From the Senior Minister 9/17/2003

Our Homecoming Sunday this year was a service I will never forget. What a marvelous, high-energy introduction to our new sanctuary! It was truly awe inspiring to watch the entire gathered congregation stream silently from the shelter of our old meeting room into the light-filled embrace of our new sanctuary, accompanied by the strains of Rich Zelisko's saxophone. There was a powerful evocation of the many beloved companions on this spiritual journey who are no longer among us, and I felt the blessing of their presence with us as we stepped into the future they helped us create.

There will be an inevitable period of adjustment to the changed reality we have created for ourselves. We'll be experimenting with elements of the worship service as we feel our way into the sanctuary and what it evokes in us. We'll be trying out a new worship service as well, as we begin "Soul and Sociability" on the third Friday evening of each month, which will include a potluck supper and a vespers service. We will be sorting out our relationship with a new long-term tenant in our religious education wing, and happily getting used to the expanded use of our classroom space. And both our Membership and our new and dynamic Adult Programs Committees will be initiating new programs to help us deepen our spiritual lives and strengthen the bonds of community.

Taken all together, this particular homecoming feels a little like leaping on board a train that's already moving rapidly down the tracks! But the energy is vibrant and the excitement is almost something you can taste in the air. It's a wonderful time to be part of this beloved community. Welcome aboard!
— Rev. Kathleen McTigue

From the Interim Associate Minister 9/14/2003

Sometimes we feel pressured as a congregation to make decisions, while the water is very muddy indeed. Or assume that there must be a compromise, if differing needs are expressed. How original might it be, if we could be more comfortable taking our needs deeply and honorably, rather than forcing them down for the sake of compromise. How novel might it be, if we could be more at ease allowing ambiguity to go on, until we feel the inspiration of the Spirit to act with consideration of quality and feeling.

I believe the strategy of "settling the mud and clearing the water" is a fine approach for religious communities. We must wait and trust in the process, when we make big institutional decisions, involving the conflicting needs of many. The more we learn to not force or fret, the more smoothly things will tend to unfold. Then, when the congregation meeting is held, and a decision is at last made, we need to support the right action with energy, enthusiasm, and innovation.

It makes no sense to outrun our souls in the desire to achieve success. Slow down. First things first. Care for yourselves and your households. Discover rest and renewal. Participate in worship, study, and reflection. Take a few long and deep breaths. Light a candle and share an inspirational reading. Check in. And, only the, get to work on congregational busyness.
- Rev. Rick Klimowicz