Upon deep reflection, and with a mixture of gratitude for our years together and hope for what the future may bring, I have made the decision to resign as your settled Minister as of this June 30, 2017. I turn 65 this year and feel a yearning to better balance my inclinations for saving and savoring life. I have yet to discern where the next chapter of my life will take me.
We have done wonderful ministry together over these last 15 years and the timing seems right for UUCM, as our beloved congregation discerns best how to live out its ministry into the future.
We all have a great deal to be proud of in the multitude of things we have accomplished together over the years, including quality worship and music, pastoral care of one another, community suppers at UUCM and SHARE, small group ministry, children's and youth programing, magnificent improvements to our building, the purchase/gift of the Shelley property, Anne-Marie House, the WIT ministry, establishing healthy personnel practices, leadership development, re-energizing our connections with our Partner Church. And the list goes on as I remember countless meaningful experiences we have created together.
I have deep confidence that you, your leaders, your gifted staff, and above all the generous spirit, which has nurtured our time together, will find the best way to live out Unitarian Universalist ministry in our Milford area community. As I have said many times in benediction, "I believe in you."
Please know that my heart is heavy as I write these words. Together, we have experienced life's most joyous events and life's most heartbreaking challenges. I treasure the deep connections we have with each other.
We will find many ways to say goodbye in the months to come. In the meantime, words cannot express my gratitude for all that you have taught me and for all the ways you have enriched my life with connection, inspiration, purpose and love.
It has been my profound joy and great honor to serve with you.
With love and blessings to you always,
Barbara
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
A Letter from Council
January 11, 2017
Dear Friends,
We expect that the news of Rev. Barbara's resignation will bring forth a mixture of feelings in each of us. Everyone responds to change differently. Please know that your elected leaders, paid staff, and stalwart volunteers are working together to ensure that we all remain connected and informed.
In the coming months, we will be asking that you each think about how you want to engage with this next phase of our shared ministry. We hope that many of you will choose to actively and fully participate in shaping what our congregation will look like in the future. We appreciate your commitment to honest and thoughtful engagement with this process.
Rev. Barbara, the Council, and the Committee on Ministry stand ready to speak with anyone who has questions or concerns. Rev. Barbara and I will be available after the worship service this Sunday to answer any questions and hear your thoughts and concerns.
We will be actively considering our options as we transition from Rev. Barbara's ministry to a plan that best meets the varied needs of our congregation. More information will come. For now, know that we are all in this together.
