During the month of December our worship theme has been “Expectations.” I have been thinking about that word in a variety of ways. I look at myself and my expectations of my role as President of the UUFH Board. I think of what we might expect for the latter half of my term and what has transpired in the last six months. I have also thought about expectations that we have of others and how that might help or hinder them.
First of all, I had expected the role of President to be much different from the last time I served in 1999. It has been different, but in a very positive and unanticipated manner. The role of the Board is much more refined than it was sixteen years ago. The leadership development, Board training, and covenants have resulted in smooth, comfortable, and efficient governance. Members of the Board are respectful of each other, aware of their commitment to the Fellowship, and dedicated to the wellbeing of the congregation. The first six months have seen several interesting developments, such as the finalization of the lift [elevator] and installation of the solar panels.
We have an active Visibility Team that is preparing to discover how we are perceived by the community, and they also are developing ways to get our story out. A group of loving and supportive members has jumped in to assist our Pledge Campaign Leader in laying the plans for the spring campaign. Our Nominating Committee will be seeking members to fill upcoming leadership roles in the new year, and I encourage everyone to step up if asked. You are not alone: plenty of warm helping hands will be available if you answer the call.
We are expecting the return of our minister, Jim McKinley, on February 9, and he will lead the service on February 21. Many have told me they miss Jim and are ready to have him back in our fold. Although it was not an entirely restful time for Jim, we hope he feels recharged. With his return, we will begin the process of Facilities Planning. Our long-range plan calls for us to make some decisions about where we expect to be housed. If we choose to plant our long-term roots on Kanuga Road, then we must envision what we want this campus to be. If we choose to locate at the Brevard Road site, we must start a plan to design and fund that vision. These coming months are going to see some thoughtful activities of which you will be asked to offer your input.
While listening to the radio, (NPR of course, the official UU station) I heard the phrase, “The soft bigotry of low expectations.” This struck a chord in me. It was attributed to one of George W. Bush’s speechwriters relating to the No Child Left Behind educational policy. The quote has been resurrected in relation to the statements of Supreme Court Justices and their views on minority student admissions to more challenging colleges and universities. As a teacher, I have been guilty at times of holding low expectations based on a number of factors. No doubt there are a lot of instances in each of our lives when we gave someone a pass or neglected to serve their best interests because of “that soft bigotry.” My hope in the new year is to issue myself an “Expectations Alert” when needed. Until someone proves differently, I want to meet them with high expectations of success, compassion, and faith.
In the new year, may you hold high expectations of yourself, our Fellowship, your friends, family, our nation, and our world.
Keith Dalbec
President