Words of Inspiration and a Great Goodbye
Sunday’s worship service and Good Goodbye celebration marked an important chapter in the story of Paint Branch. Sounds like hyperbole, doesn’t it? But I’m not exaggerating and I’m sure those who attended would agree.
The day began with an inspiring worship service. In her final sermon, Rev. Ann Kadlecek invoked the spirit of Sankofa, a Ghanaian concept symbolized by a colorful bird that looks back while moving forward. The metaphor is especially fitting for this important time in our church’s life. We are bringing with us what is the best of the past as we work toward a promising future. Rev. Ann was characteristically modest about her role in our successful three-year developmental ministry, but we promised to celebrate her, “even if it [made] her uncomfortable.”
The celebration began with reflections from representatives of the three Boards of Trustees who worked closely with Rev. Ann for the three years of her ministry. All of them spoke of her wisdom and good counsel.
The Chalice Dancers bid Rev. Ann a fond Mahalo, complete with hula dancing, leis, and a scarf making her an honorary lifetime Chalice Dancer.
The Mission Discernment facilitators performed a skit portraying the many mixed feelings expressed by small group participants as they reflected on the events of the past three years. The skit–and the sessions ended on a note of optimism.
As a representative of the Pastoral Care Associates, Lynn Louison presented Rev. Ann with a stone, symbolic of those used during our ritual of joys and sorrows.
On behalf of the staff, our Church Administrator, Jeannette Jackson, expressed her appreciation for Rev. Ann’s guidance and support. Jeannette also presented Rev. Ann with the gift of an oil lamp.
Rev. Dr. Megan Foley, deputy director for congregational life at the Unitarian Universalist Association, extended her greetings to the congregation. Rev. Foley was the Lead and Primary Contact for the Central East Region during Rev. Ann’s tenure at PBUUC. She commended our hard work.
Representing the Tech Team, Keith Miller talked about the early days of their work, highlighting the challenges of learning to work with the technology, while making live-streaming services possible.
In a skit, Worship Associates and liturgists wondered how they would complete a worship grid without Rev. Ann and presented her with an empty grid as a keepsake. As a congregational gift, they presented her with a hand-made chalice crafted by our fellow congregant Jeri Holloway.
On behalf of the congregation, members of the Good Goodbye Celebration Team presented Rev. Ann with a tailor-made ministerial stole that featured symbols of Article II, the new expression of UU values.
As the program drew to a close, Rev. Ann was escorted to the lobby to the music of Thank You for Being Our Friend. There awaited good food and fellowship.
Kudos and thank you to the Good Goodbye Celebration Planning Team for developing and coordinating this wonderful, heartfelt celebration of our developmental ministry and Rev. Ann. They are: Carol Boston, Abby Crowley, Jeannette Jackson, Sabrina Jones, Margaret McLellan, Tess Morrison, Carol Carter Walker and Sharon Werth. Huzzah!
See you in church!
Very truly yours,
Leo
Board Chair
Upcoming Board Events
- Read-Aheads due: Friday, July 5, 2024
- Monthly Board of Trustees meeting, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 7 PM
- Tentative BOT Retreat: 8/10, 9-3
- Monthly Board of Trustees meeting, Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 7 PM
Important Board Links
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BOARD MEETING AGENDAS, READ-AHEADS AND TREASURER’s REPORTS
LINK TO CONTACT LIST FOR THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PBUUC WEB SITE EVENTS CALENDAR