Ministers Notes-September 2010

Rev. Dr. Carol Hepokoski

We can see the signs around us...the melons are ripening, the sun sets earlier each day, the summer flowers are fading and chrysanthemums appear on the shelves of the nursery.  I still think we have plenty of warm  summer weather left here in southeast Minnesota, especially compared to up north where they've already had frost warnings.  It's good to be back with you.

Another sign that September is here is the warming up of activities around First UU: 

We have a new Director of Religious Education for Children and Youth, Ryan Shriver.  The RE wing is busy with reengaged teachers and RE leaders preparing the year ahead for the young people among us.  

We are launching Chalice Circles in September and October.  These small groups will meet regularly for reflection and sharing, often about our monthly themes.  There will be lots of information and sign-ups available throughout September.

We are developing a more comprehensive Worship Associate Program, which we plan to launch later this fall.  I'll be looking for people who would like to work with me to help plan services, do research on sermon topics, participate in Sunday morning services, assist with audiovisual projection, present reader's theater and chancel drama. Watch for more details.

Sarah Rothwell, our Pastoral Care/Membership Coordinator, has a new job title Congregational Life Coordinator.  She will continue to coordinate pastoral care and          membership; her new title is in recognition that her role has expanded to include responsibility for the Chalice Circle program.

I will be teaching the UU Theology Seminar, Part II on Saturday mornings throughout this fall.  We'll focus on developments from the mid-20th Century to the present, including the theological ethics of James Luther Adams, Process Theology, Neo-Paganism, Feminisms, and Race.  A desire to learn, reading (about 80-100 pages a month) and participation in the       discussions is what's required.  Register before September 10 by e-mailing me.  This seminar IS OPEN for those who have not yet taken Part I.  

We have an energetic Board of Directors, with 5 new members out of 9. The group is off to a great start, building on the long range planning of the last Board.

It promises to be a rich year.