From Our Minister
Dear Beloved Community,
My heart is still full from the extraordinary welcome you offered me in my first month here. Thank you sincerely to everyone who helped me feel so immediately at home, whether by planning celebrations, offering kind words, sharing stories, or simply greeting me warmly. I know we are still in the honeymoon period, when everything is new and full of promise…and yet, this beginning gives me great hope for a long and mutually nurturing ministry. Your welcome makes me want to show up fully: with curiosity, honesty, playfulness, and love for this congregation and the ministry we are co-creating.
I have loved getting to know many of you through Meet the Minister gatherings, one-to-one conversations, committee meetings, and visits with various groups. When I ask what people love about CCUU, the answer I hear most often is the people. Again and again, you describe relationships that have sustained you, stretched you, and helped you feel that you belong. What a gift this place is, and what a joy it is to begin discovering it through your eyes. As they seem to be in demand, I’ve scheduled a couple more Meet the Minister gatherings (both in person—click the links to register):
I would also be delighted to meet individually; I’m reserving space for at least two one-to-one meetings each week, which you can sign up for here.
As we settle into our shared rhythm, my regular congregational workdays are Sunday through Thursday. Mondays are generally protected for writing, and once choir begins again on September 10, you can find me at church on Thursday evenings. Fridays are set aside for study and Saturdays for Sabbath, with occasional exceptions for special programs, including the upcoming Saturday-morning series on artificial intelligence. (More about that in the Adult Faith Development article in this newsletter!) I am still learning the patterns and pulse of this congregation, and I’m deeply grateful for everyone who has been helping me find my footing. I’m so, so glad to be here, and I’m excited to discover what we may become together.
With love,
Rev. Dr. Emma