Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst Minister's Monthly Message

Sadness has come upon me, and all of us, again. Each time we lose one of our own - to death or relocation - I feel like part of my family is gone. You are all so precious to me. We have become a special kind of family that few people are ever priveledged to know.

I mourn for Nancy Foster. She was a powerhouse in diminutive form. I worry about John and all the others in our congregation who have lost loved ones under my care over the years. I will miss Lee when she moves, but wish her every happiness. Nym has been a special part of almost all my services since I came to Amherst and although I know our lovely choir will continue to bless us with song, I will notice the lack of his beautiful spirit among us..

Yet, I am aware, in another part of my heart, of the joys in our lives as well. Two babies were born to our congregation this year. We will be having a child dedication ceremony in the fall with a child old enough to ask for it herself. How special! And I'll be working with our teenagers next year as they participate in a Coming of Age program. It will be an exciting and important time in their lives, and to be able to help make this experience possible for them will give me much joy.. It all reminds me that life continues, and it is amazing.

These things are on my mind and in my heart as we take our summer break. I will spend time in my gardens and with my family and friends, and do a lot of planning and preparation for next year. And we will be seeing each other on several occasions I am sure, including Nancy's memorial service in August. And over pancakes! (A communion of souls over maple syrup?)

Take care of yourselves, and have a lovely summer. We'll pour ourselves back into our congregational life at the Water Ingathering Ceremony on Sept. 12th.

See you then.

Love,

validated