Two years ago I asked you to make a covenant with me. I asked this even though you were still very much in the throes of grief after parting from a long time minister. You were in serious disagreement with each other about the timing and process of that parting. Plus, you didn’t know me […]
In The Interim – April 22, 2015
He’s almost here! By the time you read this he might actually be here! To help prepare you for candidating week, my sermon on April 19th was about what a UU minister is and is not. Since some of you might not have been in the sanctuary that Sunday, here’s a brief summary of what […]
In The Interim – March 25, 2015
Will this winter ever end? Will spring ever come? As I write this we are preparing for what I most sincerely hope will be the last snow storm of the season. The great irony of the timing of this storm is that it has led us to postpone the Spring Equinox celebration. Will this winter […]
In The Interim – January 28, 2015
In the past year shared ministry has become an integral part of the life of this congregation. Both Pastoral and Worship Associates programs were initiated; enthusiastic groups applied for, trained and began serving in their chosen capacities. What is shared ministry? The UUA website has this to say: “Ministry is no longer an act provided […]
In The Interim – December 31, 2014
I am sitting at my desk a couple of days before Christmas, thinking about the very short time I have left with you! The holidays will fly by. Soon after I will begin a month of unpaid leave. (February 15th – March 15th). By the time I return your Ministerial Search Committee will be close […]
In The Interim – November 26, 2014
“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” When we are at our best we are hopeful creatures. But it iseasy to lose hope, to get stuck in a difficult and painful present, to feel frustration and fear in the face of theunknown. That is why religions have liturgical calendars – for each faith a […]
In The Interim – October 29, 2014
Q: So, Rev. Professional Change Agent, what’s with all the changes around here?
In The Interim – October 1, 2014
After preparing the sermon on covenant recently, I had the opportunity to enliven one of the covenants I practice this ministry by. I had lunch with your Emeritus Minister Frank Hall. We meet every so often to talk about how things are going for him, and for my work, and for the congregation as a […]
In The Interim – September 4, 2014
“Anything that exists effectively in history must have form,” wrote UU theologian James Luther Adams. “And the creation of a form requires power. It requires not only the power of thought but the power of organization and the organization of power.” Adams reminded us that the strengths of liberal religion, when effectively arrayed, could bring […]
In The Interim – August 11, 2014
Have you been wondering what your Interim Minister did this summer? Below is a letter I just sent to the editors of our local papers that answers that question.