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It's Almost Time!
Time for what? My sabbatical!
Hopefully, most of you know this already, but if not, I am leaving for a three month sabbatical on March 17 (followed by two weeks of vacation to see family). I'm going to use the time to work on my spiritual practices, learn about how folks outside the US feel about our country, ponder our environment, and do some volunteering in a foreign country. How will I do this? I'm starting with a walk on the Spanish North Coast Camino followed by time in Paris, France.
So what will happen here at AUUF while I'm gone? Well, I trust that you all will get along fine, you might try some new things without me, you'll keep working to help make our world a better place, and hopefully share some fun times. In other words, you'll keep doing what we do now--companion one another on our journeys, work for justice, learn, love, laugh, talk out difficulties, and care for one another and our world.
Who's in charge? Well, in Unitarian Universalism we practice shared ministry. I may know a lot of what's going on because I spend so much time at the fellowship, but a lot of other folks know what's going on too. And all of you contribute to our congregation in a variety of ways so I hope you'll keep doing that while I'm gone! :-) But if you want a few specific folks to go to, here's a list:
Staff questions: Ask our staff. Richard, Kelly, Jenn, Esme and Dan all have pretty regular hours that are posted on TAOF. If you have some bigger concerns and aren't getting the answers you need, check with Don Antrobus, our Board President.
Worship Questions: Michele Champion, on the Worship Team, has agreed to be the main contact person while I'm gone. Our Affiliated Community Minister, Becca Bernard, will also be helping out with worship.
Pastoral Care: Wray Kinard and Donna Massey can provide a chat or get you hooked up with some short-term help (a casserole, ride to a doctor's appointment, etc.) Becca Bernard is available to help with pastoral care as well while I'm gone. Ruth Greenwood. another of our UU ministers in our congregation, will act as a back-up for Becca.
Other areas: Check with our Board members (Don Antrobus, Kalen Saxton, Doug Eby, Justin Roberts, Jim Kerr, Kath Rutherford and Mara Hill) or whomever is the chair of the particular team, committee or group you'd like to know more about. There's a list of the "go to" people on the bulletin board in the workroom next to the office.
I'm going to miss knowing what's going on in your lives, but we'll catch up when I'm back (July 1). I'll send a few postcards of my adventures while I'm gone and will share more when I return. Enjoy one another--this congregation has an excellent sense of fun and is full of grace. You all are in good hands--each others!
Blessings and lots of love, Rev. Lise
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