Blessings come to us in many forms and from many sources. Each person who walks through the door of our congregation is a blessing. New people in our community are a special blessing. Each person in our community brings wonderful gifts as well as needs.

Moving on and letting go can be a blessing. On April 12 I resigned my commission as an Army officer. This was a long time in coming and I am so glad the UUCRT has been able to accompany me through much of my military journey. Many of us have been distressed by the Administration’s unresponsiveness to pressures from citizens, including many members of the UUCRT, to increase transparency and accountability with U.S. drone strikes, and halt plans for a new nuclear cruise missile. The members of UUCRT have engaged in legislative advocacy on both of these issues. The outcome is troubling, but not discouraging. This personal decision does not lessen my commitment to support military personnel. In fact, I believe I can do more for our Armed Forces as an engaged citizen than as a military officer.

Discovering new ways to serve is a blessing we give ourselves and others. In separating from the Army I have followed my heart to volunteer on the UU Peace Ministry Network (UUPMN) Leadership Team. I was welcomed to the Committee, on the foundation of our outstanding application to the UUPMN Peace Advocate Congregation Program. I am pleased to serve our denomination in this vital capacity, and look forward to receiving our official certificate from them on behalf of the UUCRT at the upcoming General Assembly, in Columbus Ohio. I am also serving our local chapter of Veterans for Peace (Hudson Valley Chapter 177). We received our charter and it will soon be proudly displayed on the wall at the UUCRT.

I hope you will take time this month to discover the blessings you have received and those you have to give. We bless each other by being fully present and responsive to our greatest gifts and deepest needs.