The Congregation in its Annual Meetings elect officers and directs the general direction of the congregation’s yearly activities. The Council provides monthly Town Hall updates to the congregation.

UUWC Annual Meeting 2026 Minutes

Jan. 18, 2026

Meeting called to order at 12:40 pm by Vice-Moderator Carole Eagleheart in the UUWC Sanctuary

Moderator Nika Quirk noted that 2026 is the 30^th Anniversary of the founding of UUWC. She called attention to the 2026 Annual Report that had been emailed to the congregation and noted the accomplishments of the past year.

Carole requested from sign-in takers whether a quorum of 25 was present. It was noted the quorum was met with 42 (later 3 more signed in to take voters to 45). Ballots for Council, Nominating Committee, and Treasurer were distributed. No nominations from the floor.

Bylaws revisions had been distributed. Call for discussion. Revisions passed unanimously.

Nominees for Council, Nomination Committee, and Treasurer were invited to make comments, and all did so. Members were asked to vote, ballots were collected for counting.

Treasurer Ruth Tucker Bogart presented the 2026 Budget. Noted that 2025 was a good year financially with a surplus. The 2026 budget also has a surplus, though lower than in 2025. Major source of income in payment for pledges from members and friends of the congregation.

Budget was made from committee requests. Facilities expenses for building and grounds are the largest budget line item. Insurance and general office expenses also have increased in the 2026 budget.

Question posed about any monies allotted for expansion due to growth. Answer: Treasurer noted that it was not in the budget.

Question posed about how committees received reimbursements. Answer: receipts presented to the Treasurer.

Question posed about Taxes. Answer: It is for payroll taxes.

Question about Administrative pay. Answer: Extra hours worked by the Office Coordinator increases expenses.

Question about Rental Income. Answer: It is based on 2025 rental income.

Budget for 2026 was approved unanimously.

Moderator reported on tally of the votes cast:

Council Nominees: Delbert Schafer, Nika Quirk, Kelly Cook, Wendy Dampier, each received 45 votes

Nominating Committee Nominees: Norma McLaughlin, Jenny Cook, Jackie Hull, each received 45 votes

Treasurer: Ruth Tucker Bogart received 44 votes.

Therefore, all nominees were deemed elected to their positions.

Open Floor:

Janet Bellamy asked for participation Feb. 7 at the State Legislature to support Gun Safety legislation.

Noted that No Human is Illegal group thanks all for writing letters.

Question: Are there plans for further parking expansion? Answer: Plans call for addition of 5 or 6 additional spaces in 2026.

Question: Will grab bars be placed in bathrooms? Answer: Yes, plans are underway for addition of grab bars in the one, out of four, bathrooms at UUWC that lacks grab bars.

Meeting Adjourned.

Minutes Presented by Delbert Schafer, UUWC Council Scribe.

UUWC December Town Hall

 Notes for Dec. 21, 2025 Meeting

Ruth Tucker Bogart moderated the December Town Hall that started at 12:33 with a welcome.

Ruth presented the monthly Treasurer’s Report reflecting financial numbers through November. She reported that 2025 was a good year for UUWC with income greater than expenses. Noted that still have deferred maintenance. The budget for 2026 is under development.

The Pledge numbers for 2026 are not as promising:

Pledges in 2025 saw 62 pledge units for $75,270, with actual income of $88,631.

Pledges for 2026 has 58 units for $67,798.

While many are prompt and generous, members who want to vote in the Jan. 18, 2026, Annual Meeting must submit a pledge and must have signed the UUWC Membership Book.

Kathy Wright urged people to consult the UUA suggested guidelines for pledges.

Ruth is available to consult with pledgers and remined that those with 401Ks and other pensions may want to direct their annual Required Minimum Distributions to the church to lower their income taxes.

Carol Eagleheart reported that in the first Sunday in January attendees will be asked to write letters to New Mexico political representatives to oppose the use by ICE of detention centers in New Mexico.

Karen Schafer reported that NM Rep. Kathleen Cates will be at UUWC on Jan. 10, and attendees could talk with her directly on the issue at that time.

Laurel Anderson reported that the Free Little Libraries that started in 2020 at UUWC has six in private hands, and one at the church. She has taken over the one at UUWC and has converted on of the four compartments into a Little Free Pantry. She asked for donations to help her stock the pantry.

Hobbit Merritt reported that she has coordinated the cleaning team at UUWC for 2 ½ years, and an early volunteer team consisted of Jan Jurgens and Nic Provenzo. Jan is retiring and merits our thanks, and was given a gift of the world’s smallest vacuum cleaner. This also means that volunteers are needed to take over Jan’s and Nic’s weekly rotation.

Karen Schafer reported that Feed Rio Rancho Kids is increasing its packets, which currently are at 300 a month to 400 a month. This increase will mean a changed schedule with a Jan. 6 packing date. Also, she noted that FRRK donated 125 winter coats to children in the Rio Rancho School System.

Janet Bellamy reported that the Federal Concealed Carry mandate has contravened state laws prohibiting concealed carry of firearms. Gun sense advocates oppose this change. She also reported upcoming state legislation to donate gun safes to keep guns safe.

Theresa Watson reported that due to an accident with her car, she needs transportation to UUWC, and for an upcoming Dental appointment.

Meeting Adjourned at 12:56

Submitted by Delbert Schafer, UUWC Council Scribe.

UUWC Town Hall Notes

Nov. 30, 2025

The UUWC Congregation met in the UUWC Social Hall to celebrate its annual Thanksgiving Harvest Gratitude Feast, and the Town Hall occurred immediately after the potluck meal.

Moderator Nika Quirk convened and led the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report by Nika as the treasurer Ruth Tucker Bogart is travelling.  UUWC remains in a financial surplus for 2025. Recently renewed a $25,00 CD at 3.75%. We have received $66,518 in pledges for 2026. Our pledge tally when we finalized the budget for 2025 was $68,110, so we have some catching up to do. Pledge cards are on the info table in the social hall if anyone prefers to make a pledge via paper instead of online.

Dana Sanford appreciation for serving 13 years as the soundboard operator for UUWC. Team of Charlie Merrit, Jerry DiTata, Rob Green, and Rachel & Julian Johnson will assume duties starting Dec. 7.

Rev. Nancy Hitt: Schedule for participation in the December Holiday Reflections almost complete as need only two more slots. Reflections will be sent daily via email starting Dec. 1. Contributions should be sent to Wendy Dampier.

New Members’ Class will be held either Dec. 6 or 13.

Nika: UUWC Annual Congregation Meeting will be held Jan. 18. All eligible voting members will receive additional information prior to meeting.

The first Leadership Training class, Transformational Stewardship, will be held Jan. 10 and is the first of 3 or four sessions.

The Peace River, outside the Social Hall entryway, has been revived by Dawn Knighten. Erection of a Peace Pot has been discussed.

Social Justice co-chair Maggie Green:

The Committee has drafted statements on Gaza and Immigrant Justice. Has been approved by Committee, Council, and sent out to the Congregation. Adheres to UUA statements. Carl prepared the Gaza statement. Pat, Dee, and Carole wrote the Immigrant Justice statement.

Hobbit asked whether we have connected with other organizations and provisions for security. (A Safety and Security Committee is operating)

Judith Deutsch: Concern about support for single-payer Health Insurance.

Spotlight on Social Justice Programs:

  Carole talked about No Human is Illegal project that meets monthly in homes. Next month with UU The Vote will write legislators to ban detention centers in New Mexico.

Laurel talked about Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program. If get 7 people can offer training in Rio Rancho. She also talked about adding a food pantry to the Free Little Library at UUWC.

  Karen talked about Feed Rio Rancho Kids, a partnership of UUWC and the Democratic Party of Sandoval County. It is housed at UUWC, and UUWC provides financial management and volunteers.

  Norma talked about donations to Storehouse West, and its need for monetary donations as well as food donations.

Nika discussed the rally group at Southern and Pinetree as expression of UUWC positivity and values.

Open Floor:

Janet asked for donations for her daughter and adopted children’s collection of funds for foster children.

Tom asked for new message board for Congregational comments. To be referred to Council.

Maggie reminded audience that Social Justice open to all participants.

Meeting ended with singing of “Go Now in Peace.”

Submitted by Delbert Schafer, UUWC Council Scribe

August 2025 UUWC Town Hall

The August 17, 2025 Town hall of the UUWC Congregation meet at 12:30 pm in the Social Hall with Nika Quirk, Council Moderator, presiding.

Treasurer Ruth Tucker Bogart: Reported that pledges are coming in on schedule.

Committees need to begin preparation of 2026 budget requests so can coordinate with Stewardship campaign.

Storehouse West donations may be made directly or through the congregation’s Breeze account.

Nika: Our budgeting process has improved and we now have monthly reports on actual expenses and compared with budgeted numbers.

Karen S.: Community Care Committee asked for help with returning folding chairs used during Social Hall events to the north wall. Help with tables also appreciated. Volunteers are needed at 10 am. each Sunday morning to set up tables and chairs.

If you want to continue your conversations after events in the Social Hall end, please more to the Gallery Room or the Sun Room Library.

Please remember to take your food dishes with you at the end of events.

The Lost and Found box contains a number of wayward items, especially sunglasses. Check for your belongings.

Rev. Nancy H.: Discussion about return of verbal announcements during the Sunday programs. Announcements should be put into writing and given to the presenter or weekly service associate. Also, will put announcements of the program slides before and after the program.

Membership class will be held from 9:30 am to Noon on Aug. 23.  Will hold another 2025 Membership class in December to allow those joining to vote in the January 2026 Annual Meeting of UUWC.

Maggie Green: Janet Bellamy as organized a presentation from Moms Demand Action representative Cindy Benedict. It will be held at 12:30 pm. Aug. 24 in the Gallery Room All are welcome. Will have an abbreviated agenda for August, and return to a full agenda in September. Contact Maggie Green or Carla Clark if you want more information.

Nika: Kathy Wright has found that by New Mexico law you must identify yourself when requested by a law official, including ICE. ICE regulations are posted outside the kitchen door.

Carl Noennig has agreed to head the Stewardship Committed. Laurel Anderson, Hobbit Merrit, and Doree Flinn have agreed to join the Committee.

Carole Eagleheart is leading preparation for UUWC’s fourth Enchanted Vision Art Show. Call for artists is going out. Event is planned for November.

Carole is also organizing a choir for the Sept. 14 Water Communion program. Contact her if intertested. Also, contact Stacie Gebecke for more information about the Water Communion Program.

Open Floor:

Terri del Curto is organizing sign-waving protests on the Corner of Unser and Abrazo. Contact Terri for more information.

Theresa Watson: talked about her plans to live on public lands starting in November.

Adjourned at 1:10 pm.

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UUWC Town Hall: July 20, 2025. Notes

Nika Quirk, Moderator, called meeting to order at 12:37.

Treasurer’s Report: Ruth Tucker Bogart

We are at halfway point and are still slightly in the black. June reports show budget to actuals; they are posted on the bulletin board. Quarterly statements have been emailed; please let Ruth know if you did not receive yours or if you find any mistakes or omissions.

Community and Connections: Norma

Norma thanked the Greeters for their service and asked the members of the Community Care to rise for acknowledgement. She encouraged us all to make connections with new guests. Look for handwritten name tags, sit with new visitors, and accompany them to the Social Hall.

She noted that we will always have two mikes for Joys and Concerns to make the process run more smoothly.

Stewardship: Nika
Carl has agreed to coordinate the Stewardship effort. Nika asked for volunteers to work with Carl. Please see Nika after the meeting or email her. (Subsequent to the meeting, Laurel Anderson joined the committee)

Emergency magnetic cards: Terri

Terri introduced cards that can be used as refrigerator magnets that can show emergency contacts. These are helpful if 911 is called to a residence and the responders need to get in touch with family, doctors, etc.

Terri also showed publications describing services available in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.

Open Floor:

Thanks to kitchen staff. Please take leftover food and dishes home.

Adjournment at 1:01.

Notes provided by Ruth T7ucker Bogart

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UUWC Town Hall: June 15, 2025. Notes

Carole Eagleheart, Vice Moderator, called meeting to order at 12:30

Pride: Jenny Cook

All had a good time. Jenny asked for and received a round of applause for all who participated.

Treasurer’s Report: Ruth Tucker Bogart

May was a good month. For the year we showed net revenue of $2,400. Next month will report on where we are at halfway point in the year.

Poll: Renaming of Green Room
Carole noted that the Green Room is no longer green, and that several people have suggested renaming it the Gallery Room since we hang art there. A show of hands indicated the group is in favor of that name change, so it will now be known as the Gallery Room.

The floor of the Gallery Room is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. A show of hands indicated support for a special fundraising effort for this. Karen volunteered to take charge of this effort once we know the cost.

Food Shortages: Carole

UUWC has long supported Storehouse West, which is the large food bank in Rio Rancho. Recent cuts in federal funding have made the shortage more dire. We will continue to gather and deliver food to Storehouse West. Theresa will no longer be available to deliver our food to Storehouse west and asked for volunteers. Kelly and Michelle offered to do this. The bulletin board has a list of the most desired food items.

Security Reminder: Nancy

The door to the social hall was left unlocked on a previous Sunday. Nancy reminded everyone that the last person to leave the building should make sure that all doors are locked.

Native American Charity Offering: Nancy

We have agreed to do more than just give lip service to honoring the land. We will take up a quarterly special offering for Southwester Reservation Aid. Research indicated that this organization does the most in our area of the country. Offerings will be taken the first Sunday of July, October, January, and April.

UUWC T-Shirts: Nancy

New t-shirts are here. If you take one, be sure to sign your name on the clipboard next to the box of shirts. Shirts are $20 each, cash only. $20 bills preferred – no coins.

Anti-Racist Book Group: Dee

The group is reading James. The next meeting is Friday, June 20, from 9:00 to 11:00 at Whispering Bean Coffee.

The next meeting of the Dignity Project is July 12 at the Placitas Presbyterian Church.

Pre-Service Silence: Nancy

People chatting in the sanctuary as the service is about to begin has been an ongoing problem. Nancy encourages everyone to hold conversations in the Social Hall and be silent when they enter the sanctuary. She asked for suggestions to accomplish this. Suggestions included ringing a bell, flickering lights, sign on door. We will try a combination of a bell and a sign asking for silence.

Newsletter: Nancy

Some of the submissions to the newsletter have been problematic with formatting and other technical issues. Nancy has created a new email account, uuwcnewsletterinfo@gmail.com for newsletter submissions. Please use this rather than Nancy’s regular email for submitting articles.

Delbert noted that there are other forms of information: the web site, Facebook, and Breeze for events. Send web site updates to Delbert and Facebook info to Carole.

Maggie expressed frustration with Breeze for receiving the newsletter. Nancy encouraged everyone who needs help with Breeze to schedule one-on-one time with Rich Guidi.

Open Floor:

Nic noted that the Gallery Room has items that don’t belong there stashed in corners. Hobbit added that closets present the same problem. All are asked to find appropriate places to store materials and belongings.

The giveaway event is on hold because of the need to raise funds for the Gallery Room floor.

Karen asked for a show of hands of people interested in small groups for dinner, theater, coffee, etc. There is considerable interest.

Janet asked that we all keep our legislators in our hearts.

Adjournment at 1:30.

UUWC Town Hall: April 20, 2025. Notes

Nika Quirk, Council Moderator, called meeting to order at 12:30

Treasurer’s Report: Ruth Tucker Bogart

Good news that March receipts continued strong. UUWC is running in the black by about $4,000 for the quarter. Quarterly statements for pledges have been sent out. If you have questions, or did not receive your statement please contact Ruth.

Facilities Committee: Delbert Schafer

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Earth Day Spring Cleaning at UUWC on April 19^th. Rain and snow limited some work on the grounds, but we compensated by concentrating on the building. We are making progress on improving the usability of our facilities.

Facilities Committee is all volunteer, and has four major components: Building, with Kelly, Dale, Stevie, and Delbert; Grounds, with Theresa; Cleaning with Hobbit and her volunteer crew; and Tech with Charlie.

Please let us know when you experience problems with our facilities. Also, we welcome all volunteers.

Food Shortages: Nika

UUWC has long supported Storehouse West, which is the large food bank in Rio Rancho. Recent cuts in federal funding have made the shortage more dire. We will continue to gather and deliver food to Storehouse West. Plans are underway to make the collection of food for Storehouse more visible.

UUWC is also a partner with Feed Rio Rancho Kids, which will pack more food on Tuesday.

Leadership: Nika

The recent leadership breakfast indicated the need for equipping more leaders for UUWC. Endowment Committee will fund creation of a homegrown training program. Nika, Emily Wilder, and Ilean Galloway will develop a four-session training program open to everyone.

General Assembly of UUA June 18-22: Nika

For the first time in years, UUWC will be able to have a voting delegate at the General Assembly. Wendy Dampier has agreed to serve as our delegate. People may attend in-person or online by paying the registration fee.

UUWC T-Shirts: Nancy

A new order of UUC promotional t-shirts will occur in the next week or so. Contact Nancy for information or to order.

Rallies: Nika

UUWC Congregation Members and Friends have been attending political rallies. Information on rallies is available at Mobilize.us, on Facebook, and UUWC plans to post on its website. May 1 is next big planned rally.

Saturdays at 10 a.m. have been protests near the Tesla sales site at New Mexico 550 and 528.

ABQ Indivisible holds a rally at noon on Truesdays at Third and Lomas.

Sun Room Library: Karen S.

The Humanist Group has been reviving the Sun Room Library making it more usable and relevant to the needs of the Congregation. Volunteers, led by Keisha Parrish, including Emily Wilder, Barbara Aurand, Jenny Cook, Hobbit Merrit, and Carla Clark, have been cleaning, re-labeling the library.

Have put book on cart in the Social Hall to complement the Sunday Programs.

Have been coordinating with the people who have the UUWC provided Free Little Libraries to assure that they have adequate, relevant books, especially for children.

Wisdom Walkers: Theresa Watson

Meet at 10 a.m. on the Second Saturday of each month an carpool to the start of the walk. Open to suggestions for destinations for the walks.

Open Floor:

Laurel: the Anti-Racism Group meets at 9 a.m. the third Friday of the month at Whispering Bean coffee shop near Sprout’s Grocery on Corrales Road. It is reading “Enrique’s Journey” and all are welcome to join the discussion.

Theresa: In the fall will begin a nomadic lifestyle change by   hitting the road to visit sites in New Mexico and western U.S.

Adjournment at 1:30.