This week marks the completion of my time as minister of the UU Congregation in Stamford. I am grateful for the time we have spent together this past month of parting- for moments of personal connection and community celebration – and for all the gifts we have shared throughout our time together. Thank you to all who have offered your reflections and messages. I carry both fond memories and learning with me into the next steps of this ministry journey.

I will begin serving the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport as full-time contract minister on August 15th. At the same time, the UUC Stamford Ministerial Search Committee will be in the process of seeking your next minister. I have provided the Board, the Worship Team, and other ministry teams with resources to support you during this interim time between ministers. This includes a list of several Unitarian Universalist and other ministers who have offered their services in guest preaching, emergency pastoral care, and/or rites of passage. I may be requested for weddings and memorial services only, until a new minister is hired. If you or someone you know is in need of a minister’s spiritual care, please reach out to a Board Member (board@uucstamford.org). You may also contact the Care Team with any needs that the congregation may assist with, such as meals, rides, or other resources at care-team@uucstamford.org.

Friends, we have always had a shared ministry, and I am excited for the ways your collective ministry will continue to grow and flourish in the months and years ahead. Many of the seeds that we planted together will continue to be tended by individuals and committees who are taking the lead at this time. For instance, UUC social justice leaders Bob Nixon and JoAnn LaBare, will lead UUC’s continuing relationship with Stamford Norwalk United with Immigrants (SNUI), and several others will continue to participate in the Moral Mondays Interfaith Witness at the courthouse each week. The Community Connections team will continue outreach to newcomers and welcoming new members to the congregation. Many of you have signed up to lead Sunday services through the Worship Team, and will continue to nourish the faith formation of UUC’s children and youth. And there are several other examples. The ministry of the congregation will continue through all of you– with new possibilities still to emerge.

As we move forward, our paths will part and separation will be necessary. Our professional ministerial standards and covenants serve to create healthy boundaries for a new minister to be able to thrive in Stamford. At the same time, this particular change is not a hard brick wall. You are welcome to visit the UU Westport congregation or to watch their recorded services. You are welcome to say hello on social media (though I will be taking a break and interacting with posts a lot less). You are also welcome to subscribe to my (coming soon) Substack publication, as I intend to share reflections beyond congregational walls.

While it is inevitable that our paths will cross, I will not be offering opinions or advice related to UUC Stamford going forward. If you are seeking guidance in governance, building and finance, or other committee matters, the UUA and New England Region has a plethora of resources, and all congregants are welcome to reach out to the New England Region (including your UUA primary contact, Rev. Heather Janules) with questions or concerns.

I am glad to see connections between our Fairfield County Unitarian Universalist neighboring congregations already emerging. We have a lot to learn- and to share- with one another. I hope to see some of you at future regional and denominational gatherings, such as the UU Connecticut Social Justice Conference in Hamden on Saturday, October 17th; at General Assembly 2027 in San Jose; or at other events.

As our paths diverge, I offer each of you blessings for your journey ahead, and for your shared journey as a congregation.

With gratitude and love at the center,