Dear Ecumenical Friends

There is so much to report:

You may read my letter of resignation here!

Additionally, the Executive Committee is fully staffed and ready to handle the everyday affairs of office and organization; and the Search Committee is moving forward on their work. Before too long you will be reading an announcement regarding the selection of the new Conference Director for NMCC.

After a year of isolation and church as "not so usual," many of us are taking tentative next steps to re-engage. I confess to feeling a little off balance at times and frequently more socially awkward than usual! But, I'm enjoying meetings where folks, though often masked, are delightful in three dimensions. I've attended three funeral/memorial services and two outdoor worship services. Each was moving and a bit overwhelming. I hope that one day, we will feel natural meeting face to face and worshipping in large groups...but for now, caution and forbearance seem appropriate. During the lockdown phase, as Christians, we learned to be the church apart from sanctuaries and church facilities; that's a lesson we dare not forget. We also re-learned concern for the least among us through shared grief and pain; this pandemic opened our eyes and changed our minds about the needs and identity of neighbors. This we must also remember. We are called to love neighbor despite and because of their circumstances; we are called to love God inside and outside our church buildings. Looking back over the interim period (January 2020-May 2021), together, we've learned new patterns of being and doing church.

However, in many ways, the world that is re-opening is altered. We've given our beloved earth a rest from our frenetic pace; I think I heard sighs of relief! We've witnessed the pain of generations of injustice toward people of various colors; these lessons can neither be ignored nor forced back into old narrative. We've struggled with whiteness and we've begun to change our minds and behaviors; and we've noticed how brashly those who speak the truth in love are treated when anger and pain strike back. We are heading, step by step, into a new world!

But give thanks and praise! There we have a guide. We follow Jesus, affirmed in the Letter to the Hebrews 12:2, as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, and we set our eyes upon him. Let us, as individuals and Christ's church, do so with gentleness, mercy and forbarence, as well as, a passion for truth and courage birthed from justice. The road ahead may not be smooth. There will be surprises. Thus, we step by step follow Jesus.

And, of course for me, and my beloved ones, the next step is a dramatic turn from New Mexico to Maine. As I take this step, I covet your prayers for the future -- just as I have relied upon them during this interim/pandemic period. I tried to "keep this ecumenical ship" on course by keeping my ears alert to the nudging of the Spirit among the Board members and my eyes alert to the beautiful adaptations and creativity witnessed by our member churches. My interim work was not at all what I expected; but I hope that as I depart, with many internal changes accomplished, that the board is ready for their next steps on your behalf. I'm exceedingly grateful (and full of joy!) for this interim opportunity, for the board, and for you the faithful ones in the ecumenical community. Thank you for welcoming my ministry and thank you for releasing me to my next step.

Grace and Peace to you,

Kay Huggins who completes her interim ministry today!