Minister’s Letter 6/1/2026
Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe that this is my final Anvil letter after seven years of ministry at 2U. We have done so much together, and I am finding it quite sad to say goodbye. I’m taking to heart the lyrics from Boys II Men, “It’s so hard to say goodbye.”
There have been enormous successes over these seven years. There have been challenges and conflicts. We have grown together. We have nurtured our living tradition, held by our shared Unitarian Universalism. I have given about 200 sermons. I have been blessed to spend hundreds of hours in pastoral conversations with church members. We have shared meals, laughed, cried, sat in countless meetings, protested in the streets, created meaningful worship, danced, and so, so much more. There has been tremendous care even if there has also been conflict and annoyances. There have been times when we have fallen short with each other and times when were there for each other in exactly the ways we needed. In Unitarian Universalism, the ministry of the congregation is shared. We are partners with one another. It has been a blessing for me to partner with you for these years.
2U is in a time of transition, so am I. The future before us is unknown. There are pieces that feel clear and others that spark anxiety. Our paths are diverging yet we can access the same anchor. Unitarian Universalism is a tradition with theology dating back thousands of years. Our religious ancestors overcame the seemingly insurmountable to give life to the tradition we are continuing to evolve. All that we encounter can be done so while accompanied by our faith. Unitarian Universalism cannot fix our challenges. Our faith can, however, give us tools to encounter these challenges with a greater capacity to move forward while keeping love at the center. We may not all use the language of prayer, and still, it is my prayer that each of us keeps accessing the infinite love available.
There is a guideline in Unitarian Universalism that not everyone may be aware of. After my last service on June 28th, I will not be in contact with members of 2U for at least three years. This guideline is in place so that the ministry of the church can flourish with new leadership. Ministers and congregations embrace this practice because it takes time for the dynamics between a minister and congregation to shift. It has been an immense honor for me to be your minister. After June 28th, I will no longer be your minister. During my first sermon at 2U I said that no matter what, I would love you. This truth remains. Our shared ministry is coming to an end, the care I have for you is not.
As a minister, I am called to serve Unitarian Universalism. As members of 2U, you are called to do the same. We have been in a partnership together the last seven years to serve our living tradition together. I promise to keep serving Unitarian Universalism. I trust you will do the same. We will do so in different spaces, and we will do so in a way that keeps us forever connected.
I look forward to sharing this last month with you. Please do not hesitate to reach out and ask to get together. It would be my great pleasure to spend time with you before I depart. Do not worry if I am “too busy.” I am not too busy for you.
In faithful solidarity,
