Tea with the Minister: Wednesday, August 28, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Letter from the Minister: August 13, 2024
It’s blackberry season!

At my house, there’s a blackberry hedge along the edge of the yard. At least, that’s where I try to keep it. Those of you who live with blackberries know that this plant will colonize whatever open space you have, if you let it. Living with blackberries is an exercise in maintaining boundaries–clipping a lot, but not all of the new branches–so that there will be sweet berries in August.

There’s a clearing of space in this relationship, so that growth can be mindfully tended. This way of clearing reminds me also of scheduling: of making space in a limited way, so that the time we have together is sweet.

As we begin another year together, I am trying something new. I’m creating a calendar where you can make appointments with me for crisis pastoral care or to talk about how your groups or committees are going. This way you’ll know when I’m available.

Sometimes people feel shy or embarrassed about asking for time with the minister, when something difficult is happening in their hearts. People tell me, “you’re so busy, I couldn’t take up any of your time.”

Sometimes people feel they have to ask right away at the beginning of the congregational year, to make sure my schedule isn’t full.

While it’s true that there is a lot that I am present to, it’s also true that I have some space. And I can make some available.

I’m starting to book times in September. If you want to get a head start on planning with your committee, go ahead. If you can wait a month or two, that is also great. Here is the link: https://calendly.com/vpoling/pastoralcare

Also, starting this month, I’ll be hosting a drop-in Tea with the Minister on the 4th Wednesdays. Come on by KUUF on August 28 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm to chat and connect!

Love,
Rev. Victoria