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.
2025 Pillar of the Church Award
presented to The Florence Family- Hank, Leah, Sam, and Milo by Mary Piette
While others come and go, this year’s Pillar has remained steadfastly involved in Children’s and Youth Religious Education. Throughout the pandemic and as we emerged, they developed into the heart of the CYRE program. Their regular attendance and commitment during a difficult time was noteworthy and much appreciated. They have hosted and chaperoned countless events for the RE program and currently drive the teen and middle school outings program. They have mentored youth for Coming-of-Age programs. They have served as Chair of the RE committee.
They raise money for RE by selling homemade baked goods on Sunday mornings -- more than $1,000 to date!
They are consistently friendly and welcoming to everyone walking through our church doors, current members, and newcomers. Most of the time, before a welcomer or membership team member can reach a newcomer after the service, this year’s Pillar is already there, conversing with and welcoming visitors.
Despite their busy life, they attend worship services faithfully.
They have served two terms on the Board of Trustees
They have offered meaningful and thoughtful reflections during worship services. They are always willing to share their impressive musical and performing talents at worship and other church events. They also generously share their considerable fine arts talent.
They are active participants in SFUU social justice events: Gathering Inn, Crop Walk, Rise Against Hunger, and more. Recently they organized the very successful Pizza and Karaoke night offered by SFUU for the Gathering Inn, the homeless shelter in North Auburn.
They always offer popular and fun donations to every fundraising auction we hold: movie nights, art classes, baking classes, even croquet in the park!
You might be wondering how one individual has covered all these bases. Well, it is not one individual. It is four individuals. This year the Selection Committee decided that, for the first time, the award will be given to an entire family. A family that is truly a team, that fully commits and participates, a family that knows how to “Do Church”, a family we all know and love – the Florences: Hank, Leah, Sam, and Milo.
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