We look forward with excitement to all the possibilities for 2007. At our last meeting of the year on Dec. 19, we heard about a the Branding Project. A group within the marketing committee is developing a marketing communications focus. Zoe Laidlaw and Chris Catlin made the presentation. We were all delighted with the work they are doing and with the enthusiasm and professionalism they bring to the work.

The next regular Communications Sunday is on Jan. 28, 2007, between services. It will be about this project. We encourage you to attend and learn, as we did.

The finance report was presented by Treasurer Curt McKinney, who also presented a draft income plan for 2007 to be considered as we build a budget for the next financial year. You will have an opportunity to hear about the proposed budget at the annual meeting on March 4. Please note, the annual meeting is a week later than it has often been.

The annual meeting also provides an opportunity to elect two new board members. Tracy Thompson leaves for New Zealand mid January, and Rick Bolanos has completed his term. Anne Schmitt and Elaine Bostwick Smith have had so much fun they are going to run for election again! We will miss the two who are leaving and their special gifts.

If you are prayerfully considering whether the board is a place you can be of service, please talk to a board member or to Paul Wcislo, who is chair of the nominations committee.

The members of the board wish each and everyone of you a blessed holiday season. We appreciate all the ways you share of yourselves as part of the UPACC community. We also appreciate our staff who work especially hard at this time of the year.

Blessings and love to all,
Anne Schmitt