Both Sides By Rev. Nina D. Grey July, 2003

Because of my surgery and recovery time I wasn't able to be at most of the events of June that marked our endings and new beginnings. I missed the congregation's celebrations of Rev. Marlene's ministry and Marlene's closing service on June 15. During that ending time, Rev. Marlene offered me wonderful pastoral care. And as Marlene and Gloria began their trek to Colorado, we gave each other warm hugs and wished each other well, knowing that while our ministry partnership ended, our collegiality and friendship would go on. I also missed the Flower Communion, picnic, and book sale. I couldn't go to the Chicago Children's Choir Reunion Concert. And although I was healing well and my energy returning, I realized I didn't yet have the stamina to attend the Assessment Workshop on June 21.

Yet mixed in with the congregation's many get well cards, emails, visits, food deliveries and calls were also tidbits of news, how warm and moving were the celebration's of Marlene's ministry and her closing service, how inspiring was the Reunion concert (the chancel crowded with singers of many ages, the congregation full, beautiful music ringing through the "rafters", surely I heard it at my home a mile away!). I heard reports of the focus, good participation, and effectiveness of Larry Wheeler's Assessment Workshop, and the successful completion of the search for our Interim Minister for Religious Education, Millie Rochester, who will begin in mid-August.

I wasn't surprised by how well things are going. This is a wonderful congregation, filled with warmth, deep senses of caring and commitment, and devoted leadership. We have moved through some difficult and challenging times in the past months with care and thoughtfulness and I have noted that your lay leadership is responsive both to their own and each others' needs as well as to the needs of the congregation as a whole.

My energy is indeed returning and I am feeling better every day. I feel immensely grateful for your caring and support of all the individuals and families that make up this congregation and for your deep love for this church and for the world. Reflecting on this, my returning sermon on August 10 will focus on this aspect of the covenant we speak each week in worship - "And To Help One Another."

I await with great anticipation the arrival of our Interim MRE so that we may all begin working together on the important tasks of transition. I am looking forward with excitement to our progress as we move into our Mission/Vision/Covenant process and make significant decisions about the shared goals and direction of our beloved community.

Preparing for and beginning this good, important work of ministry, may our summer months be filled with both activity and rest, giving and receiving. May we breath in summer's healing beauty to inspire us for the path ahead, a journey of learning, love and commitment. May we continue to grow well in body, mind, spirit and community in all the days to come.

With love, in faith,

Nina