Two years ago today, this congregation called us to be your new Co-ministers and we said yes. While we are still getting used to the length of winter, and a whole lot of other differences, we have jumped in deeply and fully into doing the work of governance change, increasing accountability and transparency, engaging in trust-building, implementing healthier and/or clearer systems, offering opportunities for spiritual growth, encouraging healing and transformation, and leadership development. We are in year 2 of a 5 year transition so it is all an experiment and all a work in progress.

We are grateful for signs of Spring all around. The trees are leafing out so quickly we could almost watch them grow. New flowers are blooming every day. A plethora of birds are chirping, eating, and frisking about. Our car is covered in pollen and the junior high and high school kids that walk past our home or the church are chatty and playful.

Within the congregation, a lot is growing and blooming, too. This past week, 14 new members joined UUSS. They will be officially welcomed on May 19th when we also celebrate those who have been members for 25 or 50 years Energy and interest were high at the Ministry Team Expo, and we are anticipating a joyful evening for this Saturday’s Spring Auction.

And we are rarely just this… or that.

We are often carrying joy and woe, excitement and dread, a need to belong and a sense of feeling shy or unsure. Even as there is so much beauty and growth happening, some of us are also experiencing sadness and loss.

Please know that we, members of the Caring Team, and your UUSS community are here. Beauty and brokenness are often present at the same time, and one of the gifts of a religious community is that we are here to witness, celebrate, and support one another through it all, and to work together to create more justice and joy in the world we share.

However you are feeling, we hope you will come to the auction on Saturday or to send a proxy bidder on your behalf and we hope to see you at worship on Sunday.

With gratitude~ Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy