Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing

As I look back at the past church year, I am so very grateful to our Board officers and members, committee and task force chairs and members, our religious education teachers, choir members, and every one of you who has given so freely of your time, leadership, energy, talent, and commitment over the past year. The present economic situation also makes me more aware than ever of the financial generosity of the members and friends of UUCWC. Your contributions help sustain our community of faith, hope, love, and action.

It has been a joy to work with our wonderful staff this year. This year, we welcomed Robin Pugh as our new director of Lifespan Religious Education and said goodbye to Melo Holstein, though only in her role as office administrator. Even though the staff and I will be on professional or vocational leave during July and August, the congregation continues to be fully active under the leadership of many of you who do such wonderful ministry. Remember to check www.uucwc.org for events. For ongoing pastoral support, call the church office (staffed weekdays by a volunteer between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon) and someone from the Caring Ministry will respond to you. They know how to reach me or another UU minister in case of pastoral emergency.

As usual, my summer plans include a variety of professional activities and vacation time. In late June, I attended a UU Ministers’ Theological Conversation chapter facilitator training at the University of Minnesota, then at the end of June I left for Ireland to officiate at the blessing of Shannon Lambert-Ryan and Fionan’s marriage. I took advantage of being in Ireland to visit Celtic and pre-Celtic religious sites. In July and August, Alison and I will spend down time “down east,” at our log cabin in Blue Hill, Maine.

During this time when so much is happening in our lives, in our congregation, and in our world, I find meaning and reassurance
when contemplating “So Many Gifts,” by the Great Sufi Master Hafez (translated by 1 ). (Note that Hafez has many unique names for “God” — one we can meet, enter, and eternally explore.)

There are so many gifts
Still unopened from your birthday
There are so many hand-crafted presents
That have been sent to you by God.
The Beloved does not mind repeating,
“everything I have is also yours.”

Please forgive Hafez and the Friend
If we break into a sweet laughter
When your heart complains of being thirsty
When ages ago every cell in your soul
Capsized forever
Into this infinite golden sea.

Indeed,
A lover’s pain is like holding one’s breath
Too long
In the middle of a vial performance,
In the middle of one of Creation’s favorite
Songs.

Indeed, a lover’s pain is this sleeping,
This sleeping,
When God just rolled over and gave you
Such a big good-morning kiss!

There are so many gifts,
my dear,
Still unopened from your birthday.

O, there are so many hand-crafted presents
That have been sent to your life
From God.