When I was in search for the very first time, I joked to a colleague, “I love the beach. I love Florida. I want to go where it’s warm and I understand the people! You just know this means I’m going to end up being a perfect match for a church in the far north, with a moose as my co-pastor!”

It took me ten years, and a tour through Wisconsin and Iowa (thankfully with no moose involved), and I must admit I am delighted to finally be here.

More specifically, to be here with you, and UUCOV.

Are you a perfect church? Of course not. UUCOV is a live church. A church with possibilities. A community which stands as a liberal beacon at a time when that beacon is so very needed.

A church with an amazing future ready to unfold if you will only let it.

Over the next two years we will explore much; we’ll focus on who you are and who you want to be, and how you would like to move between the two. We’ll talk honestly about what you want, and what you don’t want, as you look for a minister to walk with you on this journey. You can reach me during this time through minister@uucov.org, or by calling my cell at 513 709 7058, or by going to https://calendly.com/revamypshaw and scheduling a meeting.

There is challenging work ahead of us, but it is also joyful work, and we will do it together.

I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you over the coming months, and I encourage you now to begin the process of deep discernment.

What will you bring to the search?

How are you called to share the ministry of this congregation?

What are the problems you see, and the successes you want to celebrate?

What parts of the problems do you own, and what parts of the solutions can you provide?

You have been well-prepared by Rev. Van Zandt and Rev. McCarty and others. As we enter into this liminal time, may we work together faithfully and productively, through joy and frustration, success, and set-back, to move UUCOV into the future that your hearts and minds desire.

Warmly,
Rev. Amy