On this, the last day of the 2019-20 church year, we acknowledge that few of us could have imagined how this year would unfold. And yet, as we heard in the General Assembly Sunday morning worship offered by the Rev. Mykal Slack and the Rev. Joan Javier-Duval, we never really know what we will need to be ready for, and we are often asked to move forward, even when we are not fully ready.

We were not ready for so many beloved elders to pass into the mystery we call death, this year. We were not ready for a pandemic that would require all of us to physically distance and to change how we live in such dramatic ways. We were not ready to support all of you who are risking your lives as essential workers, experiencing isolation, or overwhelm. We were not ready for more Black lives to be ended by acts of violence at the hands of police.

And, even though we as a congregation were not ready, together, we have found some ways to move forward in this tender, tumultuous, and transformative time. Some of you have made phone calls, some have made masks, some have donated funds, and some have courageously asked for help. We have found new ways to share and experience worship, life-span religious education, and even a congregational meeting.  Many of you have learned how to use new technology that allows for connection and participation. Some of you have been leaning in to advocacy and witness work along with thousands of others as we #UUtheVote and support the movement for Black lives. Together, we have prioritized the safety and well-being of those most at risk, and put the needs of the many ahead of the wants of a few. We are living solidly in our first and seventh principles.

Last week began with Ministry Days which were quite full. Wendy serves as the secretary to the Board of the UU Minsters Association and Lynn serves on the Berry St. Lecture committee.

Starting Wednesday afternoon, 11 members and staff participated, along with your ministers in General Assembly, with over 4000 UUs from across the continent. Thanks to Ed Kautz, Nancy Peterson, Mati Hackett, Randy Jennings, Mary O’Keeffe, Kat Wolfram, Trish Williams, Lisa Temoshok, Paula Shaw, Kristin Cleveland, and Robin Ahearn for the time and energy devoted to workshops, worship, keynote speakers, and business sessions. It was a lot packed in to five days, and we look forward to what each of us will bring back to our shared leadership with UUSS. General Assembly is a way to experience more of the breadth of depth of this faith, and to be part of changes in our denomination that are widening our circle of inclusion by centering the experiences of those who have, for too long, been on the margins.

We will be taking some much needed time for rest, renewal, reflection, restoration, and rejuvenation in the coming month. We have worked with lay-leaders and ministerial colleagues to plan a wonderful series of worship services in our absence. We are so grateful for the willingness of volunteers to help bring the nourishment that these services will offer.  Just the thing for a summer Sunday morning.

Please be gentle with yourselves, be generous with kindness, and live boldly with love.

In faith.

~ Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy