I think this time of isolation and separation has been difficult for so many of us and yet at the same time it has allowed us to see what is really important, what really matters. I believe that we have taken a deeper look at our relationships not only to people but to animals, nature, and the world around us.

Even though we work as “a team” and consult with one another frequently (or maybe because,) Nathanael and I have never taken the time to sit down and get acquainted.

It doesn’t matter whether you grew up in Nashville or even whether you grew up in the United States. Every place, every people has a history.

What if we were more intentional about those interactions, and what if we approached conversations with the goal of making the world a better place?

Ministry of 25 years (as of June 4th, which I would have celebrated at our General Assembly had there been a General Assembly) did not prepare me for a pandemic, for long-distance pastoral care, for Zoom worship and online meetings, and for working in my bedroom/office.

First: thank you for trusting and supporting me during these days of uncertainty and separation. I have felt the encouragement and enthusiasm of the GNUUC Board and all of our ministries as we plod, sometimes stumble, sometimes lurch through these days.