Well, here we are–my last weekly column. I’m writing this on Tuesday the 22nd, my last regular work day at UUFM. I’m still your minister through the end of the month, but as of tomorrow (Wednesday), I am on vacation for the rest of that time, and only available in case of emergency. I will … Continue reading July 23, 2025 Minister’s Message
As we near the end of my time as your minister, I want to take today’s column to say thank you. These words can never capture the extent of my gratitude to you and for you, but I’m going to try anyway! Thank you for the way you shared the ministry of this congregation with … Continue reading July 16, 2025 Minister’s Message
On Sunday, in our multigenerational worship service about change, I talked about how my growing up in a military family made me a bit of an expert on change. What I didn’t say explicitly was that it also made me an unwilling expert at “good-bye”…my least favorite part of every move. It’s not quite time … Continue reading July 9, 2025 Minister’s Message
As we begin my last month at UUFM, my focus is on making this transition as smooth and healthy as possible. That means several things: At the Board’s request, I am lining up guest preachers for at least August through December to ease the burden on the Worship Team. I am responding to concerns about … Continue reading July 2, 2025 Minister’s Message
Beginning this Friday, I will be away for the next two weeks. Here’s a quick summary of what I will be doing and how accessible I will be: June 13-15: I will be in Michigan at my mother’s home. This is one regular day off (Friday) plus vacation—I will be reachable by phone or text … Continue reading June 11, 2025 Minister’s Message
As many of you learned from Jon Peterson’s announcement in worship on Sunday, I will be ending my time as your minister at the end of July, as UUFM shifts away from a full-time minister position. I appreciate the kind words from Jon and many others of you about that transition, and want to make … Continue reading June 4, 2025 Minister’s Message
Every year around this time, I find myself wondering how it can be nearly June, and where the spring went! I said to a few of you in the last week or two that from Easter to General Assembly in June it feels a bit like I am a stone rolling down a hill, picking … Continue reading May 28, 2025 Minister’s Message
As those of you who attended the congregational meeting are already aware, the Board has determined that full-time professional ministry is no longer financially sustainable for UUFM. The budget for next year, as it currently stands, is based on a 60% ministry position. As was also announced at the meeting, that change in the position … Continue reading May 21, 2025 Minister’s Message
Image by Thomas Wolter from Pixabay As I was working on my report to the Board about my April activities, and then on the slides for my portion of the congregational meeting this coming Sunday, I can see a clear reflection of the times we live in: it’s visible in the amount of justice and advocacy … Continue reading May 14, 2025 Minister’s Message
The Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly is just over a month away, from June 18-22. This year it is taking place in Baltimore, Maryland, and also online. I have loved General Assembly since the first time I attended, in 2001, and in fact that is where I first experienced a clear call to the ministry. … Continue reading May 7, 2025 Minister’s Message
