A number of folks have asked what our plans are for the summer, and while the responsibilities of the end of year are taking precedence over our specific planning for the summer, we do intend to take some time for vacation and some study leave.
Study leave is time for us to engage in practices that nurture and sustain our well-being. Study leave may include time to reflect, go on retreat, engage in spiritual practices, read, write, learn, attend training and/or workshops, continuing education, and to begin preparations for the year ahead.
Vacation may be more obvious what it is but it might not occur to some that it means we are away, as in not working, even if we are at home. We need to be able to rest and reset just like everyone else which means we are not reading email or answering texts or otherwise working. If there is an emergency, you can contact Lillian the Church Administrator and she will decide, sometimes in consultation with Board President Stephanie Maslanka, what the right course of action is. If you see us out and about, of course you can say hello. Please do! But let’s not talk about church business or congregational life. Feel free to tell us how your summer is going, what you’ve been doing to protest the government, and things like that.
Whether we are on vacation or study leave, we will also continue to resist fascism, work for justice, and care for our neighbors, because we know it is important to live our UU values all year long, to the best of our ability on any given day. We hope you’ll join us in your own way.
Our hoped for plan is that much of July is full of vacation. In August, we will be ‘at work’ preparing for and then co-leading the pilgrimage to Follensby Pond and preparing for and meeting with the Board over several days for the annual Board Retreat. There will also be some study leave sprinkled in. And, we shall see how the days unfold. This is your last call to register for the Follensby Pond trip, a fundraiser for the congregation and a nurturing experience for those who go with us to ponder our history, reflect while held by the Earth, and connect with other UUs in a deeper way all in an incredibly beautiful place in the Adirondacks.
We are grateful for the shared ministry of this congregation, that includes the Staff, the Ministry Teams, the Board, and Advisory Committees, and lots of volunteers each doing your part.
We hope that your summer includes activities and connections that bring you joy. There will be lots of wonderful things happening at UUSS and we hope that you choose to show up, participate, and connect with others in the congregation. There are so many wonderful folks here! If you need any care and support, please contact the Caring Team member listed in Circuits. Other questions can go to Lillian Johnson, Church Administrator.
With love and care,
Rev. Lynn & Rev. Wendy