by Rev. Bill Gupton

It has been roughly 10 weeks since I postponed the remainder of my sabbatical and returned to our Heritage community. It feels more like 10 months. I don’t know about you, but time itself seems to be out of kilter these days.

When I rejoined our community, those 10 short (long) weeks ago, you had just cancelled in-person worship services, and the life of this church was just beginning to be transformed by the emerging pandemic known as COVID-19. Now, there are 100,000 American casualties of this pandemic – nearly twice the number of American who died in the Vietnam War. By the first day of summer, more Americans will have died from this virus than the total number who perished in World War I.

Here at Heritage, I am thankful that, thus far, we have not lost anyone in our immediate church family. But do not be fooled – those in the Heritage community who have contracted COVID-19 and developed symptoms have suffered greatly. Even when it is not fatal, this illness can be agonizing, painful, incredibly scary, and cruelly unrelenting. Church members who are recovering from it tell of ongoing physical pain and frightening new medical flare-ups. No, Mr. President, this is not a hoax.

We must take this virus and the dangers it poses to our health and our lives very, very seriously. Which is why I continue to advocate for an abundance of caution and a level of physical separation that is, admittedly, almost antithetical to the warm, embracing, intimate type of community we have created together at Heritage Church over the generations. It breaks my heart – as I know it does yours – to be unable to gather together in our sanctuary, to be unable to hug one another, to be unable to share tears and smiles in person or to help raise our children in person or to break bread together – in person. Yet it is precisely because of the Love that is the spirit of this church – precisely because we honor and seek to protect the health and well being of each and every individual (no exceptions) – that we must remain apart. For the foreseeable future. It is the only way for us to be safe.

My dear friend and colleague Rev. Amy Carol Webb, who serves one of our Unitarian Universalist churches in Florida – where the reckless rush to re-open in now in full swing – put it this way recently in a web post: “Let us be very clear in this moment: We at River of Grass UU Congregation cannot and will not be compelled to violate our ethics, conscience, and values with the demand that houses of worship meet in person before science and health advisors declare it safe to do so. We remain true to our purpose … without risking the lives of ourselves, our neighbors, or the most vulnerable among and around us. We believe in love. And science. We teach that bodies are sacred – ours, and yours, and everyone else’s – and are to be respected and protected. So, no. Though we ache in our very bones to be with you, we will wait until it is safe to gather in person, however long that may take. We love you too much” to do otherwise.

In that short statement, she speaks for me, and for many in our congregation with whom I have spoken in recent days. I realize there are differing – and strongly held – views on the matter of “re-opening,” but I know as well that several church members have told me that they will not feel safe or comfortable returning to group gatherings until there is a proven vaccine, and they have been vaccinated with it. I honor and sympathize (perhaps even empathize) with that position. Each of us must make tough calls these days: whether to wear a mask when we go out, whether to go into the grocery store or hardware store, whether to go to work (if we are lucky enough to still have a job, as the economy staggers forward) – and yes, whether to meet with others from the church or our other circles of support.

As you make those hard decisions, I want you to know that you are held in an invisible embrace (what our UU Principles call “the interconnected web of all existence”). That the Love that is the spirit of our church reaches you and touches you, even now. No matter where you go. In your basement. At Kroger’s. At the beach. In moments of sadness and despair. In moments of joy and celebration. You are loved. You are part of this Heritage family. And I am grateful, to share that with you.

Be well, my friends. Be safe. Be healthy.

Namaste,
Rev. Bill

by Rev. Leslie Woodward

Take a few deep breaths with me. In…. Out…. In…. Out….

My last Heirloom article was written in late April, when I was still hoping beyond hope that our nation would: 1) Ensure adequate supplies of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for all health care workers, 2) Greatly expand coronavirus testing, and 3) Proceed with utmost caution in re-opening public spaces.

News reports cause my heart to sink. Nearly two-thirds of health care workers report PPE shortages, especially N-95 masks. In Ohio, testing is limited unless you fall into one of the top priority groups. As for re-opening? No state, including Ohio, has come close to the federally recommended decline in cases over a 14-day period before beginning a phased re-opening. Ohio’s daily statistics have been rising again as the state began lifting restrictions in May.

What does this mean for all of us? First and foremost, we need to stay safe. Wear a mask, limit unnecessary travel, be diligent about safe physical distancing, and wash your hands often.

What does this mean for our Heritage children and youth?

That’s a more complicated and sobering conversation. Everyone who has ever observed children knows that social distancing is not in their nature. Children play, they hug, they wrestle and tackle and poke, and sometimes even bite. Younger children don’t hesitate to put toys in their mouths and even older kids often chew on a finger or bite their nails. Try enforcing keeping six-feet-apart-from-your-friends to a kid and see how far you get.

For older children and youth, video-conferencing gets mixed results. Building community through a computer screen is proving much more difficult than simply dialing into a Zoom call.

The question then becomes — Under current pandemic conditions, how do we respect, nurture and grow our children and youth’s spiritual selves? Will enhanced video-conferencing work? YouTube how-to videos? RE-at-home packs? Family worship and rituals?

The answer appears to be: All of the above. There is no one-size-fit-all. What works for one family might be useless for another and vice versa.

Then a new question arises: What help, resources, and materials do families need so that growing our children and youth’s spirituality becomes a joy and not another burden? At this point my answer must be: I don’t know.

Over the next 4 weeks, Heritage will be pausing all of its Religious Exploration offerings to more fully contemplate this question. I’ll be taking my accrued vacation time for rest and renewal, then using study leave to begin again to re-imagine RE with the goal of launching a new, more sustainable program in late summer.

Please be patient. Be safe. Take care of each other. And know that all of you are held in my heart.

Rev. Leslie

June 2020.

by Rev. Leslie Woodward

Yesterday I found my blue bullet journal which had been lost for the better part of a year. As I flipped through the pages, I came across notes from a workshop that I had attended a few years ago focused on visioning new ways to minister to families. Here are some of my notes. Sound familiar?

Parent Truths

We are worried

• About the speed of change
• About keeping up with the amount of information coming at us
• Are we doing this right?

We are weary

• So much to do
• New expectations added every day
• Single parenting and co-parenting is exhausting

We are wired

• But how do we use technology wisely?
• How can we model & teach wise use to our children/youth?
• Can we meaningfully connect digitally?

Having children and youth in your household during the pandemic and social distancing can only exacerbate these fears and feelings. Not surprisingly, it also creates challenges for ministering to our children, youth and families.

Another page in my journal brought me up short. It said:

Never stop…

Re-examining
Re-imagining
Re-creating

Another urgent message that is even more relevant to these times. So that’s what we’re going to do. Re-examine; Re-imagine; Re-create.

Look for a full list of our new Religious Exploration offerings listed in another article in this Heirloom. Your RE committee, with special help from other members who are stepping up, has created a slate of online offerings designed to connect with children and youth throughout the coming months. I’m in awe of their creativity and tremendous imaginations. And I am filled with gratitude.

Even if you can’t join us online for any of these new programs, you need to know this: you are enough. You are loved. We’ll get through this together.

Religious Exploration is going to be wonderful at Heritage — even online!
Won’t you join us?

May 2020.

by Rev. Bill Gupton

As we continue to be separated from the larger Heritage Church community, and unable to gather together as one large family of faith in our physical building on Newtown Road, we are finding new and creative ways to experience the special blessing that is being part of this beloved congregation. Opportunities abound to gather virtually in ways that will help you, and all of us, in these unique times – including ongoing, weekly events like “Slip into Sleep Meditation,” Anxiety and Stress Reduction sessions, our traditional Vespers services and brand-new all-ages Sabbath services, and groups devoted to healthy eating, communal knitting, supportive conversation and more. I’ve begun offering biweekly gatherings for the health care providers in our midst, whose courageous work in these challenging times, on behalf of all of us, is remarkable to behold.

Our Caring Circle has created a congregation-wide network of phone trees that include small (four or five homes) groups where folks are checking in with one another. Please continue to do that regularly – and if you haven’t heard from anyone in the church lately, please reach out. People are making meals for the sick and elderly, leaving gifts of love on folks’ doorsteps, posting messages on Facebook and other social media, texting, calling, and – yes – gathering frequently on Zoom. Although the church itself is “closed” I can attest that all the usual meetings (and more!) of leadership and administrative groups, committees and teams, continue to happen; it’s just that they’re all on Zoom now.

If you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands, step up. Volunteer to help. The work of the church does continue; in fact, in many ways, there is more work now. And there are those among us who have far less available time now, with children at home 24/7 and other added responsibilities brought on by the crisis. There are many ways to get involved as our church ministry evolves and adapts in what one of my colleagues refers to as “these volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous times.” We need you. We need each other.

I hope to “see” you on Zoom or in other settings soon.

Namaste,
Rev. Bill

by Jim Nolan

plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose

Hello all –

I want to, again, express my gratitude to all of you who participated in our online congregational meeting. It was great to see your faces and hear your voices – and I hope we accomplished something that will help sustain Heritage through the quarantine, no matter how long that may be.

Saying that, I am reading reports that the Payroll Protection Program, to which we applied, has run – or is running – out of funds. As I write this, I do not yet know the status of the program nor if or how it involves us. I’m certain the Finance Committee is watching this and will do their best to keep us updated as more information is available. Again – I am very grateful to the entire committee and especially Michael Wilhite who, along with Denise Martinez, navigated the process to get us enrolled in the program. Thank you.

In other news – please mark your calendars for two more important online meetings:

1. Town Hall Meeting: Sunday, May 31 @ 1:30 p.m.
2. Annual Congregational Meeting: Sunday, June 28 @ 10 a.m.

The Annual Meeting takes place the same day as the UUA’s General Assembly service – which will also be held online. Right now, we are anticipating our own meeting to start at 10am (a chance for you to sleep in a bit!) but that may change as we learn more about the G/A agenda. This is a crucial meeting so I hope you can attend.

Until then, many of us are learning new skills and abilities that we didn’t know we had.

For myself, I’m learning that I can simultaneously work from home, manage my kids’ school schedules and (sometimes) make dinner. Throw in a few dog walks and sessions of wiping down door handles and that can make for a pretty full day.

What I still need to learn is how to remember to take a minute for myself and do some kind of “self-care.” During the first week of quarantine I would sometimes forget to shave, shower or get some fresh air — I was a mess by the weekend.

I’m still learning… but, by reminding myself daily that I’m not being my most effective worker, father, husband or dog-walker if I’m not first making sure I’m okay, I’m little-by-little getting better all the time.

What I’m trying to say is – I hope you are doing the same. Please keep taking care of yourselves. We need you around.
Until we meet again.

April 24, 2020.

Dear Heritage Church community,

We are living in difficult, anxious, unprecedented times. I am certain that each of you has been experiencing a wide range of emotions while, together as a society and as a religious community, we navigate the changes to our lives, our plans, our hopes and dreams, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Feb. 1, when I began my sabbatical, I have watched the news with growing concern and compassion, and my heart has ached imagining all that you must have been going through. My prayers for the health and safety of you, and those you love, have been and remain a constant part of my spiritual life.

As the pandemic began to take shape, and to reshape our lives, I opened lines of communication with Rev. Leslie Woodward, and we have been discussing appropriate responses for me, considering that I was on sabbatical. You may recall that part of my sabbatical covenant included procedures that we would initiate in the event of a national crisis or emergency. Certainly, we are in such a situation now.

Therefore, I am ending my sabbatical, and returning to an active role as your Senior Minister. Together with Rev. Leslie, we will be acting as a pastoral and ministerial team, effective immediately. This is simply no time for me to be on the sidelines, or even behind the scenes; I want to be with you as we live in and through these fearful times, and as we find new, “virtual” ways to remain in community and mutual support.

Let me acknowledge and express my profound gratitude to my trusted colleague, Rev. Leslie, for the amazing ministry she has been providing to the Heritage Church family. I have simply been blown away at how she has, with skill and grace, risen to the occasion, and to this moment we are all facing. Although we Unitarian Universalists don’t do canonization, I think “Saint Leslie” has a pretty good ring to it – and is a well-deserved moniker. Thank you, thank you, Rev. Leslie!

I know that many of you have developed strong, important connections with Rev. Leslie in these past months (and years), and we assure you, she will continue to be there for you. It’s just that now, the two of us will be back together serving as your shared ministry team.

While I’m at it, I am also aware that countless lay leaders in the church have also stepped up and taken on additional responsibilities, gladly and graciously, over the past two months. Though I cannot list you all (and certainly don’t even know who all of you are), I definitely want to lift you up; please know that the many ways you have expressed and embodied the Love that is the spirit of this church are deeply appreciated! They mean the world to your fellow congregants – and to your ministers.

Now let me say just a little bit about how my return to the church will look, in the weeks ahead. Keep in mind that we are all creating this new reality as we go.

My primary focus in the next few weeks will be pastoral care – reaching out to those who are most affected, most fearful, most at risk. And I will be available, by phone or email or even (gulp!) Skype, to speak with or just to listen to anyone in our community who needs a shoulder to lean on and a (sadly, virtual) hug.

I will also begin slowly re-engaging with administrative activities such as meetings (Zoom, here I come!), the pledge drive and fundraising, staff concerns, and so on.

Thanks to the hard work of Rev. Leslie and our outstanding Worship Committee, worship services are in good hands for the immediate future (and I understand that the Cincinnati churches are banding together for certain Sunday and other services). So my return to whatever amounts to “the pulpit” these days will be a little slower than my return to pastoral and administrative duties. It is also hoped that, now that my sabbatical has ended, and she will not be spread so thin, Rev. Leslie will be able to give more time and loving attention to our families and the Religious Exploration program.

I realize this is already a lengthy letter, but if you will indulge me just a couple more paragraphs, I’d like to update you on what has been happening in my family. Most of you are aware that our son, Patrick, has been living in New Zealand since graduating from Ohio State in 2018. Recently, his visa expired, and he began the next stage of his planned adventure, in Thailand – rock-climbing, backpacking, snorkeling, and just all-around “living the life.” However, when the U.S. State Department issued a warning that American citizens abroad should return home immediately, or risk being stranded abroad indefinitely, Patrick, Jennifer and I put our heads and hearts together to reconsider things. Soon, we were scrambling – along with countless other Americans — to find flights home. Many flights have been cancelled. The past week has been quite an emotional rollercoaster, but two days ago, our prayers were answered and Patrick made it back to Cincinnati. We are incredibly relieved!

Our new reality looks something like this: Both Jennifer and I are working from home – in different parts of the house. Patrick is re-acclimating to life at home, while experiencing to-be-expected jet lag. We are striving to follow shelter-in-place and self-quarantine guidelines. All three of us are isolating ourselves as much as possible from each other in the house, and venturing outdoors only for exercise, walks, and the occasional work at Heritage Acres.

There are many stories to tell, at another time, about Patrick’s adventures both in New Zealand, and in getting home – but for now, the bottom line is, the three of us are reunited, at home, and wishing very much that we could hug and hold each other. Yet we – like all of us – must adapt to what is needed right now, holding to the faith that this too shall pass. We are feeling blessed to be alive, in the same home, and currently symptom-free.

So that’s how our family is doing. I am eager to hear how you and yours are doing. Feel free to reach out, if you are so inclined. And know that I am here for you, praying for you, and giving thanks, as always, for the Love that is the spirit of our church.

Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Namaste,
Rev. Bill Gupton
March 26, 2020

by Jim Nolan

Hello all –

On Monday, I turned 50. I spent it at home with my family, eating a cake that a friend dropped on our front porch. She couldn’t come in. I couldn’t give her a hug. Many of my gifts and cards were online. My brother-in-law sent me a card that he left unsealed, because he didn’t want to spread any germs.

Welcome to the new normal. As I said before, we are all heartbroken by this.

As with all tragedies, I have seen incredible acts of kindness, and I have seen despicable acts of selfishness across the world, the nation and in our own communities. This gives me concern but it also gives me hope.

The best thing I can think to do at this time is to remember these words:

This will pass.

One day this will be a memory, a reason to share stories, and a reason to reflect on what we have learned. For now, though, we can do much more than just “wait it out.” We can make calls, send texts, send emails — check in on each other.

Keep sharing ideas with each other – ways to cope, ways to stay engaged and ideas for keeping our younger ones connected and supported. It really matters.

Meanwhile, I want to try to express my gratitude to so many of you — like Rev. Leslie who has reached out several times to make sure I was okay and to see if I needed any support; to Russ Araujo, Reid Hester, Laura Knight, Regina Pugh, and many other unnamed individuals who have keep the wheels turning and who have worked to ensure that we all stay connected.

Also – to Denise Martinez who has truly been the heart & soul behind everything since this all started.

This will pass and I can’t wait until it does.

Until we meet again.

Jim

Posted 3/27/2020.

by Rev. Leslie Woodward

I keep forgetting what day it is. Last week we forgot to put out the trash. I missed my online piano lesson on Tuesday and a Zoom meeting with other religious educators this morning. It appears that we’ve entered a strange new world. Or have we?

Looking out my window I see daffodils blooming and my neighbor walking their dog. Birds are singing and a spring breeze rustles the brown leaves still on the trees, poised to be pushed away by new growth. Sunshine warms my face and my pup sidles up for pats, a ball in his mouth waiting for me to toss.

“The more things change, the more they remain the same” is an old adage from Alphonse Karr, usually said in a resigned or sarcastic tone. But there are some things that we want to remain the same even as we navigate these challenging times of social distancing and online connection.

The Light of Truth
The Warmth of Love
And the ENERGY of Action.

My dear ones, seek out reputable sources of information. Watch for opportunities to connect with the important people in your life. Look for ways to help.

Stay apart; yet stay connected.

With the Love which is the Spirit of this Church,
Rev. Leslie

for April 2020.

by Rev. Leslie Woodward

Every once and awhile it is useful to point out that I am disabled.

I have what is called an “invisible disability,” that is, a disability that is not always obvious to an onlooker or acquaintance but sometimes or always limits daily activities. This may range from mild challenges to severe limitations and vary from person to person and sometimes, even from day to day.

“Invisible disabilities” refers to symptoms such as cognitive dysfunctions, chronic pain, fatigue, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, as well as hearing and vision impairment and more. In my case the hearing in my left ear was severely damaged in late 2015. While I wear a hearing aid, it is nearly useless in some conditions, such as in the Great Hall during potlucks or anytime when several people are talking at once.

Why is this important to know? You might think I’m ignoring you when I don’t respond to a question or comment when I simply didn’t hear you. You might get annoyed when I ask you to repeat something several times. I might mis-hear something that you said and seemingly reply inappropriately. Every day I wonder what I’m missing when I don’t hear the clever quip that makes everyone else chuckle or catch the anxious tone behind a simple request. And sadly, my hearing will only get worse as I age.

The quote in my headline is from the Rev. John Watson and I chose it deliberately because it doesn’t just speak to invisible disabilities but to other things we cannot see. There are people around us struggling with incredible disruptions in their lives. Disruptions like divorce, custody battles, food insecurity, the death or severe illness of a loved one, the loss of a job — the list is endless. The political atmosphere has struck terror in the hearts of many who fear they may lose their livelihoods, their families may be torn apart or indeed, that their very lives may be in danger. These too, are things that you cannot see.

These things are not only happening somewhere “out there,” they are happening within our beloved Heritage community. Please, my dear ones, be kind. Above all else, be kind.

Faithfully,
Rev. Leslie

2/21/2020.

by Rev. Leslie Woodward

Winter into spring is a fruitful time for most religious educators. Often our religious education programs have begun and while they require support, thoughts are moving toward the NEXT BIG THING.

At Heritage, the “next big thing” is our summer programming. Watch for more information coming soon. If you are making summer plans for yourself or your family, now is the time to consider attending a camp or conference that will honor your identity as a Unitarian Universalist and strengthen your faith while you are making wonderful new friends and generally having an awesome time.

Experiences at summer camps can include week(s) long age-based camps, institutes and camps for all ages, family retreats and specific training programs. When attending these camps and institutes, UU’s from all over our region (and beyond) experience the living of our UU values in communities outside the walls of our congregations, strengthening their ties and commitment to Unitarian Universalism. Here are some opportunities within driving distance from Cincinnati.

• SUUSI — the Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute; July 19-25; Western Carolina University in North Carolina.
• MUUSA — the Midwest Unitarian Universalist Summer Assembly; June 28 – July 4; YMCA of the Ozarks near Potosi, Missouri.
• CERSI — Central East Region Summer Institute; July 12-18; California, PA.

Additional opportunities for high school youth and young adults abound. (Note that many of these programs have registration deadlines in March and April.)

• River Rising Summer Youth Immersion — July 5-11; UU Church of the North Hills, Pittsburgh and July 27 – Aug 2; Main Line UU Church, Philadelphia
• Youth Midwest Leadership School — July 12-18; Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington IL
• GROW Racial Justice (UU College of Social Justice) June 17-20; New Orleans, Louisiana (for young adults)
• Activate West Virginia (UU College of Social Justice) June 20-27; UU Church of the South Hills

If that isn’t enough, other UU summer camps are located in the Adirondacks of upstate New York (Camp Unirondack), on the Jersey Shore (Murray Grove), the coast of Maine (Ferry Beach), in the mountains of North Carolina (The Mountain) and on an island off the coast of New Hampshire (Star Island).

Summer is a great time to be a UU. Won’t you join us?

Faithfully,
Rev. Leslie

March 2020.