Leadership
President's Report
Summer 2020
Dear Friends of the Chapel,
I hope this finds you healthy and hopeful as we approach our 137th year at the Siasconset Union Chapel. Although the Summer 2020 season might be different than what we have anticipated and experienced in the past, it will be wonderful to reunite with friends and neighbors, in perhaps new socially distanced ways.
No one could have predicted the magnitude of the coronavirus pandemic. We have all been affected in similar yet different ways. Fear, sorrow and solitude accompany overwhelming health and economic challenges for many. As we continually hear, it is hard to grasp what the “new normal” will be. Personally, I hope we will all look forward to the kindness and joy that our tight-knit community seems to radiate. The usual smiles with which we greet one another, even if still hidden behind masks, will mean that much more. Perhaps happiness and a sense of purpose will be reflected more in our eyes and deeds rather than at larger gatherings. Perhaps we might be able to gather more closely in the weeks after you read this.
Since much is unknown at this writing I cannot provide you with a calendar displaying a full schedule of worship services, speakers or outside events. I can promise you that Carr, your Board, various committees and staff have been discussing many logistical and creative ideas, especially with respect to how we will conduct our Sunday Services, including inside, outside and/or virtual options. Please reach out to any of us as we manage a fluid plan designed with every best intent. We are striving to meet all health, social distancing, individual and spiritual needs and expectations that we can.
During the winter months, pre-Covid 19, your board gathered telephonically to address all Chapel matters. Special thanks to our Finance committee, headed by Jamie Holt, for the time consuming process of setting our annual budget. The Board then gives every line item thoughtful attention before voting on the current budget. The maintenance of our buildings, the needs of our community and the current columbarium and grounds landscaping project (please see separate aticle in this newsletter) were also discussedin detail.
We are always most grateful for your generous support which enables the Chapel to carry out its mission. As you are aware, we are totally dependent upon your gifts to keep the Chapel and our Outreach Program viable. Thank you for your generosity in recognizing and addressing these ever present needs. Our Outreach committee met in the Spring to begin addressing specific island needs resulting from this health and economic crisis. Sincere thanks to Deb Martin and committee members, all of whom jumped right into research and a resulting early grant to A Safe Place.
While alternate early summer worship plans are being developed, we hope that the Chapel can still offer a quiet place to retreat for personal reflection and meditation. We will keep you posted on that as well as an increasing calendar of events. Carr, Maxwell and Lady plan on arriving at the beginning of June. I look forward to greeting each of you and together we will acclimate to a different yet enjoyable summer!
All the Best,
Patti Brown
President of the Board of Trustees
Officers 2019–2020
| President - Patti Brown | Clerk - Robert Felch |
| Vice President - Ann Johnson | Secretary - Deb Martin |
| Vice President - Robert Felch | Minister - The Rev. J. Carr Holland III |
| Treasurer - Jamie Holt |
Board of Trustees 2019–2020
| Patti Brown | Mary Malavase |
| Maggie Cooley | Daphne McCarthy |
| Robert Felch | Deb Martin |
| Ray Grubbs | Julia Ogilvy |
| Jeffrey Haines | Eileen Shields West |
| Jamie Holt | George Wilson |
| George Hubbs | Joe Wright |
| Ann Johnson |
Ex-Officio Trustees 2019–2020
| President Emeritus | Catherine Saynor |
| President Emeritus | Jeffrey Lockhart |
| President Emerita | Mimi Young |
| Chair - Columbarium | Robert Felch |
| Chapel Administrator | Sheila Daume |
| Roman Catholic Clergy | Father John P. Kelleher |
Board Committee Chairs 2019–2020
| Buildings | George Wilson |
| Finance and Investments | Jamie Holt |
| Grounds | Patti Brown |
| Investment s | Jamie Holt |
| Hospitality | Ann Johnson |
| Outreach | Deb Martin |
| Events | Julia Ogilvy |
| Preservation | Jeffrey Lockhart |
| Pastoral Support and Review | Robert Felch |
| Worship and Christian Foundation | Jeff Haines |
Standing Committee Chairs 2019–2020
| Caretaking | Pavlin Vitanov |
| Columbarium | Robert Felch |
| Flowers | Sheila Daume |
| Scheduling | Mary Will |
| Wedding Coordinator | Barbara Bispham |
| Docents | Daphne McCarthy |
| Christmas Mailing | Sheila Daume |
| Newsletter | Sheila Daume and Deb Martin |
View Siasconset's schedule of services here.
