“Just to breathe, just to breathe”

Last Sunday’s service has been sticking with me in powerful ways. Can we take a minute just to breathe, just to breathe keeps running through my head and heart and encouraging me to pause before moving too fast into the next decision, the next action, the next moment. That small pause between impulse and action—that little bit of space—can make all the difference. This summer, many of us on staff will be taking that minute (and longer!) to breathe. I hope you will, too, in all of the ways big and small that you can. 

I will be away from church from June 1st through July 21st, taking a month of sabbatical in June followed by several weeks of vacation and study time. The focus of this time away will be my family, with I hope ample amounts of rest and reading along the way. Our son, Henry, graduates from high school on Sunday, June 8th just as you all will be celebrating Flower Communion and preparing for the Annual Meeting, and I am grateful to be there with him and our whole family to mark this important transition. While I’m away, here are some important things to know: 

We’re delighted to share that Rev. Laura Smidzik will be staying on with us throughout the church year as a part-time Assistant Minister with a focus on pastoral care, welcome, and belonging. Rev. Laura brings a warm and inviting presence, deep compassion, over a decade of ministry experience, and a passion for shared leadership and radical welcome. If you just want to connect, or if you are experiencing a life transition, a challenge in your family or with your health or well-being, you can reach out to Rev. Laura here. 

While I’m away, Rev. Ashley Harness and the whole staff, Board, and all of you will continue the work of the church, living into the mission and vision we have crafted together. Rev. Ashley will be available to lead us should any crises arise, and we will continue to live into the prayer we say every Sunday, “You are not alone, we are holding it together.” If you have questions about a small group or a faith formation opportunity, if you want to find a spiritual practice group (Summer Program Guide coming soon here), want to know more about membership, or would like to support the Stewardship Team, you can reach Rev. Ashley here.

If you want to set up space at church for a meeting or have questions related to the church building, you can reach Jim Poulter, Building and Events Manager, here.

If you have questions about your pledge or want to make a financial gift to the church, you can reach Jie Wronski-Riley, Bookkeeper, here.

If you have questions about programming for Children, Youth, and Families, you can reach Allison Connelly-Vetter, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, here. 

If you have questions about worship or choir or music and arts at church or want to get involved in these ministries, you can reach out to Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout, Director of Worship Arts, here.

If you have questions about our Sanctuary and Resistance ministries or want to get involved, you can reach out to Kit Ketchum, volunteer assistant, here. 

May we all take a moment just to breathe, just to breathe this summer and every day, and may that pause restore and realign us with our faith, and our purpose in the world—which is as simple, and as challenging, as making love come alive. 

In gratitude,

Rev. Jen

P.S. This Sunday, June 1, be sure to visit Sign-Up Sunday tables in the Social Hall after worship–find a connection point (or two!)  at church for the summer!