Dear Members and Friends,
How has your summer been? If you’ve been attending the summer services, you know how meaningful and engaging they have been. The depth of the sharing, the quality of the music, and the thoughtful organization has made for powerful worship experiences. I’m grateful to all those that have participated in presenting, organizing, assisting, and providing music. I tuned in to several of the services live and listened to a couple afterwards. Truly, I was blown away time and time again. If you would appreciate some inspiration from fellow members and guests, the services can be streamed HERE.
Like many of you I suspect, my summer had its ups and downs. I had two productive weeks in Bakersfield attending to my father and his previous home of over 50 years. My kids loved playing with their cousins while Angie and I enjoyed some quality time with my brother and his wife. Upon returning I prepared for a week at Camp UniStar, located on a small island in northern Minnesota. Last year I led a program at this camp and fell in love with it. Angie agreed to join me and the kids on one condition—that I wasn’t working! The car was all packed and the last thing to do was take Covid tests as requested by the camp…. and I tested positive. Sure I felt sluggish but it was a surprise. My daughter made me take another test to confirm the first one. And then I descended into the basement like a dog with its tail between its legs, quarantined for eight days, and requested that I be put on the wait-list for a later week.
While I sheltered away from the wider world, unexpected events unfolded. President Biden ended his candidacy for another term, and Kamala Harris became the heir apparent. So I had plenty of opportunity to follow a crazy news cycle. When I finally knew I was Covid-free, I re-joined my routines and it felt like there was a significant shift. I had been mentally preparing to provide pastoral leadership through months of dread and possible profound disappointment for many in November. But now it feels like there’s real possibility for this country to overcome the constant rhetoric of hate, fear, deception, and vengeance that had seemed to envelope a majority of Americans.
In early August, Camp UniStar called to say that space opened up for my family to attend. So last week, my family enjoyed all that this fabulous rustic camp has to offer. And I’ve got to say: I love Minnesotans—all the more as I learned about their governor and his historic opportunity. The only downside to the week was a Covid outbreak that took out the facilitator and co-facilitator. Fortunately, Angie was happy for me to step in and lead! The week was a fabulous way to close out my time away from you.
I’m excited about what’s on the horizon. First, there’s the intentional bringing forth of the congregation’s history—which will include several events this fall. Second, the Interim Music Director Search Team shall publicize the position to lead the music program after Rev. Ed Thompson retires at the end of December. Third, your Social Justice Council will gather with all those interested for a training to address the building blocks of faith-based organizing and determine how to move forward this year. Fourth, UU the Vote will offer plenty of opportunities to engage in the coming election. Fifth, we celebrate the Congregation’s 75th anniversary on November 9. Sixth, we celebrate Rev. Ed Thompson’s ministry among us on November 16 and his last service with us will be on Christmas Eve.
If you know families who might be interested in attending this Congregation, I encourage you to tell them, “As you go back to school, why not go back to church? The UU Congregation in Westport has so much to offer!” I’m grateful how Angi Haen has prepared this year’s Faith Formation program. It is truly significant to offer an ethical framework for our children from which they can develop their morals.
I look forward to joining you this Sunday and taking up my responsibilities following my vacation and study leave. Although I won’t be in the pulpit the next two weekends, I will participate in the services that will present two different approaches to addressing the needs of immigrants, the first by our UU congregation in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico and the second by a dear friend who founded Forging Opportunities to Refugees in America that provides high dosage tutoring to children who have lost many years of their education as refugees.
This promises to be an engaging and meaningful year. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you want to be involved or have specific questions or concerns.
Warmly,
Alan
