The Board opened its meeting with conversation regarding the newly formed Social Justice Team chaired by Cliff Boldt. It is currently determining its mandate, ways of operating and funding. This group is focused on work with the unhoused and their project of assisting one couple adjust to living in an apartment after some time without housing. The Board recognizes that the category of Social Justice is broad and many congregation members are engaged in other areas of seeking justice (the climate emergency, Indigenous and settler reconciliation, food security, etc.) It is currently unclear how all the pieces will fit together but we are grateful for the work this group is doing. Each step is small in working toward justice but each step is important.

We received a report resulting from two round table meetings involving people on ministry teams who share a concern for the church property. Some issues related to safety have arisen. One of the ways forward is the appointment of three Church Ambassadors to be present during hours when the Thrift Shop is open. The Ambassadors clear the parking lot and church area of debris before opening, and talk to people who drop by who do not have appointments at the Thrift Shop or who want access for other purposes. Also hours during which Aryze developers can use the parking lot as they work on the development behind the church have been clearly laid out. 

The Pacific Mountain Regional yearly meeting will take place on June 11-13 on-line. Each congregation in the region has at least one voting representative. Colleen Nichol will be our rep for this meeting. Others are welcome to attend especially the Sunday morning worship service—watch the newsletter for more information about this and links to it.

The JBUC Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on June 23 at 7 PM by Zoom. The Annual Report will be available on line this week.  Everyone is encouraged to fill out the AGM questionnaire where along with noting a need for assistance with zoom, it is possible to indicate your wish for a hard copy of the Annual Report. The meeting will reflect on work of 2020 and is later this year than usual because of the pandemic.

The Worship Team has been drawing up schedules for the technicians and camera people who stream our services, and for drivers to get them to and from the church. The Thrift Shop’s opening with appointments is working well and their income gives a significant boost to the church finances.  Other Teams and our staff continue to work diligently to keep things working effectively at JBUC.