Over 200 congregants had a splendid afternoon bidding farewell to Rev. Mark Ward, our lead minister who retired after 17 years of service to UUCA.
Here’s Mark’s remarks to you, as well as the prayer he wrote for us:
JULY 10 PRAYER
At the center of every gathered community
there is a common hope, a common joy
that is larger than any one person yet encompasses them all.
We experience it as warm heart that centers us,
a tough and tender presence
that directs us to our own seat of compassion
and challenges us to rise above our narrowness and fears,
that offers us a sense of the holy.
I speak to that warm heart today.
Dear heart,
There is a welcome energy in our gathering again
after so much time away.
It is reassuring to see familiar faces
and exciting to see new ones,
reminding us that as with all life we are evolving and growing.
We stand at a pivot point in this community,
the turning over of leadership,
like the turning over of soil in a garden
that both disrupts and opens up new possibility.
Confessing my own sadness at separating myself from you
so you may best take advantage of this moment,
I still cheer you on as you take on the challenges
of building and sustaining a vibrant liberal faith
that holds before it the vision of beloved community.
May you find in this moment the courage and hope
to make of this community not a haven but a crucible
where you might strengthen your spirits and widen your compassion,
where you might deepen your understanding
and feel the spur to the call of justice-making.
It is my prayer that the deep joy within you
will join the great hope among you
and inspire you to live into this community of memory and hope,
such that you might bless the world.
Rev. Mark Ward, July 10, 2021
Labor of Love UUCA Caterers turn Green!Not green with envy, but green with money saved, and certainly green with earth-friendly choices. Thanks are due to our UUCA “caterers” who provided refreshments Saturday at the Retirement Party for Rev. Mark Ward. These accomplished foodies made or arranged for all the goodies including gluten free and vegan items. They also facilitated clean up after the party by using all compostable plates, clear cups and forks made entirely of plant materials.
Thanks UUCA Caterers! What a team!
Caterers Servers & Cleanup
Wilma Oman Jo Angelina
Judith Kaufman Carol Buffum
Sherry Wothke Susan Andrew
Myrtle Staples Olivia Steinke
Candy Hickman Audrey Kipp
Ann McLellan Judy Mattox
Judy Galloway Ken Brame
Reed Olszack



