Northern Light

The North Unitarian Universalist Congregation Newsletter

May 2008

Page 1

I was startled not too long ago to receive a phone call from Rebecca Parker, President of our seminary in Berkeley (we have only two explicitly UU seminaries, one in Chicago, one being the Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley). Would I consider coming out to be with them to teach UU History, Heritage and Ministry? It was very flattering to be thought of in this way. The contributions to our history, ministry, and identity that have come from Starr King are inspiring indeed. I was honest with President Parker about my absolutely primary commitment to parish life in general and this parish in particular, and we arrived at a proposal. Would I be a Visiting Professor of Unitarian Universalist Heritage and Ministry with them for 13 weeks this fall, teach a few classes, and then remain in long distance consultation with them long distance in the Spring? I have to say that the opportunity to shape our movement in this way while continuing to serve my favorite congregation is the very definition of having cake and eating it, too, with double frosting. My response to President Parker was, “it depends on what the Board thinks.” Your board has been very generous, and has approved the “lending” of me to Starr King this fall (I’m trying not to feel like a power washer). The specific plan is for a modified sabbatical this fall. “Modified” in the sense that I will remain in perpetual if often long distance contact for administrative issues; that I will arrange to be “home” some this fall and preach then; that I will continue to contribute to the newsletter in my absence, and that I will be ready to return in case of serious need. I will “start” this time in Berkeley the end of August, and be home and up to a regular fulltime schedule by Dec. 13. I will work with the Board, the relative committees, our affiliated ministers (we have three of them!), CLL, and CLL Candidate to ensure complete coverage of all my usual duties before August. With the richness of resources available, I am confident that there will be little disadvantage in services to the congregation. I believe that the richness of learning that it will be possible for me to undertake at Starr King will result in experiences that I can beneficially share with the congregation upon return. The top four on my list, which is sure to grow: 1) Starr King has a vibrant anti-racist, anti-oppression community which I find truly inspiring and from which I would like to learn—it has literally changed my mind about what is possible in this regards in UU settings; 2) the pedagogy at Starr King is truly innovative—I would look forward to becoming a better teacher/minister; 3) I have always found working with younger ministers truly inspirational and paradigm shifting for my own ministry, and here would be a concentrated mass of the best; 4) ok, they have this cool collection of rare UU history books that I would just love to delve in to—when I visited that collection, I had three sermon ideas in the thirty minutes I was there. An actually, the intellectual resources of the area are so rich I almost feel thirsty just thinking about it! So…an adventure lies ahead. I like that I find myself in the same place personally that we are in together as a congregation. We are in a time of visioning, so that we will know best how to literally build our future together. We are in a time of growth and opportunity. I could not be prouder of our congregation, and never forget to be grateful that I serve as your minister. To Life! Rev. Susan Ritchie

Worship Schedule May 4 Bob Keith offers a lay service entitled “Life Is…” He will explore what life is about and share some experiences that have impacted his life. May 11 Things I Needed to Know that I Didn’t Learn in Kindergarten. Mother’s Day prompts a reflection on the nature of wisdom, seasoned by experience. May 18 Music Sunday. A celebration of the musical life of our congregation. May 25 Rev. Chris Jones-Leavy, Affiliated Community Minister, will offer a service this Memorial Day weekend. Religious Education Topics in the Explorers Class May 4 Why can change be so hard? May 11 How can we live out our Principles? May 18 Music Sunday—children in Main Worship May 25 No Children’s Religious Education (Memorial Day weekend) Also in this issue Page 2 Events & Activities.  Find out what's happening this Month! From the Committees and Board.  Page 3 News from the Board and Committees Page 4 A Call to Action!  See how you can support your congregation and your world!