Leave-taking Day

Today was Pentecost Sunday, and people did what I asked: They arrived dressed in bright, wonderful reds!
Joni Babbitt crafted the floral display pictured here; I happened to catch it in a quiet moment of brilliant sunshine Saturday just as the elements for communion were being prepared. I really like that picture.
Bruce Kline assisted in the service, always a treat. Just before we all sang The Lord's Prayer, Rusty Babbitt (Moderator) led the part of the service in which I turned over my bible and stole to Clint Reynolds, now the Acting Minister.
After the service we shared a dessert reception in King Hall; kudos to Cindy Fain and Kate Janecek and all their helpers for just the perfect touch. (And yes, the hall was ablaze in red!) The baseball cake was one of several along with other goodies. (But wait ... where is the Red Sox logo?)
I was given two new books about the Pilgrims, which will be great reads.
Onward.

Liz' Birthday

Today Liz turned {redacted by the NSA} but we did not celebrate it as we usually would. "Happy" just doesn't fit; the absence of Kat(ie) feels all the heavier. We made a quick overnight run to San Jose to be with family Thursday night and marvel at how Kayla and Aidan are developing before our eyes. They helped with the filling of the KBBs (below).
Today Liz spent time finishing off the Katie Birthday Boxes which are being mailed to her friends. We are also inviting anyone who will to light a candle with us on her 27th birthday, June 23, at 9 a.m. Arizona time and praying / remembering / honoring Katie. (Some of the "sassy candles" from her memorial service are available in the church office.) We will be in the U.K. then, and candles will be lit in Switzerland, the U.K., New England, and across the U.S. wherever the word spreads. Liz designed and she, Kelly and I created beautiful hand-made cards to go with the boxes.
On to Pentecost and Leave-taking Day, taking all of this with us.

One week to go!

"Leave-taking Day" will be this coming Sunday, May 31. It does not seem possible that all the months have passed since we began planning this summer's sabbatical (for me) and renewal program (for the church). Am I ready? The nice thing about having a date-and-time-certain is that I WILL be ready. This will be a busy week seeing people and making last-minute arrangements. We are grateful to the Lilly Endowment which is making all of this possible. Onward.