“Great is the art of beginning, but greater the art is of ending,” wrote Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The lasts of the lasts have been happening all year as we prepare for my retirement on June 30th, but the month of May flew by! The grains of sand in the hourglass are diminishing rapidly or the rollercoaster is on the downward slide–choose your metaphor. Although the hours and days of active ministry are slipping through my fingers, my heart is full of gratitude.
I’m so grateful for the way this community shows up–saying ‘yes’ to invitations to serve, stretching into more risks for justice, coming alongside each other when someone might appreciate care. I feel blessed by the ways in which we partnered together for a thriving shared ministry over the last sixteen years. Your ability to partner with your Ministers, staff, fellow members, active friends, and community organizations outside these walls is what makes this community vibrant and magnetic.
You came alongside me when I entered this congregation, welcoming me, engaging me in conversations about my sermons, and treating me like a person beyond my role. So many leaders helped me learn how things work around here and were frank with me about things that might need to change. Jeanne and Steve Lowry of blessed memory told me how the pastoral care ministry evolved. Michelle Boehm and Melinda Vernon taught me how that ministry worked well and what we might let go. Byron Bloemer and Bronze Quinton initiated me into the Chalice Circle program, explaining which elements were keystones to success and enlisting me to help strengthen other elements. Mark Gill told me how First Church gained Green Sanctuary status and Terry Wiggins quickly took me under her wing during the immediate Sustain Our Society campaign for energy education, conservation, and generation (new solar panels in 2009!). Drew Kennedy not only trained me in all things First Church, but also told me stories about the history, which I treasure.
Praise and thanks to all the teams and staff members I’ve worked with over the years. Thanks to the diligent retirement party team, who ensure we’ll have a splendid time gathering together on May 30 to Par-Tee! Gratitude and joy to everyone who has contributed to the Internship Fund, so you can continue to be a teaching congregation, investing in the future of UU ministers. Thanks and praise to our Music Directors, Chancel Choir, and House Band who will play the sweet music at my last worship service on June 1, our annual Flower Ceremony. When we raise our flowers to the sky at the end of the service, know that when we let go of each other as we must, the love remains.
It gives me great joy to be counted one among you and to be part of the legacy of this great congregation as you hold to your purpose in these challenging times. Thank you for the honor bestowed upon me at Annual Meeting–becoming your Minister Emerita is very meaningful. With that vote, I felt my root chakra descend earthward (“roots hold me close”) at the same time as my wings are about to unfurl to fly (“wings set me free”). May the spirit of life and love be with you for all the transitions to come.
Yours,
Dena
Rev. Dena McPhetres, Associate Minister