– Rev. Alice Syltie

An Important Invitation From Your Minister

A new month is here. It is already the Fall of the church year, although you would not know by the weather. As we move through the year, we continue to build on our monthly themes. In September, Erin Renfroe shared some excellent reflections on our theme of Expectations, as she engaged us in the language and meaning of Covenant within our Unitarian Universalist tradition. From her message we move to how covenant influences our understanding of Belonging, the theme for October. As Erin mentioned, the congregation is in a time of transition. I actually think that congregations are always in some type of transition. Growth and change are part of the natural life cycle of people and organizations. However, not all transitions are as obvious, or deeply felt, as a change in ministers, or the loss of a dear loved one or friend. Within a few short months, UUCP experienced both. Rev. Julie left for another ministry position and your long-time friend and minister emeritus Rev. Bob passed away. Regardless of how practical we want to be, these are events that rock a community.

Organizations are made up of people. Lots of people. That means an infinite number of reactions and responses to change. When we, as individuals, face a life transition with questions of how to proceed, it serves us to stay focused on our highest aspirations, or values. That is also true of organizations. So, you will be happy to know that is the exact focus of your elected leadership. And the leadership is inviting the entire congregation to be part of naming and claiming that focus.

Please plan to join me and your elected leaders for a very special Second Hour following the Sunday Services on October 20 and October 27. You may attend one or both of these important sessions. We will engage in a process to consider our higher purpose, as members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Pensacola.

Our end goal is to be able to answer the question, “Why do we exist as the Unitarian Universalist Church of Pensacola?” The answer is born out of our true aspirations and highest values. When we know our Why, we understand what holds us together in covenant. We know to what we truly belong.

In Love and Hope,

Rev. Alice