Last week's fire at the condos in the old schoolhouse at 52 Sanborn St brought the stunning suddenness of unexpected and complete loss close to home. Many among us feel compelled to help, and the challenge is to do this in a way that is in response to the needs of those displaced and not in response to our own need to feel helpful. What we imagine might be useful is often actually not of use-clothing that is the wrong size, food that although delicious is not easily received or stored or may not meet dietary restrictions of
those impacted, and many other heartfelt but misplaced offers. The Town of Reading has posted on their Facebook page several avenues of support that would be welcome.  One of them is donating to a fund managed by the Reading Cooperative Bank. On Sunday we will take a second collection to support this call. Checks may be made out to "Residents of 52 Sanborn St."

This Sunday will also be my official "Farewell" although my last actual Sunday here with you is the following Sunday, June 18th, when we'll celebrate our traditional Flower Communion
Sunday. Some have asked me about the "rules" around contact after your next minister, Rev. Hank Peirce, begins. The official shift happens on August 15th, although Rev. Hank and I are already meeting and communicating to facilitate a smooth transition.

Unitarian Universalist ministers subscribe to a code of guidelines whose ultimate aim is the health of ministries. Our code says, "In general, the future well-being of a congregation, agency or enterprise is best assured by the fully effective departure from leadership of any minister whose service to that institution has ended." It is important that the departing minister does not continue to exercise influence and presence, whether blatant or subtle.
The outgoing and incoming ministers are advised to formulate a covenant covering such things as contact with staff, appearance at public church events, and we have collegial practices and protocol for sorting out challenging situations. We all know how much is at stake!

People are asking, so I've been thinking hard about this. My own stance is that once I'm gone, I'll remain in the rear view mirror here. If our paths happen to cross in the wider world, especially the UU world, I will be delighted to see you but we won't start a new relationship. I do not have UUCR Facebook friends (unless from before I came here) because it's not a boundary I wish to criss-cross. I think of it as similar to a relationship one would have with one's former doctor, therapist, or teacher-even if profound, never evolving to a more casual relationship, even though I have a deep fondness for the members and friends of UUCR.

Interim ministry is indeed a precious and very time-bounded chapter. We'll close this chapter
together in the coming days.

Warmly,
Catherine