I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. I spent time with my spouse, and we had another UU minister over for Thanksgiving dinner. It was a good time of rest and relaxation.
This month I am so proud of Pacific Unitarian’s work. Jewell collaborated with Jose, Sylvia, and congregants to create a lovely Día de Los Muertos ofrenda. It was meaningful for both the Pacific Unitarian and Pacific Sage Preschool communities. I am also proud of the two new committees formed at Pacific Unitarian. The stewardship committee and the sunshine (pastoral care) committee. One hopes to make Pacific Unitarian more financially sustainable, and the other hopes to ensure that everyone at Pacific Unitarian is cared for in their times of need. We are doing excellent stuff together!
Part of my work as an interim is knowing that I will be leaving Pacific Unitarian within two years. Specifically, my contract says I cannot apply for a settled ministry position with this congregation. While this is sad, it also creates some openings. Knowing I am not applying for a settled position means that I can be more honest with Pacific Unitarian about what I see as its strengths and weaknesses. It also means that I regularly think about the next minister. I find myself asking, am I doing work and setting precedence in a way that will help the next person? Am I helping people understand what the next minister might do or what they might need? Am I helping this next (unknown) person? I hope I am.
In the Spiritual Writing Group this last month, we reflected on our impact. While our initial thoughts sometimes veered towards our environmental impact, we also considered our impact on others and ourselves. We were aware that we sometimes harm, and we are sometimes harmed. We also wish to live in a way that loves, supports, and positively impacts those around us, no matter how big or small. It was a meaningful discussion.
I liked this reading or prayer from Orlanda R. Brugnola on impact.
As we move through life finding ourselves,
always newly wise and newly foolish,
we ask that our mistakes be small and not hurtful.
We ask that as we gain experience
we do not forget innocence,
for they are both part of the whole.
May you strive to make a positive impact on this world!
Sending love in this holiday season,
Chloë Briedé, Interim Minister
