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

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

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

In worship this coming Sunday, I hope we will all be delighted and enveloped by the Word, or by words, sung and spoken, jumping off the printed page, as we celebrate the art and craft of reading and writing.

Adam, Natalie and I are selecting some of our favorite readings, and I have a list a yard long of possible reflections on the glory of that which is written, held, and read—as opposed to, yes, that which is seen on a screen, or for which there is an ‘app.’

Yet, you are reading this on a screen, thank you, so there must be something to be said for this sort of communication. So I will say something: If you would like to review our ministry together over the past two years, audio recordings of many of my sermons are archived on the church web site, www.firstuu.org.  There you will also find a growing collection of printable texts. I plan to add a few over the next couple of weeks, then to have all my sermons erased from the web by the end of August, making plenty of room for your new minister.

A sermon is a spoken event, best heard in community, and significantly less powerful when read. But there are those times, I know, when a printed text is desired. I’m especially aware that some think my sermon of this past Sunday, “Now What?”, should enjoy a wider audience than the Spring Retreat-depleted occasion on which it was delivered. So, enjoy the listening and reading from the Internet, but know that authentic experience awaits you on Sunday morning.

See you in church.

Best,

David

I understand that a sanctuary-full of you had a grand time this past Sunday, and that enthusiasm is high for your senior minister-elect, Daniel O’Connell. Everything I’ve heard about Candidating Week confirms that this congregation knows your Ministerial Search Committee made the right recommendation. I very much look forward to working with Daniel toward a smooth and satisfying transition.

While you were getting to know your minister-to-be, I was up the road near Navasota at the annual national conference of UUA accredited interim ministers. Several of our sessions were led by Alban Institute consultant and former UUA Settlement Director Dan Hotchkiss, who has emerged as a much sought-after authority on how churches are organized and governed. One of Dan’s observations from his latest book is so important that I want to quote it here at length:

“As an Alban consultant, I have worked with congregations that grew rapidly while streamlining their decision-making process, and with others that tried to maintain scores of committees while their membership declined from thousands to hundreds to scant dozens. In time, I started to suspect that outdated, over-complex and inward-focused structures might be one cause of decline in congregations. As I watched more systematically, I came to believe that trends (of church decline) might have as much to do with governance as with theology. Growing congregations often are the ones that have reformed their structures for governance and ministry…. Even more strikingly, declining congregations across the theological spectrum share specific organizational patterns.”

Thank goodness that First Church is among those “that have reformed their structures for governance and ministry,” and thank goodness as well that your senior-minister-elect is well-versed and experienced in good governance.

In fact, it would be entirely appropriate for you to find opportunity to thank your Board members for their courage and hard work in introducing good governance, and your Ministerial Search Committee for nominating a candidate with such expertise. The result: this church is poised for growth in numbers, spirit, and service.

          Best,
          David
           

Away—during Candidating Week, April 9-18. Out of sight, out of mind. Please do give your full attention to the candidate for settled senior minister, the Rev. Dr. Daniel O’Connell. Take advantage of the multitude of opportunities to get to know the candidate, to ask questions, listen intently, and extend hospitality.

And please, please do be present at worship and immediately following on Sunday, April 18, to cast your ballot.

Remember that Candidating Week is a time for you to get to know the candidate and to decide whether you wish to affirm the recommendation of your Search Committee. They have worked very hard, traveled far, sacrificed evenings and weekends, thought carefully and consulted you fully. Now you can reciprocate by participating on April 18.

Remember as well that Candidating Week is a time for the candidate to get to know the congregation. If you vote to call Daniel, he must likewise decide whether or not to accept your call. It’s a little like dating, but far from blind. Much intentionality and planning have gone into this process. I predict the outcome will be stellar.
And, oh yes, during Candidating Week, as it happens, I will be up the road a few miles at Camp Allen near Navasota where the annual national conference of the UUA accredited interim ministry program will take place. About 40 of us will be put through our paces by an Alban Institute expert on church governance. Then we’ll review the applications received from churches needing interim ministers starting in the fall. After vetting the requests, we’ll decide who should apply where, and off we’ll go. I hope to come to agreement with a congregation by mid-May.

If all goes according to plan, my last Sunday and last day of active service here will be May 23. There should be plenty of opportunity for fond farewells. A little bird tells me an event is being planned for Saturday, May 22, and I’ll want to schedule a time for an informal conversation over coffee and tea for reflections and ruminations on our nearly two years together.

It is not easy for me to leave, but it would be far harder had this congregation not given me such wonderful support, and accomplished so much.

Best,
David

How grand to see the sanctuary full, dancing in the aisles, and general rejoicing in the land. It was a celebration indeed this past Sunday, and for that I am eager to thank all the volunteers who made it possible.

The highlight was certainly the naming of the candidate nominated to be your settled senior minister, my respected and admired colleague, the Reverend Dr. Daniel O’Connell. For the painstaking work that led to this nomination, I salute Ministerial Search Committee members Mary Koch, chair; Lucy Anderson, Carol Burrus, Peter Durkin, Liz Gilbert, Evan Michaelides, and Sheila Whitford.

For all the effort that went into transforming the church into a Mediterranean-Marvel-With-Moonwalk, including hours of setup and cleanup and weeks of preparation, let us place laurel wreaths upon the heads of the members of the Stewardship Team: Sue Prochazka; chair, Joyce Ambler, Thorpe Butler, Caroline Brooks, Evelyn Carlson, Joe Lach, and Leonora Montgomery.

And then there were the singers of the Sanctuary Choir and those who lovingly worked with the choirs of children and youth—to the ultimate delight of us all.
I am inspired by the dedication of these volunteers—the number of hours they devote, the care with which they do their work, and the high standards they set and maintain for themselves. It is such shared ministry that makes for a thriving and worthy church community.

From one glad to be a part of it for another couple of months…

Best,
David

Here’s hoping you appreciate straight talk and candor. If so, read on.

Rev. Dave’s top ten reasons to increase your pledge to First Church during the current Stewardship Drive:

1. You’re concerned that church income from non-pledge sources is certain to decrease this year while expenses will of course increase. You know that if your pledge stays the same, you are in effect voting for cuts in staff, program, and outreach. (Increasing your pledge by at least twenty percent will help First Church move forward.)

2. You want to get your new shared ministry off on the right foot, welcoming your new senior minister and family into a community of generosity.

3. You want to see the new social justice and community outreach initiatives funded.

4. Fear of recession limited your giving last year; now you feel more confident about the economy.

5. You are a lover of beauty and nature, and want to see landscaping and ‘curb appeal’ improvements around your church home.

6. You love the church staff members, and want to make sure they are fairly compensated.

7. You think it’s time to resume repayment of the Endowment loan.

8. You are inspired to know that some leading givers are actually doubling their pledge, giving five percent or more of income, and that experience proves most could do the same, never miss the money, and feel really good about it.

9. You’ve finally found out what that big red heart sculpture is doing in the Sanctuary, and want to provide the modest funds needed to permanently install it at SEARCH Homeless Services headquarters as a sign of our partnership.

10. You know that your own big heart will benefit considerably.

Of course, I could go on and list dozens more needs and wishes: funds for a richer R.E. program, scholarships to leadership development opportunities, special guests who will help grow your soul…but I think you probably get it. Now you can give it. By heart.

A final note to those whose finances may make this a less than welcome list: If you are having trouble putting food on the table, buying school supplies for your kids, or paying the rent, let me know. There is a special fund at First Church to help meet such needs. Most of us have been through rough times at one time or another. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; chances are it will be gladly given in complete confidence.

See you in four days at Celebration Sunday.

Best,
David

It is said that nine-tenths of an iceberg is underwater, unseen. So it is with the dedicated people on your church staff. Tom Cowen especially comes to mind. Tom volunteered hundreds of hours (really) to create our evening with crusading journalist Ellen Goodman. What a gift she has been through decades of syndicating good sense about the role of women, gay rights, and a woman’s right to choose. And what a gift Tom gave us, along with his team of volunteers and generous sponsors of a grand evening. And didn’t Natalie Browne do us proud in her welcoming remarks?

Tom works for you full-time as facilities manager, tending to the countless details of managing a complex, maintenance-intense building. A portion of his time is devoted to administrative support, including production of the weekly Sunday service bulletin and the Blast. And then…he volunteers time directing fundraising projects and leading the Nature & Spirituality Chalice Circle.

Natalie, who has years and years of experience directing a religious education program in another church, guides our growing Sunday School for children and youth, and supports the expanding adult program offerings and special events. She commands the confidence of all ages.

The Reverend Adam Robinson supports the pastoral care program, the Welcome Team, Reverend Dr. Thandeka’s “What Moves Us” launch, serves as liaison to community groups like SEARCH and HATCH, and works with me to plan and lead worship. I notice that Adam is loved and trusted here, and for good reason.

Director of Administration Peggy Harvey could well be called the executive director of this outfit. She holds in care not only finance and administration, but the total program, mission and ministry of the church as well. Peggy does what in some congregations would be two or three jobs (bookkeeper, controller, newsletter editor, staff supervisor, executive assistant to the senior minister, and person-who-cares-about-everything-and-everybody.)

I’ve written here recently about the music staff, and will heap no more praise upon their heads now, except to say that Jason Oby’s high profile in the Houston music community stands us in good stead, and that Bob Fazakerly has given extra effort and virtuosity to this congregation for many, many years.

And we should not overlook the reliability and hard work of sextons Hillman and Aaron Laws, nor the ever-improving child care and nursery directed by Maria Nieto.
They all do much more than I will take space to tell you about. They all do more than is expected, and most likely more than you ever imagined.

They are the warmest icebergs ever.

Of course, the mission of the staff is to support and empower the congregation. We can accomplish very little on our own. The work of the church is done by the members and friends of the church, but there is so much to be done to make your ministry possible and effective.

To support the staff, keeping it at the current level of time commitment and excellence, will require a successful Stewardship Drive, now underway.

Please consider giving the ‘gold standard’ of five percent or more of income.

And because cold hard facts indicate that a twenty percent increase in giving will be needed this coming fiscal year, beginning in July, please consider increasing your pledge over last year by at least twenty percent.

The Stewardship Drive theme is “Giving by Heart.” There can be no doubt that your staff members give much from their hearts to serve you.

Best,
David

It is always good to see anyone who has been disenfranchised break through. Such is the case with Laurel Hallman, the delightful minister who ascended from volunteer R.E. teacher at a Midwestern congregation to become the first woman to shatter the stained glass ceiling and become senior minister of a large Unitarian congregation—Dallas.

During the twenty years that followed, she broke through a number of other ceilings and barriers, including initiating a spiritual practice beautifully-suited to the intellectual and spiritual diversity of our religious movement. I’ve offered “Living by Heart” retreats here and at a score of other churches, but have never had the joy of actually learning the practice with Laurel herself. Now that rare privilege is ours as she joins us on March 27 for a day of meditation, contemplation, poetry, song, and study. Not to mention lunch. Please, please pre-register as soon as possible so we’ll know how many to plan for.

Speaking of the disenfranchisement of women, if at all convenient, do see the excellent film Creation now playing at the Angelica downtown, and apparently nowhere else in Houston. (A call to your local theatre might help.) This well-made biopic humanizes the often demonized Charles Darwin. (You might even take a couple of thoughtful Evangelicals with you to see it.)

But do know that, for all its strengths, the film does make Emma Wedgewood Darwin into a sort of villain, portraying her as a somber, uptight, conservative Christian who blocks the publication of The Origin of Species. Truth is, the Darwin and Wedgewood families were steeped in rebellious Unitarianism; Emma would actually make her children join her in literally turning their backs on their Anglican parish priest when too orthodox a message was being delivered. Emma was also apparently a lot more fun than the unsmiling actress who portrays her in the film; she and Charles enjoyed each other greatly, and had several more children than are portrayed in the movie. But then, since Eve and the serpent, women have made handy villains.

Eloquently crusading against such injustice for many years has been Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Ellen Goodman. She deserves our thanks and rapt attention when she speaks at a fundraiser for First Church on March 12 at the Ensemble Theatre. I love the title she has just sent us: “The Political is (too) Personal: The Media, The Scandals, and Food Fight Politics.”

Hope to see you there.

Best,
David