Committee Life at UU Lansing: A Look Back at 2000–2001
By Ed Busch, Church Archivist
I’ve returned from my June travels and decided this month to take a closer look at the life of our church 25 years ago—through the lens of our committees. In the 2000–2001 church year, we were in a time of transition. Rev. Barbara Edgecombe had resigned due to health reasons, and Rev. Wayne Robinson joined us as interim minister in summer 2000. Bob Lovell served as church president, and Teresa Putnam led our Religious Education program.
2000-2001 Board of Trustees in Room 105 at the Grove Street church building. (2008.0406)
My primary source is one of the most vital historical documents we produce: the Annual Report. Compiled each spring, it captures the reflections and reports of staff, elected leaders, and committees at the close of the church year. In addition to congregational meeting minutes and leadership updates, the report gives us insight into the daily and long-term work of the church’s many committees and teams.
For 2000–2001, 18 groups submitted reports. What follows is a summary of their work—a testament to a vibrant and engaged congregation.
Committee Reports: 2000–2001
1. Adult Religious Education
This committee launched the Journey Toward Wholeness program with strong participation. Additional offerings included Building Your Own Theology (Alice Erickson and Pat Conley), Voluntary Simplicity (John and Mary Gear), Four Faiths Curriculum (Fred Campbell), Rise Up and Call Her Name (Kelly Gruner and Marie Alcala-Carew), and a regular Sunday Morning Discussion Group (Neal Vilhauer).
2. Archives Committee
Led by Pat Colburn, the Archives Committee worked to sort, organize, and catalog hundreds of photographs and historical documents. Ellen Strommen stepped forward to serve as the church’s historian.
3. Building and Grounds Committee
Chaired by Gene Mellen, this committee managed a long list of changes and maintenance efforts. To accommodate the 100+ children in RE, the church reclaimed most rental spaces, ending arrangements with all but Fellowship for Today, Peace Education Center, and Ten Pound Fiddle. A cleaning firm replaced the on-site caretaker, and Bob Lewis and Regina Fry became sextons, responsible for snow removal, building security, and minor upkeep. The committee also oversaw room reassignments, improvements in lighting and carpet, and began planning for accessible doors. A long-range planning report even raised the possibility of future expansion or relocation.
4. Care and Share Committee (Pastoral Care)
This year marked a major transition. Under Lee Jackson's leadership, the church moved from a traditional pastoral care model to a Care Team approach. This system divided the congregation into 30 geographic zones, each with a designated Care Team Leader responsible for 6–10 households. According to the December 18, 2000 Liberal Express, approved activities included:
Monthly contact with each person in their area
Coordinating support in times of birth, illness, death, or other events
Organizing group observances of birthdays or anniversaries
Acting as a contact for a rapid information phone tree
Training for Care Team Leaders was scheduled for February and April. This grassroots model of mutual care aimed to strengthen bonds and ensure that no member felt overlooked.
5. Celebrations Committee
Led by Kathy Lovell, this group coordinated and led one Sunday service per month during the regular year (September through June) and over the summer months.
6. Circle Suppers Committee
Jackie Van Deventer reported a strong year, with around 90 members and friends participating. Monthly gatherings at 6–8 homes welcomed an average of 60 attendees, helping build fellowship across the congregation.
7. Committee of Committee Chairs Roster
While no narrative was included, this listing provided a valuable overview of leadership roles across the church’s many teams and task forces.
8. Endowment Committee
Chaired by Marjorie Porter, the committee focused on raising awareness of the church’s endowment by planning newsletter articles and educational outreach.
9. Finance Committee
Led by Ken Zielinski, the committee noted the passing of former chair Lynne Croxford. Financially, the year saw a $2,000 shortfall in income and $6,000 in overages. Still, the canvass drive was a success—pledges increased by 31%. Reports included a Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual comparison.
10. Investment Committee
This group was responsible for managing the church’s endowment funds. Although the market had a down year, their report emphasized their monitoring and stewardship responsibilities.
11. Membership Committee
Under Janet Pletcher’s leadership, the committee focused on revitalization and outreach. Personal phone calls were made to those who signed the visitor book. Over 40 new members were welcomed in November 2000, and a New Member Potluck drew more than 100 attendees.
12. Memorial Garden Committee
Led by Shirley Beckman, this committee cared for the ivy-covered areas along the building where cremains were interred. The gazebo—used for weddings, celebrations, or quiet reflection—was decorated with a wreath donated by Clarence and Eunice Schloemer in December. Winter greens were planted in urns, and spring plans included adding perennials and trimming ivy. The committee also ensured that names of those interred were added to the memorial plaque inside the church.
13. Nominating Committee
Alice Erickson’s team proposed nominees for the Search Committee, as well as delegates for the UUA General Assembly and the Heartland District meeting.
14. Office Committee
Led by (Cleo) Rae Levy, the committee managed church communications, publishing the annual report and directory, preparing the newsletter and order of service, and supporting church leadership. (Note: This work is now handled by our paid church administrator and assistant.)
15. Publicity Committee
Pearl Ann Miller and her team placed regular announcements of Sunday services in the Lansing State Journal, Community News/Towne Courier, and (January–June) the MSU State News. Paid ads appeared in the State Journal’s August Welcome Week tabloid and the Towne Courier’s December Holiday Song Album.
16. Social Action Committee
Reorganized in February 2001, this committee continued the annual holiday collection, distributing funds to Listening Ear, Pet Support, Neighborhood Network Center, and Special Olympics of Eaton County. In March, they began developing a new action network focused on UUSC support, Journey Toward Wholeness values, and rapid-response advocacy via email, letters, and petitions.
17. Search Committee
With Rev. Edgecombe’s departure, the church faced the decision of whether to conduct a search in 2001 or delay until 2002. The congregation voted to proceed in 2001. A survey (coordinated by Harry Schwarzweller) gathered input from over 70% of members. The resulting profiles informed a search packet that drew nine applicants. After interviews and neutral-pulpit visits, two strong precandidates were identified. The report emphasized the outstanding effort and transparency of the process, which helped the church better understand and communicate its values and needs.
18. Youth Choir
Directed by Marcy Christoff, the Youth Choir performed at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, the Pledge Drive Show, and several spring services. At the time of the report, they were preparing for Seder Supper, Easter, RE Sunday, and Music Sunday. The choir included about 20 children.
2000 Search Team Member Gene Mellen. (2008.0195)
Closing Thoughts
Looking back, the 2000–2001 church year was one of adaptation, engagement, and vision. The number of active committees and the depth of their work show a congregation deeply invested in shared ministry, lay leadership, and spiritual growth.
My review of church records indicates our last published annual report was for 2021–2022. I’ve brought this to the attention of the current Board of Trustees and hope this valuable tradition can resume. Annual reports help us reflect, record, and celebrate our shared efforts—a legacy we owe to future members just as much as we benefit from those who came before.
Were you involved in any of these committees? Do you remember the Care Team launch or a Circle Supper you attended? Please consider sharing your memories—by email, a handwritten note, or even a short recording. These stories enrich our archives and keep our shared history alive.
[With editing support from ChatGPT AI.]
Sources:
Annual Report, 2000-2001
Liberal Express newsletter, December 18, 2000.
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About the Author
Hi, I’m Ed Busch, the writer behind these blog posts exploring the history of UU Lansing. After retiring in 2023 from a 15-year career as an Electronic Records Archivist at Michigan State University’s Archives & Historical Collections, I’m thrilled to dedicate my time to sharing our church’s rich history.
I hold a Master’s in Library and Information Science, specializing in archival administration, and my academic background also includes a degree in Fisheries and coursework in Computer Science. Before shifting to a career in archives, I worked across diverse fields, including fisheries, aerospace, and IT.
My wife, Leigh White, and I have been part of the UU Lansing community since the early 2000s and became members in 2006. I’ve been actively involved with the church archives since 2007, and both of our daughters enjoyed growing up in UU Lansing’s Religious Education (RE) program.
I look forward to connecting with you through these blog posts as we delve into the stories that have shaped UU Lansing over the years.