Sunny Notes: 01.07.26 - A Vibrant Ministry
Whether bustling or restful or some combination of both, I hope your holidays were nourishing and meaningful in all the ways you needed most. Welcome to 2026.
For our last Sunday service of 2025, we took some time to reflect back on the past year, recognizing that BUF and our world have seen some big changes. Now, as we move into this New Year, there is much to look forward to...
If you were inspired on Sunday, January 4, by Lucy Kesterson's story and the UUA's Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) for 2025-28 on “Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation,” I encourage you to check out the announcement in this Mid-Week Update (MWU) that has links to various ways you can get involved, from pen-pal programs, to the upcoming BUF book club, to the monthly conversations on this CSAI offered by the Church of the Larger Fellowship.
If you would like come together with me, your fellow BUFsters, and our UUA Regional Contact, Rev. Sarah Gibb-Millspaugh, for a workshop designed to help a new minister and congregation with goals, relationship, and expectations, I encourage you to join our Congregational Start-Up at BUF on Saturday, January 17 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. See the announcement in this MWU for further details.
Finally, the Stewardship Team and I have been busy planning for this year's upcoming Stewardship Campaign. We are excited to announce the events we have in the works, and we invite you to Save the Date:
Envisioning for BUF's FutureSunday, January 18, 12:30pm, Social Hall
We want to hear from YOU! This will be an opportunity for you to share what you most want to see at BUF in the coming year—doable things, yes, but also your moonshots, your pie in the sky for BUF. Our Stewardship Campaign will aim to raise the money to make our hopes and goals possible.
Stewardship Campaign Kick-Off Event
Friday, February 20, 6:00pm, Social Hall
Join us for a fun-filled evening to celebrate the kick-off of our annual Stewardship Campaign. Organized by our very own Erica Mallin and Genia Allen-Schmid, the night will feature food, entertainment, and community. Childcare will be provided.
As I shared recently from the pulpit, before joining BUF, I was asked in my Ministerial Record what kind of ministry I hoped was ahead for me. I answered “vibrant.” I hoped for a vibrant parish ministry that nourishes congregants and visitors spiritually and relationally. Looking at the BUF calendar for the coming months, with all its various services, events, classes and offerings, I see a vibrant fellowship. Here's to all we can do together this year!
— Sunny, minister