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Congregational Leadership

The board of trustees guides Cedar Lane’s governance with wisdom, care, and integrity. Trustees serve as stewards of our vision and values—adopting policies, recommending the annual budget, and offering thoughtful oversight in partnership with ministers, staff, and lay leaders.

Board service is a meaningful opportunity to lead with love, stay rooted in our mission, and help shape the future of our community. Trustees attend monthly meetings and retreats, serve on committees or task forces, support stewardship and communications, and remain active in congregational life.

Board meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 PM on Zoom and are open to all Cedar Lane members to observe. To request a Zoom link, ask a question, or speak at a meeting, contact the board president.

The board of trustees is a committee of the congregation. Members of are elected to 3-year terms by the congregation at the annual meeting.

Current Board Members

Carolyn Morrissey, President (2023-2026) – on leave until January 1, 2026

John Woodward, President-elect (2024 – 2027)

Cissie Williams, Secretary (2024-2026)

Susan Henry, Asst. Secretary (2025-2027)

Joe Del Sole, Treasurer (2024-2026)

Bill King, Asst. Treasurer (2025-2027)

Aiden Chernikoff, At-Large (2023-2026)

Kimberly Clarkson, At-Large (2023-2026)

Mike Harris, At-Large (2023-2026)

Meriel Jimenez, At-Large (2024 – 2027)

Destiny Aigbe, At-Large (2025-2028)

Louise Stomierowski, At-Large (2025-2028)

As Trustees of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation, we covenant to uphold our Vision and Mission, serving as responsible stewards of the congregation’s resources and prioritizing the well-being of our community. We commit to:

  • Listening deeply and respectfully to all voices, seeking decisions that reflect shared wisdom while honoring individual perspectives.
  • Supporting group decisions, even in dissent, without undermining them.
  • Leading with transparency, clear communication, and by example, fostering trust and collaboration.
  • Preparing diligently for meetings and fulfilling our responsibilities with care.
  • Sharing power equitably, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.
  • Honoring each person with respect, dignity, and compassion.
  • Addressing disagreements openly and respectfully, embracing transparency, and learning from challenging conversations.
  • Striving for decisive action while recognizing the complexities of our work.
  • Valuing the process as much as the outcome, celebrating achievements, and honoring each other’s contributions.

We hold ourselves accountable to these commitments as expressions of our dedication to the Cedar Lane community and its mission of justice, compassion, and spiritual growth.

Development and Fundraising Committee

Endowment Committee

Financial Policy Committee

Governance Committee

Human Resources Committee

Strategic Initiatives Fund Committee

The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) supports Cedar Lane’s mission by identifying and cultivating strong, diverse lay leadership for the congregation. We work year-round to recruit, interview, and nominate candidates for key leadership roles:

We nominate candidates for the board of trustees and the NLDC. These candidates stand for election by the congregation at the annual meeting, to serve a three-year term.

  • Board of Trustees: There are four candidates for the board put forward each June:
    • Assistant treasurer
    • Assistant secretary
    • Two at-large members

      The two assistant positions move up to the positions of treasurer and secretary during their second year of service.

      Candidates must be members in good standing for at least one year and have served on at least one committee or ministry team for at least six months are eligible to serve on the board.
  • NLDC: There are three candidates for the NLDC put forward each June.

    Candidates must be members in good standing of the congregation.

Involvement Opportunities

Would you find it fulfilling to identify, support, and train lay leaders, and importantly, emerging lay leaders? Are you a member of Cedar Lane? Serving on the NLDC may be right for you.

We look for candidates representing all demographics at Cedar Lane. 

The NLDC, like the board of trustees, is a committee of the congregation. Members of these two governing bodies are elected by the congregation at the annual meeting.

If you are interested in serving Cedar Lane in a role that helps to shape its direction and strength, reach out so that we can have a conversation and discuss next steps.

Sliding Scale Options

suggested love offering of $30 / seat

Sliding Scale Guide

We know it can be complicated to decide how much to pay, and there’s no one right answer for anyone. Many thanks to UU@UN for providing an equitable model for payments.

Consider paying at a lower tier if many of these are true for you:

  • I am directly affected by environmental racism.
  • I have immigration-related expenses.
  • I’m supporting children or have other dependents.
  • I have significant debt.
  • I have medical expenses not covered by insurance.
  • I receive public assistance.
  • I am an elder with limited financial support.
  • I am an unpaid community organizer.
  • I have been denied work due to incarceration history.
  • I would need to budget in order to afford a $25 expense.

Consider paying at a higher tier if multiple of these are true for you:

  • I or my family owns the home I live in.
  • I have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money.
  • I can travel recreationally.
  • I have access to family money and resources in times of need.
  • I work part time by choice.
  • I have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education, gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.
  • In terms of its impact on my lifestyle (e.g. my ability to pay this month’s bills), $50 means functionally about the same as $15. My bank account would look pretty much the same either way.


A reflection from Pronoia Coaching:

When I pay more, I know that I am helping others to access the event.

When I pay in the middle, I know I am helping the organizers cover costs.

And when I pay less, I know I am letting my community hold me and support me.

All of these are wonderful and acceptable ways of participating.