First, before the busyness of the holiday season overtakes us, I wanted to alert you to a major opportunity that will be available in January:

Seminary for a Day
Saturday, January 28, 2012
First Unitarian Church

If Unitarian Universalism calls your spirit to explore your theology more deeply; if you’ve always wanted to know more about the Bible and other sacred texts; if you long to grow in your understanding of our Unitarian Universalist history and heritage; if you seek a spiritual practice that might inspire and sustain your own bending toward justice—then save January 28 in your new year’s calendar for Seminary for a Day at First Church. You are invited to have a taste of seminary education based on the learning model at Starr King School for the Ministry, one of our two UU seminaries.

Rev. John Buehrens, my predecessor as President of the UUA, and a team of area clergy, including myself, will offer a day of theological reflection and spiritual exploration. The day is intended to speak to those who yearn for greater spiritual knowledge and depth. If that describes you, and I know that it describes many members of our community, save the date and look for more details in the weeks ahead.

Unitarian Universalists from all the area churches will be invited to join us.

January will also be the beginning of a long overdue and much needed sabbatical for our Associate Minister, Tom Disrud. 

 It has been nine years since Tom has been able to make time to “get away” in this way. Periodic sabbaticals are different from vacation though rest is always one important objective. More important is reflection on a minister’s calling and how he or she has lived out that calling. The goal is renewal. It is, in fact, a time for prayer…in the many ways that we pray.  Tom’s absence will be felt, of course, but we have plans in place to cover his many responsibilities. I hope you will both wish Tom well in this period away and look forward to the late spring when we will welcome his return.

Blessings of the season,

Bill