Beth's Blogs

Dear Beth,

Are the questions to Beth’s Blogs real or made-up?

Wanda the Wonderer

Mostly real. I may change the wording and of course the names to protect the innocent. .

Hello Beth,

At this spring’s congregational meeting, I believe the congregation asked the Council to figure out our relationship with CMR and change the RUC by-laws. I haven’t heard anything. Have you forgotten? Whatever happened?

Burning Questions

Believe me, we haven’t forgotten your motion. Since the relationship between Rockville United Church (RUC) and Community Ministries of Rockville (CMR) is evolving as both of us try to redefine and transform our roles separately and together, we want some statement that honors this relationship and allows flexibility. Right now, our by-laws state:

“Recognizing the history of Rockville United Church as the founding congregation of Community Ministries of Rockville, the Corporation (RUC) shall maintain its special relationship with CMR in a way that is mutually agreeable to both organizations.”

Wordsmiths, do you have a clearer way to express this? Although RUC no longer pays the full salary of the Executive Director of CMR, our congregation continues to be involved in CMR and is sponsoring many opportunities this fall to continue our relationship with CMR. Just a few that I could think of immediately:

• The next two activities of the 40 & Forward Committee focus on CMR: at the October 20th International Night, we will host the Latino Outreach Choir and their parents; the November Mission project involves our buying and wrapping Christmas gifts for the children of CMR.
• We’re donating funds to set up the Maccallum-Prugh Scholarship in honor of our founding pastors, Don Maccallum and Wiley Prugh. The recipients of the scholarship will be graduates of the Latino Outreach Program, Chase Partnership, or any activities of CMR or a student who wishes to intern in the CMR office.
• CMR is now focusing on a new initiative, establishing the Mansfield Kaseman (our Pastor Emeritus) Health Care Clinic for uninsured residents of Montgomery County. Stephanie Wright and Ken Fisher, our CMR representatives, will present to us this fall about how we individually and as a congregation can advocate for this initiative.
• On Sunday, October 14th, we can walk after worship in the Mini-Walkathon to benefit CMR.
• Besides the “tax” as a member congregation, our congregation continues to contribute $10,000 to CMR to help with the salary of the Executive Director.
  

Hi Beth,

When are we going to fill the position of the Director of Christian Education?

Curious Curt

We don’t know when and if. The Council thinks this is an opportune time for us to look at all the staff needs of RUC and have asked the Administration and Personnel Committee to do just that. Currently Mark Schilling, Elder for Christian Education, and others have stepped up to fill the void left by the vacancy of the DCE. When you see Mark, give him a hug and thank him for going the extra mile. For that matter, give each other an extra hug for helping RUC during this transition.

Dear Readers,

And now a shameless plug for a dear member of our congregation! Carey Creed is celebrating the release of her new CD, Peace of Wild Things, by giving a concert on Saturday evening, October 13th, to benefit Community Ministries of Montgomery County. What a night this promises to be! With her irrepressible spirit and her exquisite voice, Carey touches my very core! And she will yours too, if she hasn’t already! To reserve tickets, e-mail events@saintmarkspresby.org. We don’t want to miss it and have ordered 6 tickets already for our family.

Love and cheers,

Beth

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Readers with questions should write Beth Pattison, President of RUC Church Council, at BPattison@RockvilleUnitedChurch.org, ask her directly, or leave the question in her mailbox at RUC.