Rev. Vicky's Message July 16, 2026

This weekend, many of the women in our commUnity will be attending the 2026 Women's Retreat in Santa Cruz. Our theme this year is The Gifts of Imperfection, based on the book of the same title by Brené Brown. We will be holding our Sunday Service at the retreat - during the same time as the UMB service...trusting that "wherever we are – we know that Love knows no boundaries – We are One in Spirit."

I want to thank Robin Falkenberg (who, as noted above, is currently in training to become a Licensed Unity Teacher) for stepping up, once again, to offer the Sunday Lesson at UMB - with the loving support of Denise Hedlind, as well as Platform Team members Linda Fosler and Larry Sanks...and the many others who make our Sundays happen. I know you will all have a wonderful Sunday experience!

I also thought I would take this opportunity to update everyone on some upgrades and changes happening in and around our church home.

First, Paco is installing new coded door locks on both the downstairs and upstairs (office) doors. The new downstairs doors already have a code lock, and Paco is in the process of assigning codes to those individuals (and groups) who currently have church keys. Each individual will have their own code––which will allow us to track church use and create better security. The upstairs (office) door lock will be changed in a few weeks, after we have all adjusted to the new system. (If you have a church key, and haven't heard from Paco, you can text him or contact me about getting a code.)

Second, the City of Monterey is currently planning to create a traffic circle at the Larkin/Herrmann/Madison intersection. Jan Lindenthal-Cox attended the public meeting last Thursday, where the City was soliciting feedback and answering questions about the plans.

This project has been in the planning stages for over three years, and is being funded by a grant. Below you can see a photo of the proposed changes. THIS IS A TRIAL PROJECT, to determine if a traffic circle improves the intersection traffic flow, especially during the high school morning and afternoon busy traffic times.

According to the report, this 5 way intersection currently has stop signs at all corners and crosswalks. 

• The stop signs would remain, but if this project moves forward, drivers will need to drive to the right around this traffic circle.

• The center circle is raised similar to a roundabout

• Some parking spaces would be removed from Larkin and Madison.

• Vertical elements, such as a trough or temporary curb, would reduce the width of the road at all corners.

• The City states that the goal of this project is "traffic calming"

.

As the project proceeds, we will poll our membership as to how they are experiencing the change (positively or negatively) and will share that information with the City when the final evaluation occurs (date yet unknown).

Blessings & Love

Rev. Vicky