Dear Members and Friends,
As the year draws to a close, we are filled with gratitude for the vibrant tapestry of events, programs, and initiatives that have marked 2024 at DRUUMM. From our soul-stirring Vespers to the enriching Elder Spiritual Odyssey, this year has been a testament to our community’s resilience and creativity.
Highlights of the Year
- We established a new faith formation fellowship with LJ Williams of Starr King as our inaugural ministerial intern. Alongside a wonderful internship committee led by Rev. Carol Thomas Cissel, Leilani Davenberry and Rashid Shaikh, and including Shikha Gottfried, Ana Lim, Yvonne DuVal and Rev. Viola Abbit, we added a mid-week Vespers service to offer a space for spiritual replenishment and communal connection.
- The Elder Spiritual Odyssey this year celebrated the living legacies of Taquiena Boston and Dr. Paula Cole Jones, with special thanks to Dr. Janice Marie Johnson, Rev. John Crestwell, Rev. Bill Sinkford, Rev. Marta Valentine, Shige Sakurai, Rev. Carlton Eliot Smith and our Chaplain team for their support. This March we will be hosting Rev. Danielle Di Bona moderated by Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti.
- Rev. Ali C. Bell preached our Public Worship with musical artist Saunder Choi reaching over 500 UUs and raising nearly $40,000. We are honored to have Rev. Joan Javier-Duval as our guest preacher for the May 15, 2025 major event.
- The DRUUMM Village at GA (online) was a focal point of our community building and we are excited to be in-person at GA Baltimore June 19-22. 2025 with Rev. Verdis Robinson coordinating.
- We moved gently and prophetically in response to the horrific violence in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon. We worked with over 700 UUs to pass a Solidarity with Palestinians Action of Immediate Witness and have hosted a dozen UU Vigils for Gaza with leadership from our Palestinian, Muslim, Jewish community.
- We piloted a new intersectional antiracism program entitled Aiming for Allyship with Justice Movement and plan to offer another course in 2025.
Organizational Milestones
- We said farewell to our wonderful Administrator Jolanda Walter and welcome to longtime member Noemi de Guzman in this essential role. They continue to support our member engagement and growth.
- Rev. John Crestwell and Rev. Christina Shu completed their service on our chaplain team. We welcomed Rev. Claudia Jimenez and Rev. Katie Romano Griffin.
- We established a new Small Grant for local BIPOC organizing.
- We are in our 5th year of publishing the DRUUMM Beat Newsletter with dozens of members generously contributing stories and artwork.
- We received our 501c3 status from the IRS to operate independently as a nonprofit organization.
- We renewed our 5 year agreement with the UUA to be a core partner and share resources.
- Tomi Fatunde was voted by the members as our President-Elect and will transition with current President Esperanza Flores Garza in June 2025.
- Our budget has reached $150,000 with member and UUA support, and the Public Worship being our primary revenue streams.
Looking Ahead to 2025 & 2026
- Continue to connect with us virtually via our DRUUMM Slackspace, Facebook The Gathering Place, and at our monthly events. You may view many of our programs at youtube.com/@druumm.
- Our SWANA-Arab Caucus is now meeting monthly, with designs on an in-person gathering in the first part of 2025.
- LJ is making plans to organize several local gatherings for members and friends. Possible locations include Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Richmond, and more.
- We are beginning deep planning for our national conference currently named The Gathering scheduled for March 26-29, 2026 (yes 15 months away!). Look for details this spring.
We thank each of you for your continued support and engagement. It is your dedication and commitment that fuel our collective journey and enable us to meet each moment with hope and courage. As we move into the new year, let us carry with us the lessons learned and the friendships forged, ready to embrace the opportunities that await.
Wishing you a peaceful and joyous holiday season, and a transformative New Year!
Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, Community Minister
Noemi de Guzman, Administrator
LJ Williams, Intern Minister
