It was the fourth day of our caravan drive to Reading. We were on a particularly long leg, leaving Lincoln, Nebraska and pushing all the way to Chicago. By about 7pm, we’d reached Rockford, Illinois and the limits of hunger. The city offered many options, so many that decision fatigue set in fast. Whenever that happens, Jess and I will default to Middle Eastern, which is how we ended up at the Sahara Palace, tucked into a strip mall a few miles off the interstate. Tired and hungry, we entered with a mission: get in, eat, get back on the road and get to the hotel. With only three other diners in the place, we figured we were in good shape to make this a quick stop.

“Have you had this kind of food before?” asked our server. We said yes, it’s one of our favorites. “Good,” he said. “Close your menus. I’m going to cook for you. This will be the best you’ve ever had.” Our server turned out to be the owner, and he didn’t cook so much as direct the kitchen. But, a few short minutes later, our table was laden with chicken, lamb, kefta and rice; hummus and fresh pita and a killer garlic sauce. And Frank, the owner, was right – it was the best we’d ever had. “That’s love in there,” he said. “That’s the secret ingredient.” A cliche, but no less true for that.

Our quick in-and-out extended for an hour. The hotel would still be there, we figured. We sat and ate and sighed with contentment. We chatted on and off with Frank. The jangled nerves of non-stop driving were calmed. What we thought we wanted gave way to what we needed in the moment.

The invitation to pause – to step out of the flow of time, to connect and reconnect, to just be – comes from unexpected directions and unlikely messengers. In the frantic pace of daily life, to hit deadlines and get from point A to B, we often miss what we’re being welcomed into. This month, as we explore “The Practice of Invitation,” I invite you to consider what invitations are being offered to you now (and which ones you may have missed). Part of the practice is knowing what to listen for, and being ready to say “yes.”

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Jess and I are slowly getting settled. It’s been a bit of an adventure getting here, and we are still house hunting, but have done well with Air BnBs to date. Fingers crossed, we’ll have a permanent address come October.

We are both so grateful for the meals and good wishes we’ve received during this month of transition (and individual thank you notes are wending your way).

I am jumping into the flow here feet first, and there’s already much underway as I begin my first year with you all. By now, I’ve met with most of our committees, spent much time talking with staff and getting to know the internal systems, and stepped into the flow of congregational life (it was lovely to see so many of you again at the annual picnic, and a privilege to work alongside some of you during the August food bank day). The board and I met for a Saturday retreat to set goals and expectations for the year. There’ll be plenty of opportunities in the months ahead to gather together and begin shaping the future of 1st UU Berks (yes, there will be invitations), and I’m looking forward to getting creative with you as we settle into our time together.

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As our year begins, here’s how to get in touch with me:

Typically, I’ll be in the office Tuesday through Thursday from 10 until 3. Friday is my reading and sermon prep day, and I’m available for emergencies only. Monday is my sabbath day, and I won’t be available (emails and other messages will be returned on Tuesday).

My office time will shift between church and home as needed, so it’s best to make an appointment for face-to-face time in person or over Zoom. Please email me at minister@uuberks.org, or text me at (505) 920-4445

Please don’t ever hesitate to get in touch with me for any reason. Often, the minister will be the last person to know what’s going on in your lives, and I want to be sure I’m there for you whenever needed. My general advice is this: If the thought “I wonder if I should talk to the minister” even slightly crosses your mind, then that is the time to get in touch with the minister. I hope as we get to know each other better that I’ll become one of your first phone calls.

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We’ll celebrate our annual Water Communion on Sunday, September 8th. Please bring your water to share in our common bowl as we kick off a new year.

See you in church!