The light is changing, and the days are getting a little shorter. There is a breeze in the air some evenings, and more and more of the snowbirds have begun to fly and drive south for the winter. As we prepare for October, after a slow summer of heat and light, it is time to take a quick breath before we plunge in.

Here at UUCOV, our pace is becoming faster as each day takes us further into Search. Nancy and I have finished unpacking and started to explore all of the wonderful places that Venice has to offer, and, maybe more importantly, we’ve gotten to meet more of you!

Over the next few months there will be multiple chances for us to meet and talk, and I look forward to getting to know you. In October I’ll be offering a 2-3 session class teaching anyone interested how to use a website and app called Boosted, by Lightricks, to make short videos to advertise your events, send to friends, or call attention to the work of a committee or team. At the end of October there will be a Halloween Meet and Greet, and I’ve heard that costumes are welcome.

In November and December, I’ll be asking interested people to join me on Tuesdays from 2pm-3pm for a discussion class called “Building Your Own Theology.” This class allows anyone to create for themselves a snapshot of their beliefs- a faith statement, or position paper. It’s going to be a fun and fascinating exploration of what makes up a moral and ethical position so please consider joining me.

Outside of classes, your Board and I will be scheduling various information sessions and meetings over the next two years, and I am always available to answer questions or concerns as they arise, so please contact me as needed. I do have an Ohio phone number, with a ‘513’ area code, so be looking for it if you have emailed a request that I call.

I know that finding out a little bit about the new minister is always important too, so let me share the Readers Digest Condensed version of my life up to this point: I was born to a 13-year-old Israeli Jewish mother, and adopted by a conservative, Christian, white family. I grew up with an adopted sister and two male cousins who were raised by my parents. A third male cousin joined the household after I left at 18, and then my parents took in two more girls, a pair of siblings. We range in age from my own 53 down to the youngest who just turned 20.

I spent the years from 18-40 getting to know my birth mother, and my Orthodox Jewish family, and I was married to an Orthodox Jewish man for 15 years. My late partner and I raised two sons together, now age 35, and one grandson, now age 32. I spent most of my life as a nurse and nurse executive before ministry. I have written two books, and my favorite hobby is creating art.

I live with my partner Nancy, and sometimes also with our beloved friend (and Nancy’s husband!) Doug, and our three cats Dippy Cat, Nukie, and Marshmallow. Nancy plays the piano, and Doug plays guitar, tuba, mandolin, bass, and more.

I have Lupus, so eating out in restaurants is not something we are doing yet due to the high risk Covid poses for me, but I’d love to have you drop by the house for a cup of coffee or invite me over to spend some time chatting at your place. Let me know how we can best be on this journey together!

Warmly,
Rev. Amy