Dear Members and Friends,
I so enjoyed being with many of you over Christmas Eve. Both the morning and the evening services were beautiful opportunities to gather. I enjoyed meeting many of you for the first time: some of you as long time members, some who grew up in the congregation, and some who visited for the first time!
As we approach the new year, it is a time to reflect on transitions. When we go through significant changes, it matters how we deal with them. As your transitional minister, I naturally encourage you to reflect on the transitions in your own lives.
I am currently involved in a major family transition. My family decided to spend the holiday season in Bakersfield, California, because my mother’s health has been declining. As it turned out, we could be with her during her last few days. She passed away peacefully this morning. I was at her side. The timing was exquisite.
As a minister, I have accompanied many people and their families through the loss of loved ones. There are no surprises regarding the process. With my own mother, it is just more challenging to be emotionally available. I know that I must be tender with myself and others as we attend to a multitude of logistics. Fortunately, I have much support, including a brother locally who has children about the same ages as Marco and Erica.
Through this time, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you, even as I step away for a short period of bereavement. I will not be available for meetings through the first week of January. I appreciate your understanding and look forwarded to engaging our Shared Transitional Ministry in the New Year.
In Joy and Sorrow,
Alan
