It is hard to believe that this is the last column I will write as your lay commissioned minister. As I write these words, my heart is full of gratitude for our time together these past three years. I treasure the journey we have traveled together- the joy we have shared in worship, the learning of our small group ministry circles, the service and witness in our larger community.
There is also sadness and loss in my heart at this time. This past month we said goodbye to David Bell, a dear friend of our congregation, supporting his family through their time of grief. We share their grief as we will greatly miss Dave’s smile and warm-hearted presence in our community.

In the midst of this sad occasion, I saw the people of this congregation come together to prepare a beautiful memorial service- with gifts of flowers, cleaning and setting the space, kind words and hugs, and faithful presence.

In the midst of sadness, there was love. These gifts were not out of the ordinary for this community, as I have seen more closely in the past few months of supervising the Care Team how so many regularly support one another through providing rides, making blankets, helping with tasks, visiting our homebound friends, and pitching in when help is needed at special events. Please take note of our Care Team’s column this month if you would like to offer your service. My heart is hopeful because of your caring.

Finally, there is joy and anticipation in my heart. Every ending carries within it a new beginning. As I complete my service to this congregation on July 31st, we welcome back Rev. Chris from his sabbatical on August 1st. Chris will be leading worship on August 11th, and we will celebrate our transition together on August 25th. The Sunday Service ministry has grown, with Diane Diachishin now joining Bill Domanico in the role of co-chair. The team is visioning for the year ahead with new collaboration and enthusiasm. New members have been elected to the Board of Trustees, with Laura Bair serving as acting president. They are setting their goals for the year ahead also. The 150th Anniversary of this congregation will take place in 2020, and offers possibilities for both celebration and vision.

On a personal note, I will begin my work as the Intern Minister at the UU Fellowship of Northern Westchester in Mt Kisco on September 1st. I will also be interning with the interfaith environmental organization GreenFaith. I anticipate that there will be opportunities for us to stay connected through environmental justice and advocacy work for the Earth rooted in our shared Unitarian Universalist faith.

 

With love and gratitude,

Terri