Dec. 22, 2023
This solstice, I clipped branches from our cedar tree that were overhanging the driveway, and I laid them down on the walk to the front door where a wooden snowman waits to greet visitors. It felt festive and inviting. And whether or not there are reindeer and a sleigh arriving soon with Santa, what has already arrived is the longest night of the year. The deepest night.
May this be a night of peace and rest–one in which to lay your burden down and light a candle or sit by a small lamp. I invite you to give thanks for what you can be thankful for, and lament that which is painful and difficult. Tomorrow, we begin the return in our Northern Hemisphere towards the light. And we remember the ordinary blessing of each year’s renewal.
After Christmas Eve services this Sunday, I will be taking vacation through Jan. 4, and then study leave, returning on Jan. 15. During study leave, I am still available for pastoral care emergencies. I will not be regularly monitoring email, so the best way to get in touch with me is by phone: (360) 851-9603.
Looking back
I’d like to share some highlights of our ministry together in the first 5 months of our congregational year:
Worship: The Worship Committee and I planned a full congregational year including engaging speakers on the worship themes. We held a worship committee retreat and updated the service script. I have enjoyed collaborating with our music staff on inviting guest musicians and programming music that fits the worship theme.
Pastoral Care: I’ve been building relationships with the committees I am contracted to work with. Together with the Pastoral Care Team, I’ve been meeting with people who are experiencing crisis, major illness, and deaths in the family and following-up on Joys & Sorrows.
Shared Ministry: The Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM) and I have worked to clarify understanding of what responsibilities are with the ¼-time minister role as requests come up. The COSM also invited our Board to review the KUUF 5 Year Plan to see where we are at after several liminal years of adaptive ministry during the pandemic.
2024: Looking ahead
During my study leave, January 5–14, I’ll be reflecting on and preparing to work with KUUF in these areas:
Worship: I will be researching the worship themes through June and preparing for Sunday services. I am looking forward to preparing multigenerational worship on Easter with our DRE, Melinda Hughes, and a nature-based service on Interdependence in April to begin Earth Week.
Pastoral Care: I will shift some focus from individual pastoral care to communal pastoral care. As the vote on the proposed Article II approaches, there will be needs for care as long-time UUs (and likely some newcomers) wrestle with and react to this significant change in one of our faith tradition’s guiding documents. I will be organizing a listening and learning session and be prepared for one-on-one follow-up with lay leaders if needed.
Shared Ministry: the Board, Committee on Shared Ministry, and I are organizing a start-up retreat with our UUA Regional staff member, Rev. Sarah Schurr. Start-up retreats typically happen within the 1st year of a ministry as a way for the UUA to support us in developing our shared ministry in a good way. We will work on clarifying roles and responsibilities within the congregation using some shared language: who is responsible? Who is accountable? Who is supporting? Who should be consulted? Who needs to be kept informed?
Wishing you all blessings of comfort and joy along with the cares and concerns of this holiday season. I’m looking forward to re-gathering in the New Year!
With gratitude,
Rev. Victoria