I stopped making New Year’s resolutions many years ago because, as with many people, mine haven’t lasted longer than the month of January. However, this year I thought it would be good to start a gratitude journal. As I write this in mid-January, I haven’t started it yet. I still plan to do one but may not do it until February or March.

We have a lot to be grateful for here at UCG. The other night during our Church Council meeting, I was inspired by the wonderful job our boards and committees are doing. They are a committed group of volunteers that continue to do important work for our church and community.

According to the By-Laws, Church Council is required to act on a minister’s resignation, so we voted to accept Andy’s resignation and, in the process, had many kind words and thanks for his long ministry at UCG. We told him that we understood his decision to work full-time for Camp Highlands for Boys Foundation and will be here to support him during these last months of ministry at UCG.

In our Congregation-Ministry Review Board (CMRB) meeting, we thought of some phrases and words for this transition period. Some of my favorites included patience with the process, open communication, clarity of expectations, and grace.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. My email is bgibbs40@hotmail.com.

“As we step from one rocking stone in the stream to the next, our balance requires that for a time we stand on both rocks, putting ourselves in line with the love of the universe, loving where we are, which means loving what we had as we leave it, and loving where we are going as we step into it.” Phillip Brooks

Barb Gibbs

Moderator