Curiosities & Musings
A good day to you, all! I must start this month’s curiosities and musings with a deep sense of gratitude to Reverends Jennifer Norstrom (our Senior Minister), Kimberlee Tomczak Carlson (our Minister of Lifespan Faith Formation), all of the staff of church, the Board and all of you who I have had a chance to meet so far for the incredible, soul-felt welcome I have received since arriving in my position as the Acting Assistant Minister on August 1, 2025.
Additionally, in these few short days since arriving, encountering the deep dedication so many of you have to this church, its history and its mission has been inspiring. What might this all mean as a religious community related to where we all find ourselves in this moment on political, social, and environmental landscapes, as it relates to working to build a sense of belonging. Belonging for ourselves, each other and as we continue to welcome the stranger?
How might we, together, explore when we have enjoyed authentic belonging in our lives? What has this entailed, who was included? Maybe as important, who may have with, or without intention, not been included in our community of belonging, and why? Furthermore, in what ways does this amazing church already practice what it takes to co-create environments of belonging in all we do here? And, what more might each of us be willing and able to do to foster even belonging here and in our live beyond these walls?
One of the many ways this church builds on its mission to provide opportunities for members, friends and guests to deepen our spirituality is through joining in its ongoing programming. One such program of this church is through Theme Circles. As it is September, it is again time to register for this year’s Theme Circles. If you are a long-time member of Theme Circles, or if you would like to learn more and possibly register this year, please click the link here to learn more, and to find the registration form. Registration runs from September 1 through September 30, 2025.
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, please join Reverend Kimberlee, Alissa Rhode (our Lead Music Director), and Nick DaVia (Worship Associate) and I for my first time preaching in this historic pulpit as your Acting Assistant Minister. The working title and theme for this service is: “Take Me to the Alley: Belonging as a Spiritual Practice.”
Lastly, as I continue to work to meet more of you with each passing day, if we have not already, let’s plan time for tea or coffee to get to know each other and to share how each of us may work to sustain ourselves and each other through these ever trying, yet promising times. Please feel free to email me at revchris.long@uumilwaukee.org .
Ashe! May it be so! Blessed Be, Shalom, Salaam and Amen!
Rev. Chris Long,
Acting Assistant Minister