When I was growing up, my mother would use the phrase a month of Sundays to express her feeling that something had taken a long time. She would say, for example, “I haven’t seen you in a month of Sundays!” That phrase came back to me recently as I thought about what is next for me.
Starting in July I’m going on a journey that will take A Month of Sundays to complete. I will visit Communities of Spirit for ideas, nurture, learning, and preaching. That’s 31 Sundays of activities designed for adventure, exploration, inspiration, and reflection. I have given myself a year for this project. I am not sure what the end-product will be – perhaps a book – certainly lots of material for sermons and for contributing to the life of the congregations I serve.
I am telling you about this project because during my Month of Sundays I won’t be here at UUSM. I will be in worship with you for most of June and then I’m gone. I’ll be back to officiate at the memorial service for Laura Carlson Weiner in mid-July. I will host my Dining for Dollars event at the end of July. After that, I will not participate in the life of this beloved community.
This goodbye is a hard one. Our farewell would be easier if I had arrived – as Rev. Greg and Rev. Jeremiah did – saying goodbye. I am honored to have played a part in their transitional ministries and because I have had that honor, it is important that I leave.
My time away will give you time to prepare for Rev. Diana Smith, the new settled minister. It will give her space to get to know you, and for you all to figure out how you will do church together. It is the protocol in most healthy organizations that when a new leader steps in, the old leaders step back or step away. That is what I am doing. My ethics and the practices of ministers in good standing require that I go.
I look forward to the next few weeks as we complete our end of the year work and say our goodbyes. Ten years ago, when I came to visit the little church on the corner of 18th and Arizona, I intended to rest in anonymity. Instead, I found people who could see my heart and who welcomed me home, giving me the unique role of consulting minister and member of the congregation. For that, I shall be eternally grateful. I will carry your hearts in my heart.
June 28 is my last Sunday.
It will be a Hymn Sing!
Come, let us worship together in song.
The Rev. Dr. Kikanza Nuri-Robins
UUSM Consulting Minister
rev.kikanza@uusm.org
