Dear Ones,

As I write this, I’m in the midst of my annual “days of joy & sorrow.” You see I have two big joys this time of year – Father’s Day, because I had – and am married to – a wonderful father, and the anniversary of marrying the love of my life. What some of you don’t know is that the anniversary of my father’s death comes the day before our wedding anniversary, and our anniversary is often very close to Father’s Day, and my late mother’s birthday is in the mix as well. Every year as I move through these days I’m reminded that joy and sorrow are indeed, as William Blake wrote, “woven fine.”

I’m also in the middle of virtually attending the UU Ministers Association Ministry Days conference, and will soon be attending the UUA General Assembly. I just took the time to view the “In Memoriam” video of religious professionals who became ancestors this past year. Every year I see photos of ministers who I knew slightly, or well, and of some whose work influenced my life or my ministry in a variety of ways. This year, I honor the passing of David Hicks MacPherson, the first UU minister I ever knew; and of Linda Hansen, who was my Preliminary Fellowship mentor; and Laelia Tawnamaia, just a couple years older than me, who entered ministry about the same time. I could go on, but suffice it to say that each year I recognize more beloved names and faces – and need more tissues as the names are read during the Service of the Living Tradition!

Speaking of the Service of the Living Tradition… This annual celebratory service of Ministry in the UUA will stream at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 24th! You can find the link here, to watch in your own home: https://www.uua.org/ga/off-site/2021. OR – You can join me and your GA delegates at the UUFB Fellowship Hall to view it together, projected on the screen! 

As a reminder: I will be out of town from June 28th through July 15th. Tom and I will be traveling by car to visit family members who we haven’t been able to visit for almost two years. We’re hoping to make time for some fun hikes and touring along the way, too. I’m confident that the Fabulous Worship Team™ will provide excellent worship, and the Care Team will be available if needed. When I return, I’ll be the worship host for a service featuring our own former mayor, Billy Keyserling, who will be with us on Sunday, July 25th. Save the date!

Be well, and stay safe everyone!

    Blessings,
        Rev. Lori Hlaban