Reduce Gun Violence
Beloved, our hearts are breaking yet again as black people and children are ruthlessly gunned down by uncontained violence. For some of us, we can barely look at the news, read the words, or listen to the testimony of bereft families. For others, we dive into the trauma with a blind rush for answers, impacting our mental health. The never-ending debates, acrimony, and mutual accusations by politicians only deepen our feelings of pain and powerlessness. There is blood on our streets, and we feel utterly helpless to stop it.

I offer prayers and sympathy to you as your minister, yet I know it is not enough. I would offer a hug were we not in a pandemic. I offer a hand of strength and fortitude; please don’t let go. This is our community made up of broken hearts and hands that refuse to give up.

I’ve worked on reducing gun violence for years in Virginia and gained some laws requiring minimum action by gun owners and sellers, but this path totally depends on who is in office. I refuse to give up no matter which political party is in office. Most Americans want to reduce gun violence, which requires education about gun violence (most gun violence involves suicide) and financial support for mental health services.

Guns and the culture of power and false “defense” mystique they carry is complex and deeply tied to our American identity. Yet, we must not let go of our need to create a healthier community where we are not burying our beloved in pools of sorrow.

If you’re interested in working on reducing gun violence, email me at minister@first-unitarian-pgh.org. I’m also offering a silent vigil after worship this Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. We’ll be outside on the corner with signs that read “Reduce Gun Violence.”
Rev. Kate

https://www.purposeguides.org/ccspwithjoanna

Brief Report of Motions Passed at May Board of Trustees Meeting
The Board of Trustees met via Zoom on Wednesday, May 18.

At the April meeting, the Board met in executive session and approved unanimously a motion for capital funds of $1,514 to be used for planting a tree for Rev. Kate’s installation. This motion and vote were not included in the April Brief Report to keep the surprise.

Ratification of Email Vote (May 4): Approval of amendments to the Environmental Justice proposal. Moved by Heather Masterson, seconded by Bob Mitchell, and approved unanimously.

The motion to allocate $4,000 to a Lifespan Religious Education Director Sabbatical Reserve, with the funds coming from net operating income, was made by Kyle Gracey, seconded by Kate Snow, and received unanimous approval.

There was a vote to increase the Director of Vocal Music budget from $5,272.74 to $10,714, i.e., back to the pre-Covid level. The increase will come from excess net income. If not enough excess net income remains at the end of the year, the balance of funds will come from the Goldsmith Concert Funds Dividends. The motion was made by Kyle Gracey, seconded by Kate Snow, and approved unanimously.

The motion directing the Investment Committee to invest the $50,000 bequest from the Estate of Phyllis Genszler to create the Genszler Memorial Fund and used for expenses as determined from time to time by the Board was made by Kyle Gracey and seconded by Rob Schwartz. It passed unanimously.

Memories from Installation Sunday

On Sunday, May 15, we had a joyous celebration on church grounds following the historic installation of our new settled minister, Reverend Dr. Kate R. Walker.

Huge thanks to Peggy Bonnell and the Women’s Alliance of First Unitarian Church for creating a spectacularly gorgeous cookie table under a grand tent on the front lawn.

Women from the Alliance and friends brought special cookies and delectable desserts for all to enjoy.