Minister's Message - Jan 2009

First Unitarian Church faces decisions about its future. I hope you’ve continued to contemplate the journey to this point via the ever-expanding history wall. The next event, to begin looking forward, is being planned for February. Watch for details about that.

Minister's Message - Dec 2008

An important part of what we had to do this year was to look back at our story up till now. So I dug in the (mostly dusty) records, and the Transition Team constructed the History Wall that’s been drawing so much attention in Gore Hall. And then we spent a Sunday afternoon contemplating it, adding to it, telling stories, listening carefully for meaning, and, I hope, looking with fresh eyes. Maybe there were surprises for you. Or warnings, or, better, a feel for the particular energies, genius, and passions that got this congregation through some tough times and enabled it to make a real mark on the life of Orlando. So what’s next?

Minister's Message - Nov 2008

During this month of November we’ll begin, in earnest, a process of reflecting on our story as a congregation till now. That will involve the yet-mysterious “History Wall” you’ve been hearing about! More than that, it’s your chance to help shape the story First Unitarian Church tells about itself. The date we’re working with for this important reflection event is November 16, after the service. But watch for more details. And I’ll talk about memory and how we tell our stories in a sermon titled “In The Telling” on November 9.

Minister's Message - Oct 2008

During an “interim” year, a congregation has a sometimes rare chance to reflect and clarify what it’s been, what it is, and what it’s becoming -- that is, what future is calling to it, a future they must share in creating. Two essential first stages of that are: Coming to terms with, and celebrating, the congregation’s history up till now; and Discovering and defining the congregation’s identity and purpose.

From Your Interim Minister

I’m getting settled into my temporary home, which I share with my longtime friend Steve and with Scooby (he’s a black lab) in a pleasant neighborhood of brick streets not far from the church. Thanks to so many who came and helped us unload the truck — and for the warm hospitality we’ve experienced.