Dear Ones,
Katie Sivani Gelfand offers us these words “The End Is the Beginning,”
[When] we call forth the life of our faith by igniting our chalice, This spark of new beginnings invites us into a sacred space to reflect where we have been and where we are going. Even knowing that this particular flame will intentionally end with our ritual extinguishing, we fear not its end… For we know, with brave hearts, that from every ending of our lives, We are sent forth to make a new beginning.
I have a joy and a sorrow to share with you: an ending and a beginning.
My joy is that I have accepted a call to a full-time position as the Associate Minister for Community Engagement at University Unitarian Church in Seattle. I will begin there, August 1st.
My sorrow is that I will be saying goodbye to you, to this beloved community. My heart breaks, as I feel the love we’ve shared.
I feel both amazement and gratitude that you have trusted me to be your minister. To see you and come alongside you in struggle. To ask you questions that guide you deeper into understanding your heart, your needs, your values. To connect you to resources and issues in the community and country, and the interdependent web of life of which we are a part.
To think deeply and speak about that great Mystery and Love that holds us. To offer blessings and witness life transitions. To enjoy each other’s company at potlucks and on retreat. To explore spiritual practices.
And finally, to be present. To be here if you need me.
I am sad to say goodbye. And yet, I know (with a brave heart),
that you and I are being sent forth from this ending to make a new beginning.
My focus now will be to accompany you over the next couple of months to support you through this change. I will grieve with you as we say goodbye and do all I can to leave you ready for what’s next. And I will encourage you to imagine the perhaps bold and risky possibilities that await you as a community.
I am making time for you to share your feelings, to process, and to say anything that remains unsaid between us. I will delight in hearing your appreciation. And if I have fallen short or hurt you, I want you to be able to share that with me and ease your heart before I go. Here’s how to connect:
Schedule one on one time with me through my calendar here in June and at the end of July. (You can also email or call/text (360)851-9603)
I will have drop-in lunch hours in the Admin building on Tues, 6/10 & 6/24, 12-1pm
Attend a listening circle with the Compassionate Care team on June 8 following the service (reflections will be shared with me by request)
Chat with me after the June 15 service
Celebrate our last service of the congregational year on June 29
Celebrate with a going away party on June 29 after the service! Bring potluck dishes and treats to share.
I will take my leave on July 31. To assure your future well-being in ministry, I will be out of communication for two years. This is an intentional time of leave, which supports you in making a beginning with a new minister.
I’ve been so honored to be your minister. You will always have a place in my heart.
May it be so
Rev. Victoria
From the Board President:
Dear KUUF Members and Friends,
Although the Board had every hope that Rev. Victoria would be renewing her contact with us, we understand that she has a great opportunity in working full time in Seattle with another minister. We are both sad to see her go, and happy that she is following her spiritual calling. We wish Rev Victoria the very best in her future.
Ruth Powers-Piccone, Board President