Interim Ministers are a strange bunch. They move from congregation to congregation quietly over the summer. Suddenly on September 10th there they are, but almost no one knows who they are. This reminds me of a long ago Baptist minister who showed up at a remote Western outpost and began to call on the few Baptists in the community to form a congregation. In his first call, a lady of mature years stared him down and declared, “Where I came from when we wanted a minister - we called one. Who called you?” And she slammed the door. That kind of feisty independence prevails among us too - so I’d better introduce myself.

I’m a born and bred Midwesterner, with old New England roots for which I have my mother to blame. I am married to Julie Coulter (from Montreal, Canada) these 27 years. We have (between us - blended family) six children, and seven grandchildren - who are much more fun that their stuffy parents (my kids - not hers).

After four settled ministries scattered almost coast to coast I moved on to interims three years ago. It has been an exciting and exhausting task, but I love it. For a decade I have advised UU students at Andover-Newton Theological School (and occasionally taught UU history), been an officer in the UU Liberal Religious Scholars’ Collegium, written books on UU history, chalice lightings, and worked on a book of our UU songs and hymns. Gene Navias and I did the “Singing, Shouting and Celebrating” programs at General Assembly and in New England. At Ferry Beach Heritage Week, Aug. 19 - 25, 2006, I led singing of UU vespers hymns, and all time, old time and new UU favorites.

I’ve enjoyed meeting several of you, and look forward to working with you this year. You’ve got some real challenges ahead of you but I have no doubt you will meet them well. You have a verve and spirit that is an honor to any congregation. I will be in the office, once the church year begins, Tuesday through Thursay each week (with a few exceptions, so call before you visit). If you have a concern, an issue, a grief, trial or triumph please call and share it. I’m working with and for you this year. Lets make it a great, enjoyable, festive, worshipful year (and a successful year in the search for new minister). We can do it together!

Don’t forget our opening Sunday, Sept. 10th will be water communion. Bring a bit of water from (or representing) some source you love, to share on Sunday - the “homily” title will be “Healing Waters.”

Reverend David Johnson