SFUU Pillars
A meeting of the active pillars in 2021:
Top (L-R): Joan Lacktis, Barb Munn, Andy Cramer,
2nd Row (L-R): Marsha von Dessonneck, Mary Piette, Amy Evans, Ken Evans, Jim Robison
3rd Row (L-R): Maureen Bauman, Laura Koerner, Bob Niblack, Karen Morse
Bottom (L-R): Stevie Rea, Ceci Dalton, Ann Dennison
The highest honor that SFUU gives each year is called “The Pillar of the Church Award.” The Board of Trustees has entrusted the selection of the awardee(s) to an ad hoc committee of the former Pillar award recipients. This Committee has established minimum criteria for the eligibility for the award as follows:
Must have been a member for at least 5 years
Must be a member in good standing per our by-laws
Has displayed a depth of service to SFUU
Has displayed a breadth of service to SFUU
Has demonstrated leadership in our congregation
Although all active pillars meet to discuss who most deserves this award, it is the most recent pillar who has the honor of presenting the award at our annual congregational meeting in June. The growing list of Pillars is displayed on a plaque in the SFUU foyer.
2026 Pillar of the Church Award
presented to Linda Mercurio by Leah Florence
This year’s pillar has been a steadfast and deeply valued member of the Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalists community for many years, contributing time, leadership, and care across nearly every area of congregational life. Her service reflects not only dedication, but also a remarkable willingness to step forward whenever support was needed.
Her leadership also extended to the Board of Trustees, where she served as Secretary and as an active liaison to multiple committees. During important periods of transition for the congregation, she brought organization, reliability, and thoughtful attention to detail. She were also a member of the Futures Committee that helped guide the congregation through the significant decision-making process of moving to two Sunday services. Her calm, methodical approach helped the congregation navigate change smoothly and collaboratively.
In addition to formal leadership roles, Linda has consistently supported the congregation through hands-on service and community-building. She coordinate game nights that foster friendship and connection among members, regularly volunteer for clean-up and grounds projects, and willingly take on practical tasks ranging from maintaining exterior spaces to changing sanctuary light bulbs. She also stepped forward to serve on the Tech Team, dedicating time to training and reliably operating the tech table during worship services when few others were available.
Within the Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE) program, Linda became an essential leader during periods of transition and uncertainty. As CYRE Chair, she ensured that programs remained organized, supported, and sustainable. Even after her children completed the RE program, she. continued volunteering regularly, often serving as the second required adult for service projects and youth activities. She handled countless administrative responsibilities, including preparing meeting agendas, recording minutes, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring volunteer compliance with church ordinances and state requirements. She also coordinated volunteer lists, encouraged participation from other members, and helped organize CYRE lead worship meetings. Contributions extended to fundraising efforts, informational materials, training, and volunteer workshops, helping strengthen both the structure and spirit of the RE program.
For several years, Linda also coordinated the all-church campout, creating opportunities for fellowship and shared memories beyond Sunday mornings. Throughout all of this service, she has remained a warm, approachable, and dependable presence within the congregation. Generosity, leadership, and quiet commitment have strengthened the church community in countless ways and exemplify the spirit of service at Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalists.
Below is a list of all the Pillars of the Church
Click on the Pillar’s name to read about each pillar’s contribution to SFUU at the time of their award
2025: The Florence Family 2024: Carol Koons
2023: Jennifer Warner 2022: Vicky Jungers
2021: Suzanne Borth
2020: Barb Munn
2019: Stevie Rea and Jim Robison
2018: Mary Piette
2017: Robert Archer and Janie Evans
2016: Marsha von Dessonneck
2015: Val and John Bowman
2014: Ken and Amy Evans
2013: Karen Morse and Bob Niblack
2012: Andy Cramer
2011: Ann Dennison
2010: Dan Dahl
2009: Joan Lacktis
2008: Maureen Bauman
2007: Laura Koerner
2006: Ceci Dalton
2005: Carol Arvay
2004: Anne Seeley
2003: Tom Ferrel
October 2001: Al Thym
November 2000: Linda Olsen
May 2000: Don Bowen
February 2000: Jacki Carr
October 1999: Don Kelly