September 18, 2019

Hello friends,

This was a very busy weekend. First thoughts, prayers and condolences to all who deserve our care and compassion this past week! I’m so delighted that Theresa is home, still recovering from her accident; John and Loretta traveled to NC for the memorial for his mother; Charles was briefly hospitalized but is doing well and may already be home (He was in NY for the memorial for his brother); Linda is recovering from her injury. 

There is such a wonderful Lay Caring team here at GNUUC! We’ll be meeting Thursday to coordinate and discuss our mutual ministry. As I mentioned last week, I hope to visit with or visit each GNUUC family or individual. When there are injuries, illness, and losses, you will move to the top of the list! But please stay healthy and well, and just let me know if you want me to stop by for a chance to become better acquainted. I would love for everyone to feel they can ask me questions, provide feedback, and share their journeys with me as much as they would like.

A particular goal of mine is to become more acquainted with the youth and children of GNUUC. As I told your Search Team, I love kids and old people, and as I’m quickly becoming one of the latter, I hope I can still relate to the former! A good opportunity for me to get to know the young folks here is for me to occasionally do the Time For All  Sages. Sunday was the first time I’ve done this and, while I’m not a trained storyteller, I like to engage the kids with some questions. Since we are exploring the Soul Matters theme of “Expectations,” I asked on Sunday about what they expected a Minister to do.

The answers were great!

Among them, “wear a long scarf-like thing” (which gave me a chance to don Rev. Dan’s stole that his wife Jan has donated to GNUUC), “wear clothes that match,” “smile,” be “funny” and “care for us.” One young person also added, “make things fun!” I’m going to try and accomplish all of these, and I trust someone will tell me if my clothes don’t match!

I think this congregation and I are a good match for this point in your story. Time will tell, of course, but I want to express how grateful I am for your kindness and forbearance as I get back into the groove of ministry and acquaint myself with the new (to me) technologies that we have handy.

You can read the text of my sermon at my blog: www.ajerseygirlinkentucky.blogspot.com

I’m doing my best to get to know you so I can care for you, and I’m absolutely having fun! 

In shared faith and hope,

Cynthia