I’m not sure where to begin this column as we find ourselves in the middle of a pandemic that seems to grow worse every day. Most of you are undoubtedly staying home and social distancing while those who work in health care, food, or other life-sustaining service sectors work courageously to heal us, to feed us, and to do all the other things make it possible for us to survive. To all who are doing that courageous work, let me simply say, “Thank You.”

While we are keeping our distance physically and no longer coming together at the church face-to-face, I am so moved by the many ways we are maintaining those connections of love and community that make the UU Church of Akron such a remarkable congregation. Attendance at our Sunday morning services over Zoom is comparable and perhaps a little higher than what we average in our sanctuary on Sunday mornings. Dedicated staff and volunteers continue to sustain the mission and ministries of our congregation and our members and friends are making that work possible by generously supporting the church financially. 

On a personal note, I want to offer my gratitude for your kind and encouraging words. I can’t tell you how much it means to me when you tell me that a Sunday service helped you feel connected, when you relate how much the church means to you at a time like this, and when you take a moment to ask how I’m doing and to remind me to take care of myself.  

Since the pandemic began, I’ve been finding ways to pray although my prayers probably don’t resemble those of fellow clergy. Mostly I follow Mary Oliver’s advice and simply try to “patch a few words together” without making them very elaborate as I try to remember that prayer

“isn’t a contest but a doorway into thanks and a silence in which another voice may speak.”

I hope you are finding ways to experience peace and connection as you make your way through this very difficult and frightening time. Whatever practice or path you follow, may you always know that you are not alone and that you are part of community that loves you.

Rev. Tim