From Tom:

The wrapping up of the church year has felt especially full this year with the calling of a new senior minister, Rev. Alison, and with saying goodbye and celebrating Rev. Bill this coming Sunday. And just around the corner is …. Summer.

I’m pleased to let you know that Carter Smith, who has served us so ably this year as intern minister, will be staying on as summer minister in July and August. Carter will preach a number of the Sundays along with me and some guests. I’ll let her say more about that later in this blog.

Here’s wishing all of us a summer of rest, fun, adventure—whatever it is we need right now.

Blessings,

Tom

---

From Carter:

What an honor and joy it is to be able to continue serving this community, though trying on this new role. As intern minister I have had practice as worship leader, I have facilitated small groups, classes, and social justice gatherings, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you all in this strange pandemic year. As summer minister, I will continue to be here learning and growing from the life of this church, while enjoying the gifts of another Portland summer. I will be focused mainly on holding the worship life of the church, and offering pastoral care over the months of July and August as we make this big senior ministry transition. I am also glad that I can take some load off Rev. Tom’s plate so he can enjoy some much-deserved vacation time.

Here’s a bit about what you can expect this summer:

• The worship theme for July and August is our UU Principles! I have heard from more than a couple of you that this kind of “back to basics” emphasis would be engaging and useful. I’ll share the pulpit with some guest preachers and lay leaders. I look forward to having this extended conversation with you all about our shared values and how they show up in our lives and our world.
• I will continue to be available for conversation and pastoral care, and I hope you’ll reach out to me. I am always happy to schedule Zoom or phone calls, and will be holding office hours on Wednesday afternoons, from 1-3pm. Please do reach out. My contact info is listed at the bottom of this page.
• The work of this church in the wider world will continue. I am sure that opportunities will arise for engagement with reproductive justice and voting rights, among other important issues, as there is good work to be done in the coming months. For a lovely reminder of the impact our community has been making in recent years, please click over to the Speaking of Justice blog post Dana wrote this week.

And, for those of you who have asked, I do have exciting plans for the fall. I will be completing a hospital chaplaincy internship at Legacy Emanuel Hospital, and shortly after, I hope to go before the Ministerial Fellowshipping Committee to wrap up my formation process and become ordained.

Again, I am so grateful to have this extra time to spend with you all. I look forward to seeing you at General Assembly next week, if you’re going. 

In faith,

Carter