our readiness to call Reverend Jessica into settled ministry. The result is a resounding YES, and our Congregational Meeting for a vote is set for January 31, 2021, at 11:45 am. Our bylaws require 50% of our members to be present, and of that quorum, 90% vote yes. PLEASE MARK THAT DATE ON YOUR CALENDARS AND JOIN US! WE NEED YOU THERE. We will be voting using the Zoom format, but paper ballots will be available for those who need them. Please contact Tanesha if you need one.
Our neighborhood groups are reaching out to each other to make sure no one feels alone. Neighborhood group leaders are making sure everyone knows about our January 31 meeting, and can help people feeling techno-challenged in using Zoom. Throughout January, the SMTF will also be giving lessons how to cast ballots anonymously using Zoom’s Chat function.
Chalice Circles continue to provide personal and spiritual connections.
Our Fun and Frolic committee has held and continues to provide opportunities to gather together for online social events. We share Thanksgiving desserts, and had an Anonymous Elf gift exchange and unveiling party. Despite distance from friends and family, we carried on with holiday traditions.
Our November auction exceeded its budget goal, and was a great deal of fun as well! Thanks to all who planned, donated, bid, and delivered a wide array of creative items, including the talent show.
Our Religious Education team has been meeting regularly with our children and youth, and this week delivered gift bags and holiday cheer to children in our RE program. Thanks for that personal ministry!

There are probably glaring omissions here, and my apologies for them. Our shared ministry is the time, talent, and treasure our people give to KUUF. I am so honored to be a part of this Fellowship. While the post-COVID normal will be different from what we were back in March, I know that together we are all stronger. Thank you for being part of our beloved community.

Lisa Johnson
Co President of KUUF Board of Trustees