We enter a season of deep gratitude for our Associate Minister, the Reverend Tom Disrud, as he approaches his retirement on June 30. Our community has benefited from his ministry for 31 years now, which is truly an incredible feat. There will be opportunities in the coming months and weeks to say goodbye and to give thanks, and I want to be sure that you all are aware of what’s happening.
Many people will want to know when he will be preaching between now and the end of June. Here are those dates: April 12 (New Member Sunday), May 3, May 31 (A special Questions and Answer Service), and June 14 (which will be his final Sunday on the chancel.)
We will be hosting a congregation-wide celebration of Tom’s ministry on June 14 – both in the worship service and in the celebratory coffee hour to follow. In some sense, this year is bookended by celebrations of Tom – our fall recognition of his 30-year milestone and now that we are honoring his strong finish.
This is a time of gratitude for all his gifts. We celebrate his compassionate care, his deep institutional knowledge of our history and our traditions, his spiritual companionship and mentoring, his thoughtful leadership, his aesthetic eye, and so much more.
Many of you may wonder how you can express your appreciation:
- Our May ballot will include an opportunity to recognize his distinguished service with a vote naming him our Emeritus Minister.
- When a person retires or comes to the end of a lengthy ministry, a congregation has the opportunity to honor their legacy in a way that carries forward their values. In that spirit, plans are underway for honoring Tom with a collective tribute gift in his name. Tom has mentored many interns and other ministers in formation over the years. In conversations with him, Tom has expressed a wish that this gift go to our Intern Minister Fund. Please watch for upcoming details on how you can contribute to this tribute, as we reflect on what Rev. Tom’s ministry has meant to our community.
- We are putting together a Book filled with memories, photos, and tributes. Watch for a link coming soon where you can add your own reflections and memories.
- Come and join the celebration on June 14!
Please, pay attention to additional details that may be forthcoming about ways to share in a good goodbye and robust thanks.
One final note: Tom will be traveling next year and away from our congregation for a period to allow an interim and then a successor to integrate into the life of our community. He will not be away forever. Depending upon whether he lives close by or further away – We will look forward to future visits and connections with him.
What a big blessing it has been to have him serve alongside me during our first four years together! What an enormous blessing it has been to have him serve alongside of you for 31 years!
May the season of celebration begin.
With gratitude,
Rev. Alison