Thanks to Jennifer & Don Gregg, Randy & Renee Ruchotzke, John Brovarone, Randy McCrystal, Randy Bish, Jan Noden, and Ann Andrews for all of the creativity & “sweat equity”–and also to our special financial donors–for our Fessenden Hall Kitchen refresh.
We hope to add some sunflower-themed decor as we find items that fit our space and budget.
Project Features
New beadboard-style ceiling
New light fixtures
Cabinets sanded and painted, hinges cleaned, new knobs and some new closers.
Wallpaper removed, walls and trim painted
New edge trim on old countertop
New faucets with integrated sprayer and “filtered water” setting (push handle straight back)
New towel racks
New stove (with convection oven & griddle) with a side workspace
New right-sized refrigerator (the old one didn’t fit well into the space)
Installed a new dishwasher!
Less exciting to look at but essential items include:
Weather-stripping around outside door. (Make sure it gets pulled shut tight!)
New furnaces for Fessenden and the Sanctuary (the mystery drain pipe in the kitchen sink is for the new furnaces- it isn’t pretty, but it meets code for both furnace and the sink)
Updated, non-leaky plumbing
New hot water heater
Updated wiring as needed for appliances
Are you wondering about the floor? The Building and Grounds folks have ideas, but it will need to be a separate project. (And they need a well-deserved break!!)
This has been a busy fall with two Kent UU Explorers classes and our youth coming of age program! We love that so many people want to be part of our community!
This fall 24 people signed the membership book, all in time to be eligible for the congregational vote to call Rev. Kristina on January 18. They include eight youth, one member who had moved away and returned, and fifteen adults–some who have been around for years, and others new to our community. We are planning a new member ceremony in early February as a way to formally welcome them!
If you want to learn more about membership or just how to get more connected, send an email to [email protected] or fill out a blue card either in person or online.
Attending in person is preferred, because we need a quorum of members present at the meeting for a vote to take place per our bylaws.
Members who are not able to attend the meeting in person or virtually via Zoom may vote an absentee ballot. Contact Moderator Randy Ruchotzke (randyruchotzke <at> kentuu.org ) for the absentee voting link. Each eligible member may only vote once. If you have more than one person from your home voting, each individual will need to complete their own ballot. The absentee ballot must be submitted no later than 12:30 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Following the meeting, votes will be tallied and results will be announced via an email message, as well as posted to the Church website.
Previous Announcements:
It is with great joy that we, the UUCK Board of Trustees, share the results from the Contract-to-Call Task Force. They have found overwhelming appreciation for Reverend Kristina Church’s ministry in her year and a half with us.
With their endorsement, the Board is moving forward in the process of calling Rev. Kristina to serve as our settled minister.
Many thanks to this team which includes Saul Flanner, Becky Cline, Diana Watt, Saunis Parsons, Ellen Doucette, John Wickersham, and Ellen McWilliams-Woods. The Board is inspired by their undertaking of the charge we provided, and impressed with their expert collection and analysis of the data.
Now that we have heard your hopes and dreams, we have scheduled a congregational meeting for Sunday, January 18th after 2nd service, at approximately 12:20 pm in Hobbs Hall. The sole agenda item will be a vote by members on whether or not to call Reverend Kristina Church to serve as our settled minister.
A meeting notice went out to members and friends via Breeze on Thursday, December 18. It included an attachment of the Contract to Call report,Part One: In Your Voices, which gives us feedback on Reverend Kristina’s Ministry. (Part Two will follow. It will include a summary of the valuable feedback received regarding UUCK ministries that fell beyond the question of calling Reverend Church.)
Yours in faith,
Randy Ruchotzke, Moderator Kent UU Church Board of Trustees
Didn’t Get the Email?
If you are a member and did not receive the email with the subject line “Great News from the Contract-to-Call Team/Voting Meeting Scheduled” from [email protected], please check your spam folder and add email.breezechms.com to your “safe senders” list. If you still don’t see it, send an email to [email protected] requesting the report. (We can also help troubleshoot why you aren’t getting Breeze emails.)
Eligibility to Vote on January 18
In order to be eligible to vote in the congregational meeting, you need to be a current member in good standing per our Membership Policy. Inactive members are not eligible to vote. You can check your membership status in Breeze, or send an email to [email protected]
Created in loving memory of former Kent UU member, the Raven Luna BlackRaven Trans Youth Fund is the recipient for January’s special collection. This fund was chosen by the Children and Youth of our church in support of their Justice January focus.
The church office will be closed over the holidays as staff take a break. Rev. Kristina and Emily will be on break 12/25 – 1/5. Colleen will be away 12/25 – 1/7 and MaryBeth will be away 12/23 – 1/5. In the event of an emergency, Rev. Kristina and MaryBeth can be reached by phone.
One all-ages service, only at 11:00 AM in Hobbs Hall led by Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Christie Anderson and Worship Associate Kevyn Breedon.
Release your sorrows and celebrate the future as we gather in a traditional New Orleans burial and “cutting loose” of the recently-departed Year 2025. Feel the full circle of life in a music-filled worship service with the Tarnished Brass playing traditional New Orleans tunes of mourning and new life.
One all-ages service, only at 11:00 AM in Hobbs Hall led by Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Renee Ruchotzke and Randy Bish.
During this “in-between” holiday week, we take time to share and reflect on stories that bring us hope. Along with music and reflections from our service leaders, we will incorporate the some contemplative space, either in silence, journaling, or in a short “reflection circle” practice.
Join us for Christmas dinner here at the church on Christmas Day December 25th at 1:00 PM. Hosted by Kirt Beiling. Kirt will provide a ham and scalloped (dairy) potatoes. Bring a dish to share, a board game to play, or just you.
If you have dietary restrictions, please bring a dish that meets your needs.
Please RSVP through this link so that we have enough food and volunteers to set up and clean up.
One service only at 11:00 AM in Hobbs Hall led by Director of Religious Education Colleen Thoele with Sandy Eaglen.
It’s pageant Sunday! Our children and youth will share with you the story of the lonely tree who is longing for a place to fit in. Join all the woodland creatures in weaving together the holidays of light through music and spirit to help our little tree find belonging. This Sunday is sure to lift your spirits and remind you of the joy surrounding all of us.
Join us for our Christmas Eve worship service. In the darkness, let deep peace envelop your soul and adorn it with stars. In the quiet, let hope enter into your heart, and warm it with love.
6:00 PM Family Friendly Service (in person only)
Led by Rev. Kristina Church, DRE Colleen Thoele, and Dir. of Music Emily Hall
CLICK HERE to view or print the 6:00 PM Order of Service.
8:30 PM Candle Light Service (in-person and Zoom)
Led by Rev. Kristina Church and Worship Associate Becky Cline with Director of Music Ministries Emily Hall
CLICK HERE to view or print the 8:30 PM Order of Service.
7:00 PM in the historic Sanctuary led by Rev. Kristina Church with Director of Music Ministries Emily Hall.
From the earliest times, humans have gathered to mark the solstice. Let’s enjoy the cozy calm of the season, and share some contemplative time together on this longest of winter nights.
Sometimes the holiday season feels less than “wonderful”. How can we be gentle with ourselves when our hearts feel out of tune with the season? And how can we celebrate when so much seems wrong with the world? How can our community bring comfort and connection to one another in every season?
9:15 AM All Ages Service (in person only)
Led by Rev. Kristina Church, DRE Colleen Thoele, and Dir. of Music Emily Hall
Rev. Howard Thurman writes that “he will be lighting candles of joy despite all sadness”. What brings you joy in the holiday season, even amidst life’s sadness, struggles, and heartaches?
Who carries hope for you when the weariness of the world wears you down? Who might need you to carry hope for them this year?
11:00 AM A Multi-platform, Traditional Service (in-person and Zoom)
Led by Rev. Kristina Church and Worship Associate Heidi Sumser.
