by Rev. Bill Gupton
Happy New Year!
For many of us, 2018 was a difficult, challenging year. I know there are those who are glad to see it fade into the history books. My wish is that 2019 will be a much better year for those of you who feel that way. And for those who had a wonderful 2018 – well, may your new year be even better!
Here are a few things I am looking forward to in 2019:
- Traveling to New Zealand with Jennifer to visit our son Patrick!
- The return of Rev. Leslie Woodward to our church community at the end of her sabbatical.
- New folks coming into the church. It is always one of the great joys of my ministry when people discover Heritage Church, Unitarian Universalism, and a new church home.
- The beginning of the next presidential campaign (I know; I’m weird!).
- Our son’s return from his year in New Zealand.
- Cleaning up my church office. (I can dream, right? But it has gotten quite cluttered…)
- The opening of Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary. (We are confident this might even happen in the next few months – stay tuned for more news, including a capital fund drive to make it possible.)
- Several neat conferences and professional gatherings that are on the horizon in my world.
- The return of blue skies and warmer weather!
- March Madness (my alma mater is actually a contender this year).
- The return of blue skies and warmer weather!
Of course, the new year will bring sadness and sorrow as well. “Joy and woe are woven fine,” said Blake. And that is why I believe communities such as Heritage are so important. In the year ahead, let us hold one another, share the Love that is the spirit of this church, and welcome others into the fold – just as we have done now for – can you believe it? – 192 years now!
Happy New Year!
Namaste,
Rev. Bill
