Happy new congregational year!

We are grateful to have had three weeks of vacation in July to tend to our own bodies and minds and spirits. Rest is important, sometimes even revolutionary when capitalism (and run amok government officials) demand more More MORE or do more and more egregious harm. We hope you have had a chance to have some rest, relaxation, and to do something that nourishes you.

Though we were not in the pulpit this summer, we worked for several weeks, preparing for and facilitating the pilgrimage to Follensby Pond, with participants from three different congregations. We are grateful for what we experienced, learned, and witnessed. Thanks to John Reschovsky, Catherine Miller, and Tom Comparin for the time and care they offered as volunteers to this adventure and fundraiser for the congregation.

Our summer work time also included preparing for and leading the Board Retreat in four sessions, 2 3-hour evenings and 2 full days strengthening leadership skills, tending to one another and our relationships, exploring governance, creating a new covenant, writing a new Annual Focus of Ministry, and deciding on two new Open Questions so that the congregation can offer input and provide some guidance to the Board’s work. They created some goals and are in the process of finalizing work products they will delegate to the three Advisory Committees of the Board. You’ll hear more about all that over the next couple of weeks. We also offered some pastoral care, did some reading and filing, and connected with staff periodically to support their important work on behalf of the Congregation’s mission.

We are so grateful that in Unitarian Universalism, we have a shared pulpit. As your Co-ministers, we are responsible and accountable for the worship life of the congregation and per the Letter of Agreement that guides congregations and ministers of the UUA, we are expected to lead between 30 and 35 services a year (range is somewhat dependent on denominational commitments and other factors). The other Sundays are wonderfully and ably led by guest ministers and lay leaders. The voices of lay leaders and guest ministers enrich those who participate in worship or who access the recordings available online as no one person knows everything about anything and no one person knows something about everything. Deep and heartfelt thanks to those who led worship this summer as we all continue to live lives of meaning-making and creating a congregation where more find a sense of belonging.

We also had a week of Study Leave-reading, engaging in spiritual practices, contemplating the year ahead, and learning more about a new pilot program of the UUA. (see below)

For those celebrating Rosh Hashanah later this week, may the candles illuminate hearts towards peace; may the new fruit inspire renewed faith; may the apple, challah, and honey bring sweetness not just to tongues but to your whole year. May you be inscribed into the Book of Life. Shanah tovah!

We look forward to being with you… to reconnecting with those of you we know, and meeting folks who have started attending UUSS over the summer.

With anticipation,
Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy

 

(published September 9th)