Our new Associate Minister
Dear First Church,
Soon we will meet face-to-face. This is very exciting since I have been getting to know you through your packet and you have been reading mine. I am looking forward to meeting you and worshipping with you on Sundays, February 11 and 18. For many months now, I have remembered you in my prayers and meditations and I am honored to be your candidate for Associate Minister.
Your Associate Minister Search Committee has been steadfast in their commitment to ensure a good process and ministerial fit. The up-coming Candidating Week promises to be thorough and engaging. There will be several opportunities for us to meet and talk about ministry at First Church. For those who will be out of town over the holiday weekend, and for those who will be attending the important Now is the Time: Leading Congregations into a Multi-Racial, Multi-Cultural Future Conference in VA, I hope your schedules will accommodate your participation in one of the scheduled conversations. There is much to learn from one another and I am eager to work with you as we discover more opportunities to continue becoming a more diverse and welcoming congregation for all people.
I believe our UU faith has a saving message for this world that is in such need. In a world divided by so much, our faith celebrates unity and strength in diversity. There are countless reasons why our faith is essential and needed. Intentionally living out the Principles in our lives, coming together for worship and community, stirring our minds and opening our hearts for more love, for more of life, to be partners with each other, and to include more in that partnership as we together bring about the beloved community – this, for me is the work of the church, the work of our faith. And it is with you that I am eager to work and spread our good news.
The portfolio of the Associate Minister includes Pastoral Care and Coordination, Small Group Ministries, Staff support for Social Justice, to work with staff, and to preach and participate in Sunday worship services. I am passionate about each of these areas of ministry and am ready to delve deeply into them as we together explore the possibilities that lie ahead.
I know your lives are busy so I truly appreciate the time you will take to participate in the Candidating Week. There is a lot of work to do and I know there is unlimited joy waiting for us as we continue this journey together.
Until we meet, I wish you well in the coming days.
See you in church,
Kathleen
