We notice, we wonder, we give thanks

In this season of transition—from spring to summer, from the daily routine of school to the expanse (and parental challenge and joy) of summer break, from two Sunday services to one, from one season of life to the next—letting go and being carried like flowing water or holding on tight to the shores of what was, we find ourselves here: in this season of transition. As people of faith, we do our best not to breeze by these turnings in the cycles of our lives and our community life. Together, we learn to pause if we can, to notice, to wonder, and say thank you. 

We do our best to follow the clear but still sometimes challenging “Instructions for Living” that the poet, Mary Oliver, left for us like breadcrumbs:

Pay attention.

Be astonished.

Tell about it.

So let us pay attention this time of turning. Rev. Ashley Harness, Assistant Minister, has been with us for four years, and this Sunday, June 7, will be her final worship service at First Universalist. Her ministry with us is ending, but the gifts that she has given us through her presence and her leadership remain. We wish Rev. Ashley well in her new role as Major Gifts Officer with VEAP, and as is our practice, we will release Rev. Ashley from her role as minister among us by honoring professional boundaries with her. This means that you will not see Rev. Ashley at church for at least a year, and that she will not be available to the congregation in a ministerial role (pastoral care, weddings, memorial service, trainings, etc.), except at the request of the current ministers of the church. These boundaries allow Rev. Ashley to turn to her new work and the changes she is hoping that it offers to her and her family with her whole heart, and allows us to come into our new rhythms as a congregation with the staff and ministers who are here. Join us on Sunday at 10 am as we gather to mark this transition—as we pay attention, wonder, and say thank you. We’ll have gluten-free frozen treats and note cards available after the service to celebrate Rev. Ashley’s ministry with us and to offer words of thanks. 

Looking ahead, this season of transition continues as we celebrate the learning and growth of our year as a teaching congregation with Cummins Ministerial Intern, Nico Van Ostrand. Nico’s internship will conclude on Sunday, June 14, and we will release them from their ministerial role with the congregation and honor the change in professional boundaries this transition requires. With the completion of their ministerial internship, Nico will turn more fully to their role on the UUA’s MidAmerica Regional Staff Team. You may still see Nico at church from time to time for regional events, but they will no longer be a part of the ministerial team, and will no longer be available to the congregation for pastoral care or officiation at rites of passage. Join us on Sunday, June 14 at 10 am, as we gather to mark this transition—as we pause to pay attention, to wonder at our mutual growth, and to say thank you for the transformative wisdom and leadership they have brought to our community. We’ll have treats and note cards available after the service to celebrate Nico’s ministerial internship and to share our gratitude for their time with us. 

See you in church,

Rev. Jen

P.S. This Sunday, June 7, is also Sign-Up Sunday! We hope you’ll visit the small group leaders who will be tabling in the Social Hall after worship, and sign up for a gathering (or two or more!) this summer at church.