What a wild and crazy two weeks it’s been!  I mean this in the best possible way.  There is such a wonderful energy here at UUSS.  Every meeting, service, class, phone call, email, and text–has been a true joy.  It feels real and good and I am so very happy to be here–to be with all of you.

These last two weeks I’ve spent most of my time attending meetings and working with Julie as much as possible.  Julie’s final day was this past Wednesday.  I can’t thank her enough for sharing so much with me–we got a lot in, in a very short time!  Now, as I explore Waters House, I am finding tons of treasures!  Crayons, markers, felt, pipe cleaners, glue sticks, paint–wonderful arts and crafts supplies galore!   We also have some excellent UU reading–books on parenting, sexuality, death, racism…

So if you’re looking for some insightful reading or you’re leading a group that’s planning arts and crafts, before you buy any new supplies, please stop by Waters House!  The current DLRE office schedule is Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10-4; working from home on Friday; and bopping around the church and Waters House on Sunday.  Saturdays will vary depending on our schedule of events. Contact me at dlre@uuschenectady.org or 518-374-4446 ext. 6.  I’m anxious to get to know everybody and to hear all your stories.

I live in Unadilla (~90 miles southwest of UUSS), and several people have understandably asked if I plan to relocate.  The youngest of my four daughters is in her final semester at SUNY Oneonta and will be graduating in May.  For right now at least, I have a place to stay in Schenectady on nights that meetings run late and I’m scheduled to be in the office in the morning; otherwise, I will be commuting.

My daughters have attended many “cons” (Youth conferences) through the years and have always come away with new insight, new friends, and new stories.  This coming weekend, I’m excited to say I will be attending my first “con.”   I’ll be joining ~40 Youth and adults for a weekend-long training con/Youth Racial Justice Weekend.  I am grateful for this opportunity to learn more about racial justice and to begin to get to know our Youth.

For those of you who are new (like me!), just a reminder:  When the Earth flag is hanging by the front door of Waters House, it’s

an indication that Religious Education classes for those in grades 1-12 are taking place in Waters House that day.  If there’s no flag hanging, it’s an intergenerational service or multi-group activity day in church.

In these challenging times, JK Rowling gives us something to consider:  “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” – Robin