Moderator
Over the past year, the church council has made significant strides in strengthening our community and advancing our mission. One of the most noteworthy accomplishments was the successful completion of three highly productive Council retreats throughout 2024. These retreats provided a space for deep reflection and strategic planning, allowing us to assess the current state of our ministries and envision their future growth. Each retreat was dedicated to understanding the needs of our congregation, addressing challenges, and brainstorming new ways to engage and serve our community. These gatherings also fostered a spirit of unity and collaboration among council members, reinforcing our collective commitment to nurturing both the present and future of our ministries. As a result, we have implemented new initiatives, streamlined existing programs, and are better positioned to respond to the evolving needs of our church family.
In 2024, a new Human Resources Committee was established to enhance the overall management of our church staff and ensure a more structured approach to employment practices. One of the committee’s key accomplishments was the development and implementation of job reviews for all church employees, aimed at fostering professional growth and ensuring that roles align with the evolving needs of HUCC. Additionally, the committee took on the important task of writing a new Personnel Policy Handbook, which provides clear guidelines on expectations, benefits, and responsibilities.
I look forward to continue as Moderator for the next year and working with the new and current Council members.
Leslie Jerominski-Moderator
HUCC Council
The Church council is comprised of 11 dedicated members, and has worked tirelessly over the past year to fulfill its various responsibilities and advance the mission of the church. Each member, has contributed their unique skills and perspectives to ensure the smooth functioning of the council and the well-being of the congregation.
2025 Congregational Meeting – Pastor’s Report
Amidst these tumultuous times in our state, in our country and in our world — when our basic rights and those of our neighbors are under attack to a degree that many of us haven’t seen in our lifetime — we’ve come to realize some painful truths about life in our society that we wish weren’t true. To our collective shame, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and all sorts of other isms and phobias that are aimed at designating some portion of our fellow travelers on this earth as less-than seem to be all the rage these days in certain circles.
But amidst all of this bad news and chaos there is still good to be found, and one of the most hopeful lessons we’ve learned over the past year is this: Church matters.
If you look around the sanctuary on Sunday morning these days you’ll notice that worship attendance has increased markedly since November of 2024 (as it has for many progressive churches throughout America), and we’ve also been blessed to welcome eleven new members to our community over the past year. Now, have we reached the levels of church participation that we saw either before the pandemic or, say, twenty years ago? The answer to that question is a definitive “No.” But rather than constantly measuring our success by the yardsticks of the past, perhaps we should be living as best we can into the moment in which we presently find ourselves.
And so my hope for the coming year is that we will focus the bulk of our attention and effort on doing the things we’ve covenanted with one another to do: welcoming all and to treating everyone with respect; being a community where our responsibilities to one another, to our neighbor, and to all creation actually mean something; serving God by serving those in need, whoever and wherever they may be (or be from). Because, let’s face it, none of that can be taken for granted these days — even among those who profess to be followers of Christ.
Over the course of the past year, Council has held several retreats as we’ve sought to discern the future of HUCC’s various ministries, with much of this effort oriented toward the outward-facing work we do in the realm of Compassionate Action. This area is of critical importance because it is where our commitments to Creation Justice and to being Open and Affirming reach beyond our sanctuary walls, helping those who need help, and showing the world, through our deeds, who we are and what we’re all about.
And yet, though we might want to do everything for everyone, the reality is that we simply can’t. Our finite amounts of time, talent and treasure will always be inadequate to meet the seemingly infinite need all around us. But this does not mean that we can’t do meaningful work that makes a difference. To this end, we’ve sought to define more clearly the scope of our church-sponsored Compassionate Action activities; our hope is that we can maximize the impact we are able to have in a relatively small number of initiatives by building momentum and interest within the congregation for working together on them, and by dedicating a greater share of our resources to each of them. And while we celebrate the dedication that many of you have to a wide variety of other organizations, causes and projects, the capacity of HUCC to partner in that work is necessarily limited. I hope you will not look upon this as a failure of the church, because it’s not one; it’s simply a reminder that we, as a community, are called to live into the gospel in our place and time, always doing the best we can with what we’ve got.
The fact of the matter is that one of our greatest challenges as of late has been recruiting volunteers to serve in the roles that make our church and it’s current ministries function. Given the UCC’s model of shared leadership, such volunteers are absolutely essential for us to survive and thrive. For many years, we have had a dedicated core group of people who have dependably done this work but it is simply no longer tenable for us to rely upon them to the extent we have in the past. And so I encourage you, our members and friends, to think about where your interests and abilities intersect with our community’s needs, and then to step up and say, as the prophet Isaiah once did, “Send me”! I am inspired and deeply grateful that some of our newest members have recently responded to this call.
Since I am, like all of you, a member of this church (and as I also generally strive to practice what I preach) I want to let you know that at the Intermountain Association’s annual business meeting last month I agreed to serve a three-year term as our Association’s representative to the Rocky Mountain Conference Board of Directors (after having served the remaining year and a half of the previous representative’s term following their resignation in late 2023). The covenantal commitments that HUCC as a congregation and I as an Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ make with these other settings to be in relationship with — and to support the work of — the wider church are important for us to honor.
But why on earth would we consider adding even more commitments to our already busy schedules, you might ask? Well, like I said earlier, it’s because church matters.
Blessings,
Rev. Brent L. Gundlah
Vice Moderator and Holladay Preschool Report 2025
Facilities Report 2025
Church building and grounds
- A mulberry tree was removed from the Memorial Garden, and a pine tree was removed near the circular driveway. The pine tree stump was ground off in preparation for a xeriscape project. This work was done in the winter to take advantage of a lower winter rate, and to be done when the preschool is out of session.
- The circular drive area in front of the church is being converted from a grass area to a xeriscape area. The grass, old sprinkler heads, and the top four inches of soil was removed to prepare the area. A low-pressure sprinkler valve has been installed, which will be used with a drip water system. The plant selection is still being finalized and a tree will be installed to replace the pine tree. This project will be finished by the end of June, and the church will be reimbursed for one-half of the conversion expense.
- The tar and gravel flat roof area needs to be replaced, and we will be securing bids for that work. Additionally, all painted surfaces on the exterior of the building need to be repainted.
- FEMA security grant update. Electromagnetic locks were installed at the three main church entrances and multiple HD cameras were installed on the exterior of the building. Access into the building is now achieved through the use of a security key fob, which temporarily open the locks. The locks on each of the three main entrances may be programmed open for church events.
- We are working to finalize the installation of a wood security fence along the west property line at the end of the parking lot. Kerry Spiroff has been instrumental in preparing construction drawings for this project. All of the trees along that property line have been removed, and we are working to finalize a contract with the adjacent neighbor.
Preschool Space
- The FEMA security grant was utilized to install additional security equipment in the preschool classrooms and office. Each room now contains an intercom, and blue strobe, which is utilized to notify teachers and staff that an emergency exists. Each room can be locked down to protect the teachers and kids. This new equipment is now being monitored, and the police are summoned if the alarm is set off.
- The Preschool has indicated that they are willing to participate in the costs to reroof the flat area, and to repaint all of the exterior painted surfaces.
- Mark Eggen, Vice Moderator
Financial Team Report
The HUCC Operating Statement of Receipts and Expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2024 was presented to the church congregation at the February 2, 2025 congregational meeting and was approved as presented. During 2024, operating receipts of $357,094 were more than total expenditures of $314,716 resulting in a surplus of $42,378. Net results were favorable when compared to the 2024 budget which had an expected surplus of only $914. Asset account balances totaling $513,675 which include designated fund balances of $208,670, and the Preschool finances were reviewed at the February 2, 2025 meeting of the congregation. Overall, HUCC’s financial position is in good condition with prepaid pledges and operating fund balances totaling $305,005 at December 31, 2025.
The 2025 operating budget was also approved by the congregation on February 2nd. The budget reflects budgeted receipts of $356,600 and budgeted expenditures of $351,450 resulting in a planned surplus of $5,150.
Many thanks go out to the Finance Team of volunteers who have offered their time, knowledge and understanding. Steve Schneider is HUCC’s Financial Secretary and was exceptionally good and timely in all the financial receipt deposits and related accounting records. In addition to Steve and myself, others on the Finance Team (Don Rudy, Debbie Wilkerson, Leslie Jerominski and Pastor Brent Gundlah) contributed to our financial decision making with their history of the church and its finances. The Finance Team also acted as the Stewardship Committee. Peter Christensen provided valuable help in HUCC’s office that helps with our church’s financial operations. I truly appreciate all the hard work the greater HUCC Finance Team has done for our church.
Dennis Bayes
Financial Officer and Treasurer
Communications Team Report 2025
The HUCC Communications Team is composed of Roger Lamoni and Connie Nomann. The ongoing responsibilities of the Communications Team are:
- Produce the HUCC electronic newsletter, “Tidings”. We hope that Tidings helps friends and members of HUCC to be informed of worship, important events and church activities. In addition to email, Tidings is also shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Tidings is issued twice-monthly on the first Friday of the month and the Friday nearest the middle of the month. Special short Tidings are issued for important meetings or activities at HUCC.
- Our social media program also includes information from other churches in the Intermountain Association, the Rocky Mountain Conference, UCC National Setting and our many partners in social and environmental justice and progressive Christianity. If you have a Facebook or Instagram account, please follow Holladay United Church of Christ. Because of known chaos, HUCC no longer has an X account.
- With the Worship Team, the communications team coordinates volunteers for worship audio and slides, as well as our livestream on Facebook and YouTube.
- Connie Nomann provides excellent oversight and management of the HUCC website. Please let any errors you may find on www.holladayuuc.org to Connie; it takes a village to help with a web page! Thank You Connie and all other volunteers helping with communications.
The Communications Team needs your help!!! Please consider volunteering on the Communications Team. We need help with everything we do: worship slides, audio and live streaming, Tidings and social media posts. Nothing is difficult and of course we’ll provide training and mentoring.
Roger Lamoni, Communications Officer
Worship Team Report 2025
Worship is comprised of Jani Gamble (Music Ministry), Shelley McCall (Inspired Altar Designs), Amy Spratling (Readers, Communion, New Members, Inquirers Cafe), Tiffini Adams (Greeters, Communion, other), Roger Lamoni (Communications, Slides, Streaming, etc), and Pastor Brent (Everything Else). Other regular contributors to worship include Peter Christensen (Bulletins), Robert Dazley (Folding Bulletins and Dusting the Pews), and Iain McDonald (Bell Ringer).
Since the beginning of the year, attendance has been up about 20% over the average since we returned to in-person/hybrid worship after the pandemic summer of 2021. We strive to provide a safe space and faithful sanctuary in these tumultuous times.
We have had 11 new members join HUCC over the past year.
We had very engaged and meaningful activities through Advent and Lent, bringing folks together for fellowship and spiritual exploration. We had six weeks of Lenten Soups suppers with 30-40 attendees each week. Thank you to everyone that provided soup and bread each week.
We actively strive to maintain a balance between the variety of musical tastes in the congregation, on the one hand, and the myriad interests and genres of the musicians with whom we’ve been blessed, on the other.
The Worship team would like to thank everyone that has greeted, those that put together the slides, those that coordinate the live streaming , the folks that run the sound board, the readers, those that have offered their instrumental and voice talent, Sydney and the Sunday School and Nursery Care Teams, the Sunday Morning Gatherings Book Group, and everyone that has offered wonderful coffee and bistro for continued fellowship after worship. And Thank You to Pastor Brent for inspired reflections and leadership.
Tiffini Adams- Worship and Spiritual Life
Congregational Connections
2025 Spring Congregational Meeting Annual Report
Small Dinner Groups –For the second year, Karen Dorman has organized small dinner groups, so that people can make new friends in an intimate setting. We currently have eight groups that meet at home for a casual potluck dinner, the hosts rotating among the group members. We have three groups that meet at restaurants, including a designated restaurant group, plant-based eating, and pub theology. These groups are reorganized a couple of times a year to create new connections.
Gatherings Book Group-This group, led by Karen Dorman, meets at 9:00 am on Sundays before worship for informal discussion of a shared book reading. This past year we explored Holy Envy by Barbara Brown Taylor, two books about Jesus by Marcus Borg, Getting to the Heart of Interfaith by a Pastor, a Rabbi and a Sheikh, among others. Discussions are animated and interesting. Everyone has a voice.
New Member Welcome-Amy Spratling spearheads the welcoming committee whose mission is to make sure that visitors and new members feel welcome at HUCC. Committee members first make a personal connection and then offer guidance toward other opportunities. The Inquirer’s Café discussion group and the new members’ classes take place twice a year for people interested in learning more about HUCC. New members take a survey of their interests and the welcoming committee connects them to associated ministry areas. -Sunday
Coffee Hour-It takes a village to host Coffee Hour every Sunday after service where conversations, connections and comradery happen. Thanks to Carol Copene for coordinating this effort! Hosts make coffee and provide light snacks, such as cookies, fruit or cheese, or perhaps a special cake for noteworthy occasions. Tiffini Adams and Joe Baker hosted a pancake breakfast between services on Easter Sunday that was a big hit.
Fun(d)raisers-We continue to prioritize multiple small fun(d)raisers instead of a single annual event as we have in the past. Recent events include a Pie and Beer Day party on July 24th, a Labor Day picnic with giant submarine sandwiches, and a Halloween bingo party, complete with Madame Ruby telling fortunes and splendid bingo prizes. The events were very well attended, and a fun time was had by all. It became clear that people want to connect at social events, and we will continue to host opportunities for people to get together.
We also had a special fundraising opportunity, thanks to Jim and Martha Bale who donated photo documentary albums of the 70th Anniversary Celebration that took place in late 2023. People received a copy of the photo book for a minimum donation and then had the opportunity to attend a potluck dinner/book-signing party on Sunday April 13th.
Stephen Ministry-Holladay United Church of Christ has been active in Stephen Ministry since 2001, under strong and steady leadership. This is a program that calls, trains, supervises and supports lay people to a ministry of walking alongside another person as that individual goes through a difficult life experience. Led by Keith Gurnsey and Becky Burridge, HUCC currently has more than 20 members trained as Stephen Ministers who are available to meet with those who request support.
Caring Ministry-Our Caring Ministry continues in strength, led by Pam McLeese and Karen Young along with their many active and generous volunteers. The ministry responds to those in our church family during times of crisis by providing visits, meals, cards, baskets, phone calls and prayers. In past years, the caring ministry team has provided support by helping with funerals and memorial services that are extravagant, meaningful and unforgettable.
Top of the Hill-This group meets monthly for a lovely potluck luncheon and often a presentation. As the name cleverly implies, it is for those who are in their peak years, approaching or into the retirement phase of life. Guest presenters include local politicians, Many thanks to Ruby Hammel and Ruth St. Martin who have led the group for years and years. Top of the Hill group continues to be one of our core community programs.
Prayer Shawl Ministry-One of our most enduring community activities, the Prayer Shawl Ministry has been organized by knitting expert Jean Wallberg for many years and meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 3:00 pm. This group combines compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice that reaches out to those in need of comfort, solace, or a big hug.
Women’s Spirituality Group-The Women’s Spirituality Group, led by Pam McLeese, meets monthly as a book club and supportive fellowship for making connections with our spiritual selves and with each other. All women, including trans women, are welcome!
All Church Camp-Once again, we had a wonderful time at Family Camp in September. Many thanks to Pam McCleese for making it all happen, and to Joe Baker for making fabulous meals. We had a chance to be in fellowship, connect with nature and each other, enjoy good food, do crafts, hike, worship, write and laugh. It was great to spend time with new church attendees and to get to know them and their beautiful families.
Canyon worship-On the first Sunday in August, we worshipped at Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon, as we do each year. We celebrated communion, enjoyed uplifting music, sang, and prayed together in the beautiful subalpine mountains. The fresh air seems to make people hungry and potluck entrees, yummy sides, and sticky desserts are just the ticket. Many thanks to Karen Young for pulling it all together.
Julie Berreth-Congregational Connections
COMPASSIONATE ACTION
Holladay United Church of Christ’s COMPASSIONATE ACTION Team continues to supplement HUCC’s mission to be God’s Love in Action.
OPERATION SANDWICH-Operation Sandwich provided 600 peanut butter, and jelly sandwiches every month this year to St. Vincent’s outreach to Homeless Service Providers in the Salt Lake area. We gather on the 3rd Thursday of each month in Mac Hall to make the sandwiches. During the school year, Shelley McCall graciously organized students at East Midvale Elementary to make 200 of said sandwiches. In addition, on the 3rd Friday of each month a rotation of HUCC people commit to serving a dinner meal at St. Vincent’s. THANK YOU to every volunteer whose diligence and dedication support keeps this program vibrant!
MEALS ON WHEELS-MOW Meals on Wheels delivers a nutritious midday meal to frail and isolated older adults (aged 60+) Monday-Friday. The county provides the meals, and the volunteers deliver the meal with a friendly connection. Under Jim Bale’s direction, a fixed group of volunteers commit one day a week to deliver meals which takes about an hour. A big shout out to the entire MOW Team!
GLENDALE COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER-HUCC’s involvement with Glendale Mt View Community Learning Center continues to move forward. Inspired by Jeanne Goldstein-Leigh’s lead, HUCC is supporting the mission of equity for students, classrooms and families in the Salt Lake area by your donations of non-perishable staples to the Glendale CLC pantry. Donations are received in a box outside the front door of the church and delivered by Jeanne. We also donated out “toys for tots” gifts at Christmas. We received heartwarming thank-you notes from the Glendale children expressing their joy and gratitude. Their notes are currently on the table in the narthex to enjoy.
CREATION JUSTICE-The Creation Justice team worked tirelessly to demonstrate HUCC’s commitment to respecting our beloved environment. The team gained available state funds to renovate the median in front of the church on E Murray Holladay Rd. The team thoughtfully redesigned the median area to reduce water consumption, replace dying trees and beautify the space. It is a work in progress as it has taken MANY workdays of INTENSE physical labor requiring stump and dirt removal. The redesign includes plants, trees and a drip water system. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! to everybody who have given time to this undertaking! Creation Justice continues involvement with legislative issues concerning the Great Salt Lake and other public land issues. Members attend educational meetings and events throughout the year networking with other environmental groups for optimum impact. An out branch of Creation Justice is HUCC’s Plant-Based Group. This group has dinner gatherings and has provided plant-based Bistros with hopes of educating and encouraging less water usage on farms and less meat consumption.
The group reports success of the ever-flourishing pollen garden on the west side on the church.
OPEN AND AFFIRMING-The Open and Affirming committee is working to update HUCC’s Open and Affirming mission statement. Success going forward will involve congregational conversations, education and input. Events to support these efforts will be forthcoming and announced.
VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA-HUCC volunteers’ partner with VOA (Volunteers of America) to provide support for individuals experiencing homelessness through shelters, meals, and basic needs. Every 1st and 3rd Thursday team members cook and serve lunch at the youth resource center. We also orchestrate special events such as Undie Sunday to collect basic need items to donate to VOA.
CROSSROADS URBAN CENTER-We will continue our alliance with Crossroads Urban Center which helps low-income families with food and clothing while promoting legislative policies that help reduce hunger, homelessness and poverty in the Salt Lake area.
HUCC IS walking the walk of being the hands and feet of Christ with these important, worthwhile activities. Endless waves of gratitude to each person putting God’s love into action. There is always room for YOU! Please contact Nan Sturgeon with questions and requests.
Nan Sturgeon-Compassionate Action and Outreach
Clerk’s Report-Spring Congregational Meeting
Since June 2024, I have served as HUCC Clerk. Per the HUCC bylaws, I have maintained the records of Council meetings and other HUCC activities, including Congregational Meetings and Council Retreats. I reviewed and updated the HUCC membership roll for the Winter 2025 Congregational Meeting and served as co-facilitator and facilitator for the Council Retreats held in 2024 and 2025. As clerk, I also affirmed a quorum at all official meetings.
At the date of the 2025 winter meeting, HUCC had 184 members. I learned from Pastor Brent that 11 individuals have joined the church during the past year, and six more joined on May 19, 2024. With the help of Brent, Peter Christensen, and others, I will revise the membership roll for the winter 2026 meeting.
I plan to continue in the clerk position for the coming year.
Jim Bale-Clerk