The date for my retirement has been set: Sunday July 13 will be my last day. The Committee on Ministry, the Board and others are beginning to plan several events during which we can reminisce, remember, and celebrate our shared ministry. A tentative plan includes a Friday evening gathering on July 11 – probably with a “Roast and Toast the Minister” theme, a Saturday picnic for all ages – at the Fellowship on July 12, and a final Sunday service July 13. There will be music at all the events – involving beloved UUFC musicians and friends. If you’d like to join in some of the planning for these events, please let Sonia know at office@uucorvallis.org.
Between now and then we still have time to do much together, and we need to become more intentional about being in this transition and saying goodbye. As I say this, I feel sadness welling up! Sometimes it is really hard to say goodbye, to move to new places, to start new ways. All of us know that. So we’re in this together.
Three months is a good long time to do lots of talking. I have a need to answer as many questions and concerns as possible, especially about all the things I do. I imagine making list after list, documenting everything – but that is probably not realistic (because I’m not a good detail person). I’ll do what I can, and I’ll depend on many of you to help by asking questions, creating lists and more. Already many of you are in that process, which is helping me remember that I can’t do it alone and I’m not doing it alone.
At the same time we are all working hard to keep our balance, find our footing, hone our priorities for how to live in this country at this time and how to keep the ideals of a just, peaceful and loving community alive and well. In other words, we are called to live our religious live with more courage and intention than most of us have ever known. For the fact that we are doing all of these things together – I am grateful!