The Church’s leadership and I have negotiated an agreement that saves having to take monies from the scant remaining reserves to pay out my contract for a ministry that too many of you have found unsatisfactory. So, this is a sad ending, but under the circumstances, one that feels fair to all.
Personally, emotionally, I am sorrowful, but OK, thank you, and I wish you the best. I depart at the end of October, and my final time with you will be the Service on October 24, which will be either the yet-again postponed In-gathering/Water Communion, or a Service on the complicated, productive, progressive life of John Lennon, with an emphasis on his post-Beatles solo music, and the influence on him by his second wife, the conceptual artist Yoko Ono, who made him a better man.
I have been asked and have agreed to be ready to step in with a Service or two in the coming months of the 2021-22 church year, as needed. If I can provide any other services, please let me know.
Under the circumstances, my offering of a Movie night series has to be rescinded. And I must also rescind my offering of an Adult Education course akin to ‘Building Your Own Theology,’ focusing on the ethical questions of the current COVID-burdened world and looking forward to the post-COVID world–which seems likely to be fraught with climate-change issues, and contentious politics. I will continue my effort to secure a Foundation grant for some aspect of preserving the green and the wild, such as prairie-restoration and other bio-diversity initiatives.
So, I will be here for another 3 weeks, and will be happy to see you, and happy to keep in touch, for a while. The arrival of your new minister requires that contact with the former minister(s) end.
Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
One Comment
Barbara
I want you to know how much I’ve enjoyed reading your Minister’s Messages from afar these past few years. Thank you for your thoughtful and thought-provoking words.