On Getting Gone

I’d really rather not.

Yet one thing an intentional interim minister knows from the beginning is that an end will come within two years. It does not matter what remains to be done, nor how nobly I have served, nor how much I have come to love the congregation and the staff. (Quite a lot.) This good thing now comes to an end.

Other than brief remarks at the party on Saturday evening (do come!) and at the Flower Communion service this Sunday, this is probably my last formal communication with you. No words could be adequate to express my appreciation for all your kindness. I depart with a heavy heart, filled with admiration for the courage and resilience of those who gather at First Church. I would love to stay and watch the children grow up, and watch you all grow in spirit and service. I shall have to watch from afar.

After a summer at home in San Francisco and visiting family hither and yon, I’ll move my road show to Eliot Unitarian Chapel in Kirkwood, Missouri. Yes, the very church now served by your senior minister-elect, Daniel O’Connell and his wife, Bonnie Vegiard. They will be much missed there, and I’ll be ministering to grief and anxiety as the congregation undertakes a process of discovering what lies ahead.

Reverend Adam Robinson has arranged some wonderful summer services for you, and will be on duty to guide the pastoral care program of the church until Daniel arrives. When he does, my parting request is that you embrace him fully. He will be your minister, and it is right that I be no more than a faint memory.

With thanks to all, and to each who has gifted me, lauded me, or challenged me, my very best wishes.

David

Goodbye to the 5 & Dime

Dear Friends,

Found out today that Variety Fair 5 & Dime in Rice Village is closing its doors in June. Family-owned and run since 1948, the store described itself as “crammed floor to ceiling with merchandise including straight pins, hair nets, bra extenders, rubber balls, cap guns, lamp shades, school supplies, inflatable bagels, boxing nuns, and candy galore—just a few of the thousands of items….”

I’ve picked out my grandchildren’s presents there for the past two years — things I would have found no place else, bobbles and knickknacks with soul and a feel of humanity about them.

One of the friendly proprietors told me that they just can’t make a go of it in today’s economy. But you can stop by and buy up some of the amazing items that remain. Get a generous supply, because shops with soul have nearly all given way to deadening merchandizing marvels like Walgreen and CVS.

Variety Fair 5&10 in Rice Village

Browsing through Variety Fair brings back a flood of memories at a time when memories are especially on the menu of my days.

So many precious ones here from my ministry among you, and from the years culminating in the twin anniversaries I’ll celebrate with you in worship this Sunday: 50 years since I ‘converted’ to Unitarianism, and 25 years since I was ordained to ministry. The music for this service will be just about as dated, eclectic, and soul-stirring as the array at the Five & Dime. Do come and sing along.

Best,

David

It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over

Dear Friends,

While I sense that many of you are looking ahead to all the excitement that will surely be yours in the new church year starting at the end of summer, and perhaps are wallowing now in bluebonnets or something, please do note that all sorts of things are going on at First Church in May. Check your newsletter.

If there is anything you would like to say to me, or ask me about before I leave, or would just like to chat, do drop by this Saturday morning between 10:00 and 11:15 for coffee and conversation in the Fireside Room. Would there were world enough and time to meet individually for completion conversations with each and all, but this must serve as a poor substitute.

And I must call your attention to opportunities to view an extraordinary film, and to meet the filmmaker. C Reed (the C might be for Cynthia or Coriolanus—she refuses to say) is a Texas native whose life was changed by a Unitarian minister with an unusual story. Preacher’s Sons is about the Rev. Greg Stewart of First Unitarian in San Francisco, a gay man, in a committed relationship, with five African American sons. The filmmaker, who will be available for questions and comments after each showing, was for me one of the most supportive congregants I’ve ever had the pleasure of serving. She is a delight. Do come this Saturday evening, May 8, at 7:00 p.m., or on Sunday at 12:15.

Many other worthy things likely to contribute to your life are happening here.

See you in church.

Best,

David

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Dear Friends,

While I sense that many of you are looking ahead to all the excitement that will surely be yours in the new church year starting at the end of summer, and perhaps are wallowing now in bluebonnets or something, please do note that all sorts of things are going on at First Church in May. Check your newsletter.

If there is anything you would like to say to me, or ask me about before I leave, or would just like to chat, do drop by this Saturday morning between 10:00 and 11:15 for coffee and conversation in the Fireside Room. Would there were world enough and time to meet individually for completion conversations with each and all, but this must serve as a poor substitute.

And I must call your attention to opportunities to view an extraordinary film, and to meet the filmmaker. C Reed (the C might be for Cynthia or Coriolanus—she refuses to say) is a Texas native whose life was changed by a Unitarian minister with an unusual story. Preacher’s Sons is about the Rev. Greg Stewart of First Unitarian in San Francisco, a gay man, in a committed relationship, with five African American sons. The filmmaker, who will be available for questions and comments after each showing, was for me one of the most supportive congregants I’ve ever had the pleasure of serving. She is a delight. Do come this Saturday evening, May 8, at 7:00 p.m., or on Sunday at 12:15.

Many other worthy things likely to contribute to your life are happening here.

See you in church.

Best,

David