I hope everyone is having an excellent candidating week! It is a significant opportunity to meet the new minister, Pastor Joshua, and to learn how he might fit in at Pacific Unitarian. Every minister is different. Rev. Steve and I are different; Pastor Joshua and I will be different from each other. We each bring unique strengths that have helped and will help Pacific Unitarian thrive in the future. Joshua and I had the chance to meet a couple of times, and I found him warm, intelligent, and kind. I am very excited and hopeful about this match! If you haven’t had a chance to meet him, I recommend attending church next Sunday or making time for the Thursday Zoom session or Saturday in-person Q&A. This is essential work for Pacific Unitarian’s future.
I have been thinking about the campus protests this week. I have felt pride; two of my alma mater have active encampments in solidarity with the Palestinians. I have also felt horror. The treatment of protesters in some places has been appalling. There is no reason for police violence against peaceful protesters on our college campuses. Even my family in India has called us, in fear, to see if my spouse is safe on campus. Sadly, universities cannot respond peacefully to students exercising their democratic rights. I can’t help but pray for the safety of the students and all those affected by war.
The Reverend Dr. Said Ailabouni wrote this prayer for peace in the Middle East:
“God of mercy and compassion,
of grace and reconciliation,
pour your power upon all your children in the Middle East:
Jews, Muslims and Christians,
Palestinians and Israelis.
Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope,
oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation,
that violent encounters may be replaced by loving embraces,
and peace and justice could be experienced by all.”
On another note, I will be on vacation from Thursday, May 16, until Friday, May 31. There will be two guest speakers during my leave. Div’s family will be in town from India, and we are taking them on a two-week tour that will include Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and San Francisco! Wish us lots of luck and smooth travels! I will be back in time for the auction on June 1.
My last day in the pulpit at Pacific Unitarian will be Sunday, July 21. We will have plenty of time to say goodbye!
Sending love,
Rev. Chloë
minister@pacificunitarian.org
