Mid size church, very busy - lots going on all the time. I am the incoming board president. Newish member (~2 years) is causing a lot of thrash with worship, music and sound. Long, rambling emails, miscommunications, inability to follow through on managing sound during service (spaces out and doesn't turn up mics or move mics).

He is probably in his early 70s, doesn't hear in one ear. I am also concerned he either has ADD or Mild Cognitive impairment. He will see an email discussing music ideas for an upcoming service and then show up Sunday ready to play some song - that no one approved or was aware of. Then he sends out a nasty email about being abused. When it happened Sunday night - I asked him (via email) to consider that this was due to miscommunications and not rude behavior. He did apologize to everyone via email. (This is the 2nd or third time this has happened.)

But this is really causing issues - and when people volunteering - they sometimes just throw up their hands and say 'eff it, I don't want to do sound/worship/music anymore.'

I would like to talk to people on these teams individually and ask that they tread carefully when including him on PLANNING emails and only ask him specifically once you know what you want. (He is a great guitar player.) We are also trying to find additional volunteers for sound.

Am I approaching this right? Other ideas? Our minister is a bit overwhelmed (kinda new) and mostly just leaves issue like this for the congregation to manage through.

Thanks.

Earlier this week, I was looking for something to read that was Love related for our service today. I found this. TBH I chose it bc of the title, but it turned out to be perfect after yesterday's protests. https://www.uua.org/worship/words/prayer/love-we-pray

"We do not pray for miracles because we are the miracles "

Thank you Andrew Weber!

EDIT: New Lyrics!

​

God rest ye Uni-tarians let nothing you dismay

We come together in this space to celebrate our way

The Christmas songs and stories may our beliefs betray.

Oh tidings of peace and harmony, harmony

Oh tidings of peace and harmony

This story talks about a babe through many wonderous songs,

Folks traveling from far away to join a reverent throng

To see a birth that gave them hope and help them to belong

Oh tidings of peace and harmony, harmony

Oh tidings of peace and harmony

We may not all agree to all the details and their worth

But lately hope’s in short supply around this planet earth

Together we can celebrate each day as a new birth.

Oh tidings of peace and harmony, harmony

Oh tidings of peace and harmony

Thanks everyone - I truly appreciate your input.

Original post:

We are probably 75% agnostic/non Christian, 15% atheist, and the rest Christian, Buddhist or Jewish. Our minister is Christian and Buddhist.

I am doing the service this Sunday 12/17 - Title is Practicing Christmas as UU and it focuses on how many of us celebrate Christmas as a cultural holiday, like thanksgiving, not a religious holiday. We'll sing Christmas songs, not hymns. I found a funny version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman that other UU churches have used and rounded up a group to sing it on Sunday.

However, I have gotten feedback from 3 three people that it could be offensive. My opinions are 1) why are people so serious?, 2) if non Christians 'put up with' Joy to the World and Silent Night at UU churches, why can't the very few Christians 'put this in a box' and not be offended.

What do you all think? I do plan to offer some words in the welcome of the service to make sure people understand that this service is to honor the non Christian, but not to 'bash' Christian.

Ugh. TIA