It’s hard to believe a year has gone by. I’m remembering last year when on July 9, Sam and I arrived in the Rogue Valley and it was 109 degrees. When the movers arrived it was 111 degrees and we spent the next few weeks unpacking, getting to know the area and realizing we might not recognize the direction of east because there is no Atlantic ocean outside our door like there was in South Carolina. Now we are surrounded by mountains challenging our sense of direction while enjoying the incredible beauty.

Wandering the Rogue Valley for a year and working with the RVUUF community presented initial challenges that have turned into meaningful opportunities and grateful experiences. However, I am now ready for some time alone (and time with Sam) to refresh, rejuvenate, and replenish my energy and inspiration as I approach a few weeks of study time and vacation.

Officially I will not be available except for emergencies beginning July 10 through Aug. 31. I’ll return to my office on Sept. 1 and my first Sunday service will be Sept. 13 when RVUUF’s annual Water Ceremony will be celebrated.

I’m excited about what the fall will bring and during the summer months you’ll hear more about a program called “Soul Matters” that will help our efforts to continue to move RVUUF from an “I” church to a “We” church. Additionally, Rev. Cat Cox will be with us for a workshop in the fall with another set of six-weeks classes, so stay tuned to future dates.

The best news of late is the making of a new website that has been in the works for about six months, thanks to Peter Lukacs, son of Alex and Krynn. Peter has graciously designed a new website for the purpose of marketing RVUUF using a “responsive” program called WordPress. Helping to fund this endeavor, the Endowment Committee approved a grant to secure a Web Editor for one year and Cynthia Parkhill will fill that position in addition to her part-time R.E. Coordinator position. During the summer Cynthia will be requesting information from individuals, committee chairs, and staff so she can upload onto the new website making it current and attractive. I hope, if asked, you’ll respond to her requests in a timely fashion so that toward the end of summer RVUUF will have a new website going “live” just in time for visitors and guests to check us out before they arrive on a Sunday morning.

In the meantime, may the hot days of summer lead you toward cool waters to collect and share at our Water Ceremony on Sept. 13, as an ingathering welcoming each other back into the routine days of fall. Blessed Be.