Dear Friends,

I am so honored and grateful for your affirmations, congratulations and your unanimous vote this past Sunday to ordain me into Unitarian Universalist Ministry. I don’t remember ever feeling more held in love and I am humbled by your generosity and kindness. The ordination will be Sunday, June 4th at 4pm. More formal invitations will be sent out soon but I hope you will save the date to join me for this meaningful celebration. Some of you have asked for the written version of the comments I made on Sunday after the vote. I may have strayed from this a bit but, in essence, this is what I said and very much what I feel:

“Almost twelve years ago, I spoke in front of this congregation for the first time at the behest of our former minister, Rev. Pescan. If I remember correctly, the directive was something along the lines of, “say something pithy about how this church transforms your life.” I had no idea at the time just how much transformation was to come. I found that short speech I gave twelve years ago and is some of what I said:

My name is Eileen Wiviott and I am a new member of the Religious Education Board. Some of you have heard me say, because it is often something I repeat, that I am not a natural born leader. Tell me what needs to be done and I’ll do it but say the word “chair” or “lead” and I try to sit as still as I can and blend in with the background. As the youngest of five with only older brothers, I was never looked upon to inspire the dog let alone to inspire a vision. But low and behold there I was with some of the leaders of our church yesterday at the Connections Convocation to discuss our Mission and Vision. It was there that I realized that sometimes leadership happens just by nodding your head. This is why I am standing here. When Barbara asked who would be willing to share with the congregation a few tidbits about our meeting, I, who thought that was a great idea, was nodding my head in spite of myself. This is essentially how I have found my way into involvement here at UCE. When someone asks, I say, “yes.” I figure if they think I can do it then I must be able to. I often feel overwhelmed and under-qualified but I keep my ears and mind open and continue to ask, “What can I do?” Sometimes leadership happens just by following the leaders.

We broke into groups of two to discuss what brought us here and at what moment did it feel like home. I literally wandered into this church looking for something I hadn’t even put words to and it immediately felt like home. That feeling of belonging has deepened the more I have gotten involved and the more I have been able to meet the needs of my spirit.

There is a beautiful balance here between the nourishing roots of tradition and the spreading branches of openness. I like that I feel grounded and safe in this community at the same time that I am pushing my own comfort zone and reaching out to help others. I love that I have found peace as well as energy here. As I become more involved this year, I am looking forward to getting to know more of you. I hope you will all bear witness as I uncover the hidden leader inside me.

“My friends, my beloved community, my spiritual home, you have not only witnessed as I have emerged as a leader, but you have called me, nurtured me, loved me into being who I am. Each person in this room, and many who are not here in body but will remain forever with me in spirit, have and continue to transform my life.”

I am so excited to share in the celebration of my ministry with you on June 4th at 4pm. Your love and encouragement has made all the difference in my life. Thank you.