Rev. Sasha's Upcoming Time Away

Dear Morristown UU members and friends,

I hope this message finds you and yours well.

You may have recently heard that I will soon be out of town for a few weeks. I would like to share more details about my upcoming time away and let you know what you can expect in my absence.

I will be in Arizona from April 20 through May 29 to spend meaningful time with my father following his terminal cancer diagnosis in late December. As I am sure those of you who have accompanied a loved through similar circumstances know, this is a tender time for my family and I, and I'm grateful for the space to focus on my dad right now.

Please know that I'm well supported. A local colleague and his family have generously offered to welcome Smokie’s and my two cats, Sherlock and Mycroft, into their home while we're away. I'm also grateful for the support of another colleague who this congregation knows well! -- Rev. Charles Loflin -- who will help ensure our members here at Morristown UU will be well cared for in my absence.

Although I don't leave for Arizona until April 20, my last Sunday in the pulpit before my time away was actually last Sunday, April 12. On April 19, I will be guest preaching nearby at First UU Hunterdon County as part of our congregation’s Leadership Leaves commitment. Our own Green Earth Ministry will offer an Earth Day service here at Morristown UU, and all Sundays after that until my return to the pulpit on May 31 will feature services by our talented lay leaders. I am grateful for their willingness to share their gifts as well as their generosity in stepping forward for a time to allow me the space I need to step back.

While I'm away, the Rev. Charles Loflin will provide pastoral care coverage for those in our community who are experiencing health challenges, grief, loss, or other pastoral concerns. You can contact him via the contact form on our website -- https://www.muuf.org/leadership. Please keep in mind that Rev. Charles's availability is limited, so he is only available for pastoral care and is not able to assist with other matters.

During my time away, I will be taking a combination of vacation and study leave. What that means is that I will be working a small number of hours remotely each week, which will mostly be "behind-the-scenes." Although you may spot me now and then via email or in the odd meeting, please know that I am not truly available for congregational needs during my time away. Thank you for helping me keep my focus on my father while I am away.

If you need assistance while I am in Arizona and your matter cannot wait till my return, please reach out to the individuals listed below, who would be happy to help you:

• Rev. Charles Loflin: pastoral care

• Nick Wallwork: faith formation and community-building

• Victoria Lotkowictz: music

• Alex West: Sunday AV and Fellowship communications

• Katy Julich: calendar, facilities, and finances

• Nan Perigo: becoming a member

• Franklin Heller: social justice

If you aren't sure who to reach out to, Katy Julich will help connect you with those who can provide assistance.

Thank you for your understanding and compassion. Many of you have already offered kind words and the encouragement to take the time that I need to be with family, reminding me that it is the same thing that I would encourage you to do in such a time. Thank you for your care and for the ways that I know you'll support each other in my absence.

I will see you off and on this upcoming week, and then I look forward to returning to the pulpit on May 31 and reconnecting with you then.

Warmly,

Rev. Sasha