MAM Memo 6/17/25

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From Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Final MAM MEMO
June 17, 2025
Deep Gratitude
 

My deep gratitude for all who helped, contributed and supported many levels of good-goodbyes these past four weeks for my ministry here at First Unitarian Church of Louisville.

To congregation leaders, members, friends, staff, colleagues, and my support team, I say: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It is said that when we say a gratitude four times, it becomes a blessing. May you be blessed as you go forward, with love, peace, and the blessed ministry of Rev. Liz Weber.

Ritual of Release
Some of you asked about the Ritual of Release words from Sunday’s worship service. Here they are:

I bless you
I release you
I set you free
I set me free
I let you be
I let me be
Love Mantra for Letting Go by  Alla Renée Bozarth

Revisited Readings
After reviewing many MAM MEMOS, here are two readings I wish to share again. May they bring blessing and inspiration in these times:

From a Card from a Friend:

Wishing you…
quiet moments
when you are feeling
overwhelmed,
peaceful feelings
when you’re rushing
through a day,
gentle wisdom
when you’re facing
difficult choices,
restful hours
when your days are long…
 

Signs of Inner Peace  
(found in the Sisters of Providence Residence
at the Moye Spiritual Life Center, Melbourne, Kentucky)

  • An increasing ability to enjoy each moment.
  • A tendency to act spontaneously rather than react with fear.
  • A decreasing interest in judging others.
  • A decreasing interest in judging oneself.
  • An increasing preference to allow things to happen, rather than make things happen.
  • A lessening inclination to interpret the actions of others.
  • A decreasing involvement in conflict.
  • An increasing ability to give and receive love.
  • Less motivation to worry.
  • Frequent, overwhelming periods of gratitude.
  • Feelings of contentment and one with humanity and nature.
  • Frequent attacks of smiling.
  • Making and eating lots of bread (I added that one)

All While Welcoming
I shared these readings because, with all that is happening in our country right now, I know that one could easily slip into isolation and despair.
I pray that you, as a congregation, will continue to show up for one another, continue to engage in an ethic of care, continue to revisit and embrace your mission and covenant —-all, while welcoming your new minister, Rev. Liz. If you are so committed, you will not only survive, you will thrive.

photo by Del Ramey June 15, 2025

Freedom and Pride
Lastly, in this pride month of June and Juneteenth, may you ponder deeply the congregational theme of freedom. We know freedom is not a given on any day. In the days, weeks, months and years ahead, may this well-known quote keep company with your soul.

Life is a hard battle, anyway.
If we laugh and sing a little as we fight the good fight of freedom,
it makes it all go easier.
I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me.
Sojourner Truth
 
It has been an honor to serve as your
Interim Minister.

MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
 PS
Remember,  you are enough.   You are loved.