Letter from Tanya Cothran, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors
Living in transition is unsettling! This year, I was continually impressed with how the congregation stuck together as we faced each new unknown. As we said goodbye to Rev. Lynn, welcomed the interim ministry team, and switched back and forth from online to hybrid services, we continued to journey together in a community of care and respect.
In the past year, we experienced many meaningful moments, such as the Solstice Service and guest speakers from Black Urbanism TO and Thunder Woman Healing Lodge. We also had joyful occasions, like the trivia nights and the fall gathering with Rev. Victoria. During our Spring AGM, we approved a new governance bylaw that aligns with the Ontario Not-for-profit Corporations Act.
I am so thankful for the many volunteers and our talented, dedicated staff who generously share their wisdom and time with our congregation. Special thanks to the 2023-2024 Board of Trustees: Rich Bailey, Aleza Coldevin, Helen Iacovino, Chris Lee, Nacia Miller, Owen Smith, Brigit Swenson, and Ken Wulff. Together, they brought a range of perspectives to the questions of policy review, real estate, budgeting and fiscal oversight, health and safety, and congregational engagement. I’d also like to thank the wonderful Karen Dunk-Green, who contributed many helpful charts, advice, and encouragement this year in her last year on the Executive Committee. I am excited to work with our newly elected board, Chris Lee as my co-chair, and RevJ, our new Lead Minister, as we seek, connect, and serve together.
As we enter the 2024-2025 fiscal year, we are on the brink of new transitions. We have established ourselves in the Oakwood Vaughan (OV) neighbourhood, holding monthly gatherings at the Nia Centre for the Arts, and building connections with other organisations in the OV area. Sometime this year, we will be moving into our new building. I acknowledge that it has been a long time coming, and I commend our collective resilience as we continue to dream, work, share, and live into our collective future, day by day.
