March 17, 2021
Dear Members and Friends,
This month I’ve shared with ERUUF’s Board of Trustees that I plan to leave my position as Lead Minister in fifteen months, June 2022. Nothing is wrong, in fact both ERUUF and I are at wonderfully good places in our shared ministry. So while this might seem like a strange decision at an odd time, and it is unusual to give this much notice, I’ve acted after careful thought and discernment. Let me share my thinking.
Special Message from ERUUF’s Board of Trustees
March 18, 2021
ERUUF Members and Friends,
Yesterday you heard from Rev. Cayer on her plan to leave her position as ERUUF’s lead minister in June 2022. The Board spoke at length with Rev. Cayer on her plans and the transition process on Tuesday evening. We are writing to you today to let you know what to expect in the coming months.
Thanks to all who participated in the Coffee Hour conversation on March 14th about ERUUF solar panel/tree shading issues.
Careful study reveals an annual loss of 30-35% kilowatt hours or about $3,000 per year due to tree shading, and it's now certain that five large trees need to be removed from the area near the walkway. All groups that would be impacted by the decision have been consulted (Garden Team, Earth Justice, Buildings and Grounds, RE, ERUUF staff, Family Preschool, and tree experts), in addition to the meeting with interested congregation members hosted by the Coordinating Team. Our Garden Team and others have a campus master gardening plan and are willing to research lower growing native species for replacement in the area that will not create future solar shading issues.
It may be hard to believe but April is right around the calendar corner, and while we are still living within COVID-19 restrictions, a post-pandemic future is on the horizon! Thus, we carry on in hope, faith, and love for the promise of Beloved Community to include honoring Earth and Climate Justice Month with a variety of virtual events and activities. We invite all members and friends to participate in as many of them as possible!
A new phase has been reached in the COVID-19 virus.
As a spiritual community, we at ERUUF strive to create a culture of respect and care for one another. Our Covid-19 policies have been guided by serious concern and consideration for the safety and well-being of all ERUUF members, staff, and visitors, with a commitment to equity and care for the most vulnerable among us and those who are marginalized both at ERUUF and in the larger community.
Our opponents would love for us to believe that it’s hopeless, that there is no reason to act, and that we can’t win. Summer is a time of anticipation, when we are reminded that what we plant is what we harvest.
