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Table of Contents Thanks to all of TJD's 2003-2004 Fair Share Congregations Paying Our Dues: An Expectation of Membership Thomas Jefferson District Communications Guide UUA General Assembly - June 24-28 - Long Beach, CA |
President’s Column by Dr. Leon Spencer, TJ District President With each newsletter, I find it a more difficult task to just sit, reflect for a moment, and to write a column. I found it particularly difficult to find the time to write this column. It is spring time. I feel lazy. I’d rather be outside. What I realize is that this is my last newsletter column as District President!!! There is a deep sense of excitement and a part of me is saying “I’m glad I won’t have to do this again!!!” Being district president offered many things I like doing; however, writing the newsletter column was not at the top of my list. This is a time of change for me. I am also leaving the UUA Journey Toward Wholeness Transformation Committee and a number of other volunteer committees, both with church and profession. My service to the district includes eight years as UUA Trustee and four years as District president. Serving the district has been very rewarding. Most rewarding have been the times I got to visit congregations, the work of the District Anti-Racism Transformation Team (DARTT), and working with a very capable District Board and staff who are dedicated to working for the growth of Unitarian Universalism and UU ideas . For our Board and staff, their work is a calling and not just service or a job. I deeply respect and appreciate each of them. I would like to thank the countless number of people who have offered me the challenge and support to provide leadership through our transition from a pastoral to program district. My continued involvement in district life will be as a member of the nominating committee and of DARTT, and I hope to become active in my home congregation. I strongly believe that we, as an institution, need to provide for leadership development, and I view that as being able to move on, to make room and to be inclusive, including youth and young adults. Presently, at the top of the list of things I like doing is being a grandfather. It is my hope that we will grow a Unitarian Universalism where my grandchild will feel at home, a place where she can be supported, challenged, nurtured and encouraged to question. Thanks for allowing me to serve. In faith Leon |