by Rev. Sue Goodwin
I hope this letter finds you safe and healthy. So much as changed in the last month and much remains the same. March 8th was the last time we gathered in the sanctuary and I think we all knew then, that we would need to find new ways of doing church, and of being the church. And we have.
By March 15th we were up and running Zoom services and I am so proud to have been part of a professional team that was nimble and swift in responding to the challenges of life under social distancing. By now you have received information on how we will gather during the next month; there is truly something for everyone from Robin’s work with parents and youth, to meditation with Nathalie, to Virtual Connection Circles with me on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Caryl meets with the choir over Zoom, Nancy Neff and friends play music on Friday nights…and more will be coming, undoubtedly.
May 3rd marks Rev. Kim’s return from Sabbatical and I know how much you are all looking forward to that. In the meantime, I want to share with you some decisions that have been made for the financial security of the church going forward.
I recently sent a letter to the Board letting them know that I understand it will be next to impossible to have a Minister of Congregational Life on salary going forward. I offered my resignation effective when Rev. Kim returns, and they have accepted it. Please know that this is for the good of the church. We have to make cuts; we must continue to be nimble and swift facing the economic challenges that come along with this pandemic.
It has been a great joy to pastor to you all. I have loved every minute. UUCWC is a special place filled with my kind of folks. I will miss each of you as well as the staff. I have absolutely the best memories and hold them in my heart. We don’t know what will happen next. What matters is that we stay strong, focused and clear about our mission.
With gratitude for days gone by and hope for what’s to come…
Rev. Sue