It was fun to hear the questions this weekend at services - from the philosophical to the mathematical, to the personal. I wish we had time for each of us to answer these questions for each other.

After the services this weekend I heard a couple of questions that I'd like to answer over the next couple of weeks before I leave UUCF. First, I want to share some important principles of ministerial transitions that may surprise you.

When a minister leaves a congregation, our guidelines for professional practice direct us to stay away. Sounds harsh, I know. But you need to do the work of preparing for a new minister and then the work of entering into shared ministry with the minister you choose. If I'm hanging around, this will be more difficult. (It is also important for me to be focusing on my new ministry.)

As painful as this is for me, I will not participate in weddings or memorial services at UUCF. I will not provide pastoral care or counsel on congregational matters. I will not engage in any kind of regular communication.

And in our wired and connected world, this means electronic communication as well. I will close down my UUCF email address. I will keep my Facebook page, but will not be in active communication with UUCF congregants. (Just as I am not in active communication with congregants from the other congregations I have served.)

I discovered the first time I left a congregation (also after nine years of ministry) how much grief comes with this kind of transition. I also discovered how many gifts I am taking with me from our time together. Your stories, your courage, your work, your laughter, your tears - I take all of this with me. It inspires me and gives me courage.

I will think of you often - you can be sure of that. I will imagine your children growing and new children arriving. I will grieve when beloved members die. I will celebrate when there are marriages and other joyous occasions. But I will do all of that quietly, on my own, knowing that you have each other and a new minister with whom to share your joy and sorrow.

I hope to see you in these next weeks. Let's make the most of the time we do have remaining.

Love,