In a few weeks the Clematis vine that is climbing up the side of our house and onto the screen window will bloom. For many years this vine grew unnoticed where I planted it behind a rock at a corner of the house. Now, it dominates its surroundings, and when blooming its white flowers and fluffy seed heads attract many bees and insects and look like an “old man’s beard,” its colloquial name. In the early weeks of my ministry with you it will also delight me. In this morning’s light, however, the leaves of this climber seem suspended, detached from the vine that supports and nurtures them, there are no buds in sight
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I feel a little like those leaves appear, detached. The reason is simple and the feeling to be expected. I suspect you might feel the same way as you think about your new minister. Unlike the vines outside my window we have not yet grown together. We have not laughed together or cried together, we have not celebrated each other’s gifts or comforted each other in sorrow. And, we have not yet known what it feels like to experience collective accomplishments and weaknesses. In a while we will have done all this. And, when we do these things for another while, we will bloom with the brilliance of the Clematis and nourish many who will be attracted to our garden.

I say this with confidence having met many of the members and friends of the congregation during candidating week last spring and having yesterday spent my first day at work (August 18) with a dozen congregational leaders. In the coming weeks we will have many occasions to discuss the goals and objectives which this group formulated. It is enough to say here that the energy level was high and there was no lack of creativity and commitment.

The Clematis vine is a deciduous plant, literally meaning that it is “temporary” or its leaves “tend to fall off.” This is good to remember as we enjoy the excitement of a new beginning. What we do together will surly pass, but if it is done well it will strengthen the vine of our Unitarian-Universalist faith and be a gift to the earth.

Blessings,
Stephen