Summer is almost here. As my ministry with you approaches its close, I am grateful that our plans for the coming year are beginning to fall into place. As you know, due to a clergy shortage, we were one of twenty Unitarian Universalist congregations in the U.S. that were not matched with an Interim Minister. Luckily, we have some talented ministers in our area who have had considerable experience offering part-time ministries to congregations like ours. In addition, we have dedicated staff and volunteer leaders who are ready to help with everything we need going forward while we prepare for our next ministries.
July and August mark a shift into “Summer Slowdown” where we let go of weekly choir rehearsals and music participation in Sunday services. This is a time to cut back on planning and practicing, to try out new music with no set agenda, to explore without a schedule. The usual hustle and bustle give way to longer and warmer days with sunshine, gardens, and diversion.
Thank you to everyone who made this year a success! I love being the Director of Religious Exploration, and I’m excited to announce that we rocked it this year!. I'm extremely grateful to everyone who contributed inside and outside the classroom. We were successful in having weekly Sunday School virtually, and by the end of the year we were able to consistently meet together in person. What will next year bring? We will see, but we are all optimistic that it will be mostly in person.
A celebration of Rev. Sarah Person’s Retirement
On Friday, December 14, 2012, our country was devastated by the Sandy Hook tragedy in Newtown. Two days later, this church held our Christmas Pageant with our precious children and with heavy hearts. On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, we were confronted yet again with the ravages of calculated rage.
There are just three worship services in June before we finish out the formal church year. Throughout this year, the Chalice Choir has been rehearsing on Tuesday evenings and singing for church services.
We are wrapping up our pilgrimage of faith. We have explored how Unitarian Universalist translates into life choices and every action. Our lessons will culminate at the youth service on June 12.
There will be an Elsie Gaudette Award presentation during the worship service on Sunday, June 19! Come and see who the mystery recipient is!
FIRST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF MIDDLEBOROUGH ANNUAL MEETING Friday, June 10, 2022 7:00 p.m. We will be holding the Annual Meeting of our Society on Friday, June 10, at 7:00 p.m. Information about how to connect will be sent out later. All are welcome to participate. Only members of FUUSM as of May 10, 2022, who have made an annual contribution to the Society are eligible to vote on any matters that will be decided at this meeting. If you have any questions, please contact any member of the Parish Committee.
On June 11 at 2:00 p.m., we will be celebrating Rev. Sarah's ministry in our UU church. We would like members and friends of our community to contribute to a memory book which we will create in Rev. Sarah's honor.