From the Co-Ministers

On Sunday, February 17th, David and I had the pleasure of simply attending the service which Jeremy led.  John played a beautiful prelude on the piano; Jeremy gave a warm welcome and thoughtful opening words; and there were fewer people in the pews than in the choir.  Granted it was a holiday weekend but still, about ten minutes later there was a respectable congregation gathered.

            At the risk of sounding like your mother, I would like to invite you to come to church on time.  Here are just three reasons:

1)         The service is created to be an integrated whole.  From prelude to postlude, and including the words of welcome, each component is there for a reason and is thoughtfully presented.  Even the announcements convey messages your fellow parishioners really want shared for the good of the community.  If you aren’t there at 10:30, you don’t get the full experience.

2)         It’s not a great welcome to newcomers, who typically do arrive on time or even early, to be greeted by an empty sanctuary.  Despite a warm welcome by a greeter at the door, they might not see what an active and spirited church this is.

3)         It’s demoralizing for your staff and those who do arrive on time.  I felt quite odd sitting in my pew at 10:30 that February Sunday with almost no one there with me.  I can imagine deciding in the future to come a little later myself, so as to avoid that awkwardness.  And down the slippery slope we go.

Okay, end of lecture and I apologize for using newsletter space for this purpose.  I’ve considered saying something during the Sunday welcome, but, well, you see the problem.

            On a happier note, if all goes well we will soon be hearing from the Ministerial Search Committee that they have a candidate to present to the congregation.  That person will then come spend a week with you, conducting two services and meeting all kinds of people and groups in between.  I realize that many of you participated in this process just three years ago with the Rev. Mary Harrington, and it is no secret that Winchester Unitarian Society is experiencing a little transition fatigue; nonetheless, your energetic participation in the process this spring will set the tone for a spirited future.  The one thing that’s for sure is that your next minister will be different from each one that’s come before.  It is our great hope that you will fully embrace this new leader.  And that you will offer your own ideas and energy to help the church thrive in its next, hopefully LONG, phase!  When this happens, we have no doubt that all will be well.

            Meanwhile, we continue to enjoy our time with you and look forward to seeing you in church (at 10:30)…                      The Rev. Stephanie Nichols

p.s.      March is Pledge Month, so please make the most generous commitment you can – this, too, will signal good things for the new ministry.

p.p.s.   If you would like to become a member in time to vote for the new minister, please contact David or me for an appointment to sign the book.