From Eileen Wiviott, Membership Director

eileenDear 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.

2017-05-24T14:18:44+00:00

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