The Existential Buzz

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Organizations

The First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta is an active participant in our greater Community, supporting, and often hosting, a diverse range of individuals and organizations sharing values and ethics similar to our own.  From the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization (CPNO) to Sunday Assembly Atlanta, to ZAMI-NOBLA and Sankofa/Interplay Atlanta, to Mary Lin School and the Primavera Preschool and Aftercare Programs, to the Atlanta Area Friends of Folk Music (AAFFM), to various 5 Rhythms/Ecstatic Dance groups, we host organizations of a broad variety of interests.

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Life Events

Of course, Community means people, and the truest depth of our commitment to our community comes down to the life events of the people around us.  Weddings and the joys around our many individual commitments to each other are one of the underpinnings of our lives, and we certainly support and make space available to couples wishing to formalize their lives together.  And of course we host Celebrations of Life ceremonies and memorials that naturally follow at the ends of loved ones’ lives.

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Board

John Smith, President

The Board of Directors at First E is a volunteer group of active members who serve for one year at a time in an elected capacity. The Board is legally responsible and liable for overseeing all aspects of the First E organization and facilitates the core activities of our mission.  All are welcome to come to our meetings.  They are usually on the first Monday of every month at 7 pm in the basement. Typically, the time and place will be confirmed by email in the main weekly email the week before the meeting.

At our meetings, please be aware that we try to address all walk-in issues raised by members toward the beginning to respect your time.

Duties and Functions of the Board

Subject to limitations which are provided elsewhere in these By-laws, the duties and functions of the Board shall include, but shall not be limited to the following:

  1. Maintain custody and management of all property and operations of the Congregation; and maintain accountability for the expenditure of all funds;
  2. Adopt, amend, rescind and implement policies, rules and regulations which are consistent with the duties and functions of the Board and with decisions of the membership;
  3. Work closely with the professional congregational staff to ensure that the needs of the membership and its stated goals are adequately met;
  4. Establish and provide direction to such committees and/or guilds deemed appropriate, define their duties and prescribe their powers.
  5. Develop and approve the annual Congregation operating budget and make it available to the Congregation;
  6. Submit a full statement of financial condition to the membership on an annual basis and conduct an annual audit;
  7. Appoint, as appropriate, delegates and alternates to represent the Congregation at meetings of the Unitarian Universalist Association and other denominationally-related bodies;
  8. Maintain accurate and open records of all its meetings, except Executive Sessions;
  9. Oversee all publications of the Congregation, including but not limited to Sunday bulletins, monthly newsletters, brochures, press releases, other promotional materials, and website;
  10. Recommend revisions to the By-laws as appropriate.

Board Charter from the ByLaws

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By-Laws

ARTICLE VIII:   GUILDS

Guilds may be established with Board approval to promote involvement in the activities and functions of the Congregation. Guilds shall be supervised by the Board and shall report to the Board upon request. The number of members is subject only to the discretion of the Guild, except that a minimum of three (3) shall be required on each Guild, with at least two being members of the Congregation. Guild Chairs should be selected by the Guild. Guilds may be dissolved at the discretion of the Board and shall be considered temporarily inactive if the number of Guild members drops below three (3). The following are examples of Guilds and usual functions.

Art:

Shall provide opportunities to affirm the importance of the arts within our lives and commit itself to cultivate, nurture, and present the performing, visual and literary arts within our space. This may be accomplished through art exhibits, sales, live performances, and other events.

Building and Grounds:

With authorization from the Board, shall be responsible for maintenance, repair, and improvement of buildings and grounds, including the hiring and supervision of maintenance personnel. Shall comply with all building, fire, and safety codes in carrying out these tasks.

Congregational Care:

Shall keep in touch with individual members regarding their concerns and well being, particularly in the event of illness, death among family and friends, and other significant events, shall initiate and coordinate personal visits and other types of support activities that might be appropriate in particular circumstances. The Guild shall bring to the attention of the Board any significant collective concerns of the Congregation.

Education:

Shall nurture the spiritual life of the Congregation for children and adults. Shall oversee the selection of educational materials and curriculum; shall help recruit and supervise teachers and other personnel; shall maintain a library; and shall initiate and supervise special programs.

Finance:

Shall promote financial stewardship among the members of the Congregation by facilitating the annual pledge campaign and fund-raising benefits and activities; shall assist the Treasurer in collection and deposit of all funds for the Congregation; shall maintain individual pledge and contribution accounting and budget records; and shall develop the annual budget for approval by the Board.

Membership:

Shall promote, develop and enhance the membership of the Congregation; shall make literature available that relates to member services and the values, procedures, and philosophy of the Congregation; shall gather and record information relating to membership; and shall oversee periodic publication of a Congregational directory.

Program:

Shall work with the minister(s) and other staff in planning and conducting services and obtaining qualified speakers, musicians, and other participants for various services, both from outside sources and from within the Congregation.

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Mothering

Please join us at The First Existentialist Congregation on Sunday, May 13, 2018, @ 11 AM for Mother’s Day Celebration of Life,

“Mothering: The Feminine Leadership Model”

Carla Rabb DeRosa, Speaker

Robert Stewart- Facilitator, Kathy McGuire, Music

Social Period 10:30-11, Pastries & Coffee with Friends

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Reflections: HOME

By John Trestrail

“The most important thing about Ewoks is that they look like bears.”  There was a mischievous glint in my sister’s eyes as her gaze bounced from that small piece of lined paper to my stunned face and back again.  Oh, how much joy she took in finding that embarrassing elementary school composition of mine in a storage box in my parents’ garage.  She got me; she got me pretty good.

In late June, Victoria, the kids, and I left our home in Atlanta on a bit of a summer adventure.  Our first stop was in Nashville for a family reunion.  Next stop was outside of Little Rock to celebrate Victoria’s father’s 70thbirthday.  Our final destination was downtown Chicago where we had rented a furnished apartment for the month of July.  It was to be a working vacation for me and a change of venue for summer vacation for Victoria and the kids.

Chicago has always been the road not traveled for me.  In late 1995 I graduated from college and saved enough to move away from Michigan and start my adult life.  I had struck out trying to find a job in Washington, DC or overseas and had narrowed my choices (sans job offer) to trying my luck in either Chicago or Atlanta.  Having grown up in Western Michigan, I had been a frequent visitor to Chicago and had a sense for what the city had to offer.  On the other hand, I had been so impressed with “the South” on college spring break trips to