“There is a point, a line, where holding on becomes a problem. A point where wrestling causes- not goodness, but simply injury, where holding on by will and by force does not bring the blessing – but actually prevents it, or at least prevents you from experiencing the blessing…”
–Rev. Gretchen Haley
This is my final newsletter article at DUUF. You have given me so much during our two years together! I can hold on no longer, it is time for me to let go.
This should be no surprise. As your Interim Minister, my position has always been temporary. We knew from the beginning that I could not hold on beyond my “freshness date.” If I did, it would prevent you from experiencing the blessing of my brief time with you and the joy of expectation for Rev. Eric’s arrival in August.
Our theme for June is “Celebrating Blessings.” One of the biggest blessings you bestowed on me was my service of ordination, the formal beginning of my ministry on November 11, 2020, a date that I will always remember: 11/11/2020. Thank you! And by a numerological coincidence, I will remember your address: 1111 Cordell Street. We will always have a historic connection that I will treasure.
Our worship services for June are filled with joyful celebration! I hope you will be blessed by attending one or all of them. And remember, the DUUF Art Show continues all month long. You can still add your creations to the gallery in the sanctuary.
We begin June 5 with a LGBTQ+ Pride Service organized and presented by OUTReach Denton, a justice seeking organization founded and supported by this congregation.
On June 12, we celebrate the annual Flower Communion, a time for recognizing the interdependence of our lives, and the blessings in our diversity. We will also install the new Board of Trustees, and welcome Allison High, the new President of DUUF.
On June 19, we honor Juneteenth, a holiday of remembering the history of slavery and the long road to emancipation, and discuss some of the problems regarding talking about race.
On June 26, we welcome gentle non-human companions into our community with the Blessing of the Animals. More info to follow on how to participate. Photos, videos and in-person blessings are all possible.
July 3 will be my final service with you. We will celebrate “Church of the Cabaret,” a time when ALMOST anything goes, when we prove to each other that “Worship is the work of the people” by each sharing a minute or two of music, poetry, prayer, drama, meditation, or creative reflections. Start thinking about your part in the cabaret right now! If you would like to join the fun, please let me know by June 26. We will be preparing the order of service based on the roster of participants. Please don’t hold back! The more, the merrier!
May we celebrate the blessings of our shared ministry during my last few weeks at DUUF.
Peace to you,
Rev. A.J.