Minister's Column – December, 2016

We enter our first holiday season together in this year of firsts for us, congregation and minister together (including our first presidential election). I am learning so many of your stories and traditions, and look forward to sharing my own – things like a Thanksgiving Bread Communion, and Fire Communion at the New Year, which is really cool. So it’s been a strong collaboration with the Board of Trustees, staff, Worship Associates, newly formed Committee on Ministry and Pastoral Associates (who will share the pastoral ministry of the church with me).
Last month the board hosted a Start-Up Workshop with consultant Rev. Anne Hines for me and church leaders. This is a UUA program, scheduled for 3-4 months into a new ministry, when we know each other a little, yet are still getting comfortable with new rhythms and styles.
My favorite was the anthropological exercise. I played Margaret Mead(!) while four small groups convened to explain:
The “unwritten rules” of the congregation Past stories that still influence the present The “sacred cows” of UUCV
The “truths that “everybody” knows yet are rarely if ever spoken.
This was done with a combination of good humor and affection, self-awareness and honesty. So I learned to “stay out of the kitchen!” and men are “supposed” to come to church in Hawaiian shirts. Also that sermons should be 20 minutes and you prefer them on non-Christian traditions. I learned more about the challenges of moving from the Terry House to Ralston St. and the still-strong nostalgia for the Terry House days among some.
I happily report that I am unlikely to violate many sacred cows because they are largely in alignment with my own preferences – things like giving away the offering, men’s and women’s groups, and Joys and Sorrows written in the book. I know we still need to tweak the hand-holding at the end of the service. I know I am tweaking some things and changing others, and I so appreciate folks’ willingness to try new ways. I do want to hear which tweaks feel mostly OK and which changes feel really uncomfortable. As I get to know you better, my heart is expanding with love and affection for such kind, patient and passionate people.
With love, Dana