In the spirit of rest, reflection, and renewal, our minister Reverend Ellen Rowse Spero will begin her Sabbatical from February 5 through May 26. This period of rest and introspection benefits both the minister and the congregation, bringing creative and new perspectives to all. Rev. Ellen has worked with the Sabbatical Committee to ensure that all of her duties will be covered in her absence.
This is an exciting time in our Parish community! We ask for your support and help as we embark on this journey. Please contact anyone on the sabbatical committee, Gail Burati, Joan Coyne, Cindy Gist, Liz Peterson, Bonnie Rankin, and Ruth Whalen-Crockett, with any questions or concerns. The Sabbatical Committee members can be contacted at Sabbatical-team@UUChelmsford.org.
MINISTRY and MINISTERIAL COVERAGE:
This is the third time our congregation will experience a ministerial sabbatical with Rev. Ellen. The first time, we had a sabbatical minister and the second time we had our intern minister Justine Sullivan. This time we are delighted to have Rev. Russ Menk return to us as our sabbatical minister. Rev. Menk served as our intern minister before being called to serve as minister to the UU Fellowship of Santa Cruz County where he served for 10 years before retiring. The Pastoral Care and Service Team will also be available to offer pastoral care and referrals as needed, with Chaplain Brian Snow’s support. The Sabbatical Committee has been working to provide coverage for all the worship services, with Rev. Menk, congregational members, and outside speakers. We also have area ministers and the New England Region UUA staff as resources.
WHO DO I CONTACT ABOUT…
- Announcements: Erica Clifford, Office Assistant
- Budget: Dave Kaffine, Treasurer
- Building Hours, Church Calendar: Erica Clifford, Office Assistant
- My Pledge: Carla Corey, Collector
- Leadership & Governance: Neil Harmon, Chair of the Standing Committee
- Custodial Services: Erica Clifford, Office Assistant
- Membership: Dolores Heredia-Wood, Director of Lifespan Faith Formation
- Music: Dr. Christopher Grills, Music Director
- Newsletter: Erica Clifford, Office Assistant
- Pastoral Care Concerns: Chaplain Brian Snow and the Pastoral Care Team
- Lifespan Faith Formation: Dolores Heredia-Wood, Director of Lifespan Faith Formation
- Sabbatical Concerns: Sabbatical-team@UUChelmsford.org
(Gail Burati, Joan Coyne, Cindy Gist, Liz Peterson, Bonnie Rankin, and Ruth Whalen-Crockett) - Stewardship: Garland Kemper and the Standing Committee
- Worship: Joan Coyne , Worship Committee
I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT…
Child dedications are one of the particular delights of Rev. Ellen’s ministry. If you can, please postpone any dedications until after her return.
Please contact Parish Administrator Erica Clifford for a list of Unitarian Universalist ministers who are qualified to perform weddings at First Parish for both members and non-members.
Our Sabbatical Minister Rev. Russ Menk, will perform funerals and memorial services in Ellen’s absence. Please contact Parish Administrator Erica Clifford who will help make the arrangements.
The Sabbatical Committee, Rev. Ellen, and the staff have been working together to assure that Parish operations will continue to function smoothly in her absence. Questions about the Parish office or operations should be directed to Erica Clifford, or any member of the Standing Committee.
Pastoral care and support will be provided by Chaplain Brian Snow and the Pastoral Care and Service Team who will be on call for pastoral emergencies. You may email them at pastoral-care@uuchelmsford.org or call 978-256-5555 for emergency contact information.
The pastoral care and support team will also visit or keep in touch as necessary with individuals in need of ongoing pastoral attention or care. They will also work to provide other assistance as needed.
We will continue to make phone calls and visits to people who are housebound, as well as assist with errands and rides to doctor appointments. If you are in need of some assistance, please call (978) 256-5555 for urgent matters or contact a Pastoral Care and Service Team member, who will provide you with the help you need while maintaining confidentiality at pastoral-care@uuchelmsford.
The Pastoral Care and Service Team consists of Erin Clifford, Tom Coffey, Kathy Deschenes, Frans Janssen, Sandy Johnston, Diane Morris, Linda Newhard, Liz Peterson, Brian Snow, Maura Snow, and Cheryl Wilson.
