Read the full issue of this week’s newsletter, The Weekly Liberal, here.

In this week’s Liberal, Rev. Justin Schroeder writes:

As many of you know, I will be on sabbatical during the months of September and October. I am using this time to deepen my study of race, racism, and whiteness, as it relates to the history of our country, our faith, and our ministry at First Universalist, as we seek to become a multi-cultural, multi-racial faith community.

Rev. Jen Crow will be Acting Senior Minister during my time away, and will be in touch with me in case of church-related emergencies. You’re in good hands! Jen and the rest of our staff team have been hard at work, creating programming, planning worship, and partnering with many of you, as we live into our Visionary Goals.

I am incredibly grateful for this time away for study and growth; and I will miss you all! I so deeply cherish the religious journey we’re on together. While I am away, on Sunday, Oct. 15 we will publicly wrap up our Capital Campaign, “Not For Ourselves Alone: Building An Inclusive Future.” Ann Reed and Give Get Sistet will be a part of the service, and I’m delighted to announce that Rev. Kate Tucker will be preaching! I’m also delighted to share the news that thanks to the generosity of several church members, we have a Capital Campaign challenge match of $95,000! This means that any new Capital Campaign pledges or additional Capital Campaign gifts will be matched dollar for dollar! If you’d like to learn more about the Campaign, or make a gift, please contact Andrea Love at the church office: andrea@firstuniv.org.

Earlier today, Rev. Jen Crow led staff members in a “Sabbatical Blessing” for me. I was moved to tears. And so, as we begin a new church year, I offer this blessing to you: May you feel the strength and power of this faith community; may you know you are wanted and worthy of love; may you know you are not alone; may you be blessed and be a blessing.

I’ll see you in November. In gratitude and love,

Justin