It has been so meaningful to begin to grow roots here with you in Portland during our first six months together. It is a blessing and a privilege to lead and serve alongside you as we re-imagine and rebuild our community in this time of uncertainty and possibility.
We have a long history – 157 years – of rising to meet the changes in the landscape of our city and religion. My heart is filling with a sense of purpose and hopes for the future as we move towards the Installation Service on Sunday, April 16, at 4 p.m., to which every member and friend is invited. At this special service, we will officially celebrate my becoming your 11th Senior Minister and our covenant in shared ministry. Mark your calendar, for you will not want to miss it!
During these first six months, I have had the chance to meet quite a number of groups throughout our community, including social groups, committees, teams, and spiritual practice groups. I have also had the opportunity to meet with individuals in my office, over Zoom, or at a coffee shop/restaurant. It has been deeply meaningful to listen to you and to learn about the history of our congregation, the history of our city and state, and the stories and experiences that have shaped us into the congregation we are today. I have also valued gaining glimpses of your individual and collective hopes for our community and where we might be heading.
As I shared last Sunday from the pulpit, I want to create a more systematic approach, so that the full breadth of our members, friends, and visitors can participate in such dialogues. This spring, I will host a series of community conversations about our hopes for the future of our congregation. The group sizes will be kept small enough that people can be heard, and we will offer opportunities online via Zoom and in-person in our church building. Through this process, we can imagine the beginning of our shared ministry in a time of pivoting and possibilities.
I am putting together a small team to help design the discussions, and if this is something you enjoy, please email me – amiller@firstunitarianportland.org. Community conversations will provide an opportunity for all of us to share what we find meaningful about our collective history and story and our individual experiences here. They will also offer us the chance to share ideas about what could enhance and enrich our congregational life together and our work in the world. These circles will also help me get to know you better and hear about how you wish to be engaged in supporting the health and ministries of our community.
May this spring be a time of watering the seeds that will help us to grow in spirit, in community, and impact.
In faith,
Rev. Alison