Dear Ones,

As the June flowers bloom our time together ends. My two years as your interim minister, beginning August 1, 2020, officially draws to a close on June 17th (I am taking vacation days to round out the month). Just before July begins Jay and I, with our dog Wally, will begin the long move back to Seattle.  When we are resettled in Washington Jay will again be working as a mental health therapist. I have accepted a position with a consulting firm that works with nonprofit organizations on increasing diversity and inclusion, leadership development, and executive coaching. 

I do not know if I will return to ministry- these pandemic years have been draining for everyone in religious leadership, lay leaders and clergy across denominations. Like many of my colleagues, I need time away to evaluate the personal costs of ministry. The pandemic was a wake-up call to people in all the “helping” professions. How do we balance our desire to serve with the desire to live a healthy, balanced life? I love being a Unitarian Universalist and a minister. But I’m not sure the way that we “do” ministry in this denomination is healthy. We are called to lead our congregations to spiritual growth and social awareness about things like racism, that is the foundation of Unitarian Universalism. Growth and awareness are uncomfortable, and, in that discomfort, ministers are being reported to the denomination, driven out by small groups in the congregation that other members won’t stand up to, and terminated from their livelihood. Can people manage their own discomfort around white supremacy so we can work on dismantling it? Or will we just keep killing the messenger? That seems to be the challenge of this age. 

I have learned much from you and enjoyed being a part of your lives. I chose to come to UUCA because I was inspired by your hands-on dedication to social service. UUCA volunteers build respectful relationships with the people who come to the donation station, to pick up food, and for the Community Meal. Many congregations have programs to share vital resources but in a top-down way: church members don’t interact much with those who receive. At UUCA the “givers” are a part of the “receivers” lives, and all listen and learn from each other. I have noticed that social justice and social service work here is largely done by women and non-binary people. I wonder why that is? Can UUCA overcome the traditional model of women as caretakers? What’s up men? 

The other element that made the UU Church of Akron stand out was the music program. So many people were involved! People without formal musical training, people who were pros, teenagers, elders. Few UU congregations have a music director so skilled at bringing a tremendous range of musical styles to the congregation. Music has been such a joy during my time with you. I am grateful for all who give in this way. As we return to in-person services I hope people can give of their time and talent in rebuilding the choir and instrumental groups. I will be wishing you well from Seattle and holding you and Rev. Josh in the light. Be kind to each other, and especially kind to church staff, who work so hard and love you so deeply. 

Rev Kate