by Karen Hager, Interim Religious Educator

With a full month of shared programming behind us, I can report that the UU congregation in Blacksburg, VA is greatly enjoying this new arrangement with Heritage. We have had children and youth join our Children’s RE classes and Middle School meetings, and nearly every adult class offered has had HUUC attendees.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with UUs outside of our home congregations, and we have so much to learn from each other! If you haven’t yet taken advantage of the opportunity to join the Blacksburg congregation, I urge you to do so.

In the articles on Religious Exploration for Children and Youth and Adult Faith Development Programs, you can learn about the many classes and activities now open to HUUC congregants.

FYI, I’ll be teaching “The Fifth Dimension for Adults” class on Tuesday, March 23 myself. It was wonderful to see so many HUUC attendees – with many faces familiar to me! – at our last class. I hope you’ll join us this month for a fun and fascinating discussion.

Karen

March 2021

by Tamilyn Moore

Hope everyone has dug out of the snow and that you are enjoying all the icicles as the sun shines through them as the snow melts.

With all the snow, the initial signs of spring are hidden. If the crocuses are coming up, we cannot see them. Hopefully as the snow melts, we will see that green of spring poking up through the grass and in our flower beds. The trees don’t seem to be budding out yet, they must be waiting for the snow to melt away as well. I look forward to all the new growth the snow will lead to as it provides sustained water to all the plants waiting to grow and bloom again.

With more and more people getting vaccinated, I look forward to the new growth that will lead to as well. While we need to keep vigilant with mask wearing and physical distancing, we can feel more confident that we are protecting ourselves and others when we are also vaccinated and more around us are vaccinated. Helping my mom to try to find an open vaccine appointment has shown me how frustrating the process can be. I hope many of you are having success finding an open appointment, getting your vaccine scheduled, and getting administered those vaccines. Hopefully Nicole and I will get ours soon as more Ohio locations open up to those who are at a higher risk due to medical conditions.

It will still be a while before we are back to having in-person services. I miss seeing all your faces and most of all, I miss the genuine hugs received from so many. Distant and virtual hugs just aren’t the same, but it is what we have for now with those outside of our bubble.

Be sure to watch spring arrive, watch the greens of spring show up in more and more places, enjoy the sun helping to melt the snow and provide us warmth through the cold. While I have enjoyed my time outside shoveling, getting fresh air, waving at neighbors as they walk or drive by, I look forward to longer times outside as the warmer temperatures allow for it. Stay safe, stay warm!

Virtual hugs to all!

Tamilyn Moore

February 21, 2021.

by Tamilyn Moore

We are just about a week into 2021 and a lot has seemed to happen already. The Capitol insurrection was a devasting event for our nation. I was happy to connect with some in the congregation that evening through Zoom to be in community with each other.

Lots of feelings when this happened. My first job out of grad school was with the Architect of the Capitol. It is the federal agency that takes care of the Capitol building, all the House and Senate buildings, the Supreme Court building, the Library of Congress building, and the U.S. Botanic Gardens. I was hired for a fairly new position that was created after Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America, which gave legislative branch employees the right to unionize and bargain collectively. I participated in some of those first contract negotiations with about eight different unions representing different trades of employees doing work in and around the buildings. This was my start in the world of labor relations.

I remember all the times I was able to walk through the halls and see the beauty created so many years ago. My boss would show me places in the Capitol that visitors were not able to go. He shared with me the history of the building from the eyes of someone who worked there. As I watched the insurrection, I was deeply saddened to see the carelessness with which that sacred building was being treated. I then thought of all the employees who would have to clean up and fix the damage that was done. I thought of the work those employees and others had put into setting things up for the inauguration, work that was now undone and destroyed. My heart broke for the employees in the building worried for their health and safety, their life.

In my office, the one in the federal building in downtown Cincinnati, I have a picture of the Capitol on the wall across from my desk. Very easy to see while I sit and work. It has well-wishes from my coworkers during my time working with the Architect of the Capitol. I long to see that again and feel the connection with the building and its employees.

As we continue to move through 2021, think of your connections to others. Establish again those connections that have faded. Stay connected!

Virtual hugs to all!

Tamilyn Moore

February 2021

by Karen Hager, Interim Religious Educator

My Sundays are now quite different than they were pre-pandemic. As Director of Lifespan Faith Development for the Blacksburg congregation, I never get to attend RE classes with the children. Our program is large, and my time has to be spent making sure all classes run smoothly, and so I don’t spend that one-hour weekly with a specific group of kids.

But now that our classes are virtual, I spend nearly every Sunday morning running zoom for the PreK and K-5 classes, and I get to experience the joy and fulfillment of being with UU children on a weekly basis.

The main driver for our Blacksburg curriculum choices this year was fun, because we knew, after spending time online each week in virtual school, kids weren’t going to want to attend church online unless they had fun doing so. And so, our kids learn, but above all, our classes are fun!

One of the big advantages of being online is that there is no expectation of children being quiet and still. When quiet is necessary – when we’re all watching a video together, for example – the mute button plays its role, but quiet is not usually necessary. Children enjoying being with each other are a joy for adults, as well. And, if a class goes completely off the rails, the adults just laugh and roll with it, letting the kids talk about what they want to talk about. As I write this, I’m recalling yesterday’s class that turned into an impromptu introduction to the kids’ pets, as one by one, they were pulled into the zoom window and introduced. I’m getting to see a whole part of our children’s lives that I can’t when we’re together in a building on Sunday mornings.

I hope that your family will give our Blacksburg virtual RE classes a try this winter and spring, and find out how much fun virtual RE can be. And, if you’ve ever considered teaching RE, but were a bit afraid of whether or not you’re up to the role, join us and watch other teachers as they lead our classes. Teaching RE is one of the most rewarding volunteer roles at HUUC, and we’ll be working to make sure that teaching this fall is as easy as possible on our volunteers! (If you don’t have children in RE but would like to sit in on a class, contact me at the email address below. For safety reasons, we do not publish zoom links to children’s classes, so you will need me to provide you the link.)

Karen

February 2021.

by Tamilyn Moore

Winter solstice has passed, and we are now getting just a little more light each day. Soak in some sun when you can. The natural Vitamin D does wonders for our mental and physical health.

I’m sure many of us Zoomed through the holidays, seeing the family we love only through a computer screen. Knowing we are all keeping each other safe by not being in the same room. We even zoomed with family we don’t normally see on the holidays. Family we normally move through the holidays with just a text wishing them joy. Some family we zoomed with a couple times because it was so nice to “see” them the first time.

It’s about time to get back to the grind of our not so normal life. Back to work and back to school, back to regular meals at home, back to each day looking like the last as we stay home to stay safe. But now there’s more light with vaccines being given. We discuss where in the line we will be able to get the vaccine. As I see Facebook posts of friends who are healthcare workers getting vaccinated, I smile. I am glad they are able to be protected as they work to care for the rest of us. I am hopeful that as more vaccines get approved, more can get vaccinated and then return to a less socially distant life.

As we move into the colder months, likely with more snow, I wish you all health and happiness. I wish you virtual time with family and friends. We welcome Karen Hager back to Heritage to share her RE enthusiasm with us! I look forward to seeing your names and faces during service, knowing this community is together and there for each other.

Virtual hugs to all!

Tamilyn Moore

January 2021.

by Karen Hager, Interim Religious Educator

In December 2004, three days after Christmas, I had a son. And, almost two years later, I stepped foot through the doors of Heritage for the first time. This little being in my life was what brought me in initially because I did not want to be the only one in charge of his spiritual upbringing.

My husband, Monte, is a 5th-generation UU, and would probably not have considered any church for our family beyond a Unitarian Universalist congregation. I, on the other hand, was raised in the United Church of Christ, so I was open to the possibility of other denominations. But a day spent searching the internet and Cincinnati churches left me firmly pointed in the direction of Unitarian Universalism, due mainly to the religious education program. I know that I’m not alone on this point; religious education is the reason many visitors come to our congregations for the first time.

Although we intended to try out all of the Cincinnati UU congregations, we never got further than our first visit to Heritage. We found our home here, and became members and very active lay volunteers, with both of us chairing or serving on multiple committees. Among these, I was a member of the RE Committee and still have, and use, the chalice Jenni Rytel made for me when I joined.

We moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, in 2009 and began attending the UU congregation there. A year after we moved, the Director of Religious Education retired and I decided to apply, mostly out of a desire to see my son receive the religious foundation that brought me to Unitarian Universalism in the first place. Ten years later, I have become a Director of a Lifespan program, a credentialed religious educator, a UU curricula author, and a trainer for the UUA. I am very excited and happy to bring my experience back to Heritage to help prepare for your next settled religious educator. My interim period will be a time to try new ideas in RE and see what fits best with HUUC.

I am looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and forming new relationships, and believe that a bridge can be forged between my two congregations that will last longer than my tenure at HUUC. And I really want to hear from you. What is working in RE and what could be improved? What have you wanted to see added? How important is RE to Heritage’s future? What are you willing to do to see RE succeed here? Those answers will help me to prepare the foundation of a program so that your new settled religious educator can hit the ground running this summer. I hope you’ll be a part of the conversation!

Karen

January 2021.

by Tamilyn Moore

Welcome to the winter holiday season! Wishing everyone joyous and healthy holiday celebrations!

As December starts, Rev. Bill will be resuming his sabbatical. The Worship Committee has lots of great services lined up. Leslie will also be spending her last month with us before her retirement on December 31. Join us on December 13 for Leslie’s last service. I look forward to continuing to “see” everyone through Zoom. Maybe we will even get a glimpse of some holiday decorations as people zoom in for service.

The holidays this year will look a little different for many of us. While we don’t generally do large family gathers, my family was going to travel to northern Michigan to see my Dad and Stepmom, but we have all decided that would not be a good idea and have cancelled the trip. Instead, we will video chat sometime over the long weekend. I will miss spending the time with them, but by staying apart for the holiday, we can help ensure we will get to see each other in the future.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it is about presence rather than presents. It is about being with family and friends. It is about delicious foods. That makes it even harder to be alone this holiday, which many of us will be doing. Be sure to reach out to family and friends and connect virtually and by phone this year. If you have family that will be spending the holiday alone, reach out to them. If you need someone to reach out to, send me an email and I will get back to you. Send your email to:

As the dark evenings sometimes make staying safe at home hard, my family plans to light the house up this year. Lots of holiday lights inside and out. Lots of holiday cheer around the house. And, of course, lots of holiday music starting the day after Thanksgiving. How long the tree and lights stay up depends on how long the cats allow them to. Make sure to bring some light and joy into your home this month. Maybe drive around to see lights others have put out to share with the community. Maybe create some luminaria for Christmas Eve as we would have done at Heritage for the Christmas Eve service.

Be sure to connect with others and find light through these times. Hold your family and friends close in your heart if you cannot hold them in your arms. Keep the faith that staying safe at home is worth it to see each other again when we safely can.

Wishing you the best and virtual hugs to all!

Tamilyn

December 2020.

by Rev. Leslie Woodward

It is so hard to believe that this is my last column for the Heirloom! There have been times in this unusual fall when it has seemed surreal that I would be retiring without being in your physical presence again. But so it is to be. That fact has gotten more and more real as my last worship service approaches. And, as it gets more real, I find myself growing ever more emotional. There is sadness, yes, but also a sense of fullness and gratitude as I reflect on all that I have been honored to witness over these past eight years.

Then there is also that small voice in the back of my head. Have I shared all I wanted to share? Have I given all I could give? And — will I have made a lasting difference in the lives of the children and youth at Heritage?

Of course, these questions cannot be answered and perhaps shouldn’t even be contemplated, springing as they do from hubris. I know that this congregation is ready for a new voice with new ideas, programs and structure. And I know in the deepest part of my heart that you will do quite fine without me as your minister — indeed, that you will flourish.

Yet what religious education professional doesn’t want to be remembered, credited with having some influence on the lives of the young people they have served, however modest that influence might be?

This I know. Every child, youth, parent, and indeed adult, at Heritage has made a difference in my life. Your presence, support, and love has filled me with hope, lifted me with kindness, and enriched my days without measure. It may be a cliché but there is no greater truth that I have learned from each of you much, much more than I ever managed to teach.

Aloha ‘oe.
Until we meet again,
Rev. Leslie Woodward

December 2020.

by Rev. Leslie Woodward

How do you begin to wrap up all the loose ends of an eight-year ministry? Good question! Oops, forgot an important addition — how do you begin to wrap up all the loose ends of an eight-year ministry during a pandemic?

The words of Antonio Machado come to mind and, of course, Google helps me find the full quote:

“…there is no path
The path is made by walking.
By walking you make a path
And turning, you look back
At a way you will never tread again…”

The path is made by walking. Putting one foot in front of the other. Taking care of the day-to-day tasks all the while knowing that soon my to-do list will shrink back to walking the dog and caring for my family.

But, for now there is much to do! Meeting with children and youth online! Figuring out how to celebrate winter holidays with RE families! Collaborating on worship services! Downloading photos from my phone and uploading documents to the cloud! Not to mention separating RE items and books from my own personal stash here at home, returning them to Heritage Church and trying my best to organize these things in some semi-coherent manner. Whew!

And beginning to say goodbye. WAIT! Not yet! It’s still November. Two whole months before we say goodbye.

By walking, you … no, we make the path. Thank you for your love and indulgence as we navigate the rest of this journey together.

Rev. Leslie

November 2020.

by Rev. Bill Gupton

Friends, this will be my last monthly Heirloom column for a while. If it seems like you may have read those or similar words not that long ago, there’s good reason. On February 1, I began a six-month sabbatical that came to an abrupt end just a few weeks later when it became apparent that COVID-19 was going to alter our shared reality, disrupt our society, and threaten us all.

Thankfully, although the pandemic has indeed done all of those things and more, only a very few members of our Heritage family have contracted the coronavirus, and we have so far lost no one to this deadly disease. What we have done is rally around one another. We have found ways to continue much of our great programming virtually – including learning how to provide quality Zoom worship services, family chapel opportunities, and Vespers services. We expanded our staff to include a Zoom technician. We have created materials that go home to our families and children. We have started gathering, virtually, on our decks and now, with the coming of colder weather, in our homes.

In short, we are maintaining the connections that make our community what it is and what we have come to expect (even without the hugs). As most of you know, after the election is behind us, I will re-start that interrupted sabbatical – secure in the knowledge that there is strong, dedicated leadership to guide the congregation through the upcoming winter. Starting December 1, I will be on sabbatical for four months (through the end of March). In some respects, a sabbatical during a time of pandemic-enforced separation might be less disruptive than in “normal” times, since we are all, already, accustomed to not seeing one another in person.

In addition, I believe our Board of Trustees – led by President Tamilyn Moore, Vice-President Michael Wilhite, and Past President Jim Nolan – is well-positioned to lead us during this time of continued separation. They have developed a strong working relationship. Each and every Board member brings to the table a deep commitment to the health and long-term well-being of Heritage Church. The same can be said for our Worship Committee, which once again is lining up an impressive array of guest preachers for you while I am away. The co-chairs of that committee – Regina Pugh and Kathy Wade – are a delight to work with, and over the past several months, the committee has really deepened its understanding of worship in a time of drastically different expectations.

At a recent Town Hall meeting (on Zoom, of course), someone asked me what I plan to do during my resumed sabbatical. First and foremost, I am looking forward to spending more time – quality time – with my family. Patrick is back home from the New Zealand, but hopes to resume his world travels sometime in 2021, so I plan to squeeze in as much time with him as I can during the sabbatical. Similarly, with the pandemic Jennifer’s working from home a lot more now. So quality family time is high on my list. As is rest. Sleep has been at a premium lately; I hope that will soon change! And of course – just like I was beginning to do during my last sabbatical – I will devote time to guiding Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary, which is now open, into its next phase of development.

Speaking of Heritage Acres, you might want to pick up a copy of the December edition of Cincinnati Magazine – we will be prominently featured in it.

Finally, let me take a moment to say how blessed I have been, personally and professionally, to have Rev. Leslie Woodward as my colleague and fellow minister on staff for the past eight-plus years. Leslie’s retirement, which comes at the end of 2020, will leave a huge hole in our church community – and in my heart. I hope each of you will reach out directly to Rev. Leslie and let her know just how much she has meant to you, to your children, to your families, and to our church family. Leslie, you will be missed – tremendously. We wish you a very happy retirement. And I trust you will also get some much-needed sleep and rest starting in January!

May this upcoming month – which will be our last month together for a while – be an auspicious November filled with much to celebrate. May we experience the simple joys of relationship and connection as the holidays approach. And – as I say at the end of our times of shared silence – may we honor the Spirit of Life in each, and in all. Amen!

Rev. Bill

November 2020.