Rev. McKinley L. Sims, M.Div.

Friends, 

We’re almost there. The end of our first year together. An end and a beginning. May it be full of faith, hope, and Love. I wanted to let you know that after the annual meeting this Sunday (which you should all attend to exercise your voice in the democratic process- 5th Principle), I’ll be away for July. My plan is to power down and be out of communication for the whole month. It feels weird, but to be honest, I don’t want to see you for that time period…..but keep reading!

It’s not that I don’t want to see you. It’s not because I don’t love you! I do and I do. Very much. It’s just good practice for me to take some serious down time before we rev back up in August and September. Sabbath rest is a good thing, and I’m going to do my best to rest up and reconnect in August, where I’ll be attending services, making some announcements, and helping with RE on Sunday mornings. I hope you’ll find ways to contribute to the community over the summer, in whatever way you feel called, while also finding time for rest. 

As a practical note, we rely on pledges and plate collection throughout the summer, and your financial gifts are always appreciated, even if you don’t have to sit and listen to me blab for 18-22 minutes a week. We’d love your physical presence as much as possible, as hugs connect us in ways that email and phones cannot. Something to ponder!

This Sunday, you’ll elect your new slate of leaders for our church. It’s a sacred rite of our congregational polity, and I’m very excited for the new folks who are stepping up, showing up, and taking up the responsibility of helping lead us into the future. I’m excited for them, for us, and for that future. 

In the meantime, I’ll be out of sight for a bit. In case of a pastoral emergency, please call/text/email me. I will not be responsive to emails or phone calls otherwise. I’ve got a pile of books to read, some languages to learn, and a few date nights with KP owed.

We’ll post the worship schedule as far ahead in advance, so you can contact the Worship Associate if you have questions or needs for Sunday announcements, etc. I’m going to have four meditations that go out with this email, one for each week, that will provide a small bit of theological grounding to the weekly news. Enjoy the weather, the beach, the mountains, the city, the park, the pool, wherever you are or go, and I’ll catch you in August. 

Until then, know that I see You, I’m proud of You, and I love You.  

-Rev. McKinley