The UU Church of Akron over the last eleven years has been the greatest privilege of my life and I cannot thank you enough for being such a wonderful spiritual community. We have laughed together, cried together, celebrated together, grown together, worked for justice together, and
experienced the beauty and blessings of beloved community together. You have treated me and my family with kindness, compassion, and generosity and you will always have a place in our hearts.

I never imagined that we would have to spend the last few months of our shared ministry in the middle of a pandemic. I have so missed greeting and hugging you on Sunday mornings at the front door, during Widening the Welcome, in the receiving line, and at Coffee Hour.

Online platforms like Zoom as well as texts, emails, and phone calls have helped keep us connected. But I think I speak for most of us in saying “It just ain’t the same!”

I’m also sorry that we cannot gather in person for a final worship service and celebration as had originally been planned. Saying goodbye is never easy and I had so wanted to be with you in the sanctuary and Hannah Hall for a celebration of all that we have experienced and shared over these eleven years. But safety must come first so I want to share the plans for my
final month as your minister.

While I will continue to do most of my ministry online, on Saturday, July 11, Carol and I will be at the church between 10AM and 3PM for anyone who would like to stop by to say goodbye in person. Please know that we will be greeting each other outside, that masks must be worn, and that we will be observing social distancing. Believe me, I wish I could give every one of you a hug and see your beautiful faces without masks. But that’s just not possible.

To avoid having too many people gathering at the same time, I ask that you let Carolyn know when you plan to come by (uuakronoffice@gmail.com). And feel free to bring a lawn chair in case you’d like to sit and chat for a few minutes.

On Sunday, July 19, I will lead my final worship service over Zoom. Immediately following the service there will be a celebration, also over Zoom. Please do plan to join us that day. I will share some reflections about our shared ministry over the last eleven years and take one final opportunity to express my love and gratitude for the UU Church of Akron.

Let me conclude this column by simply saying again how much you have meant to me and to my vocation as a Unitarian Universalist minister. When I began my ministry, I knew I was blessed to be serving a congregation filled with energy, with passion, and with wonderful hopes and dreams. Together, I believe we made many of those dreams come true and I could
not be prouder of all that we have done together. The UU Church of Akron is, as our mission says, “a loving and welcoming sanctuary for all” and it has been the greatest privilege of my life to make this journey with you.
With Love and Gratitude,

Rev. Tim