Greetings, people of KVUUC!

Well, I’ve been your Minister now for about six weeks, and have enjoyed the drive between Yakima and Ellensburg – both the “moon shot” over the ridges and the winding road through the canyon, which has been especially beautiful these sunny fall days.  It can, at times, seem like I’m going from one world to another – or maybe just one country or region to another – when I make that trip, but then I remember that we’re really quite close neighbors in spite of all the real estate between the two valleys.

In addition to a fair amount of driving, I’ve been meeting and getting to know many of you, which has been wonderful.  But I know there are many more to meet and get to know.  As of this writing, I’ve only been with you on one Sunday so far, but I look forward to my second Sunday this coming weekend, and my third the first Sunday in November.  From all I’ve been able to tell so far, this is a warm, caring community of people who respect one another and care for one another.  I am happy to set up a time to meet with any of you who have an interest in a conversation – be it about a deep, personal problem (I’m generally a good listener,) or hearing your thoughts on the congregation and its mission, or just a chance to chat and get to know one another.

One of the ways I’ve tried to be available to meet with you all is by holding “office hours” at D&M coffee each week.  Mostly for my convenience as well as simplicity, I’ve been doing this at a regular time on Wednesday mornings.  At first some of you did drop by, but the last couple times I haven’t seen many of you, which prompts me to think that it might work better if I varied the times I’m there, which I’ll start doing next month.  So watch the calendar or the weekly emails for announcements on when I plan to be available for drop-by conversations.  And, like I said, please don’t hesitate to contact me to set up a time if that works better for you.

As I get to know you all and the KVUUC, I see lots of promise in what this community has to offer, both now and into the future.  I would enjoy hearing from as many of you as possible what your dream or vision is for KVUUC – what kind of spiritual community do you think we can be?  What do you yearn for, both now and for the next generation?

Hearing all those ideas will give me lots to think about as I drive over those ridges or through that canyon.

Rev. Ken