Goodbye from Rev. Michael DeSantis
Dear ones,
I write this message filled with profound gratitude and no small amount of sadness. As many of you know, my last day at First Unitarian will be this Sunday, May 31. You may also know that there are particular guidelines about how UU ministers relate to congregations after we have departed them. I want to make sure you are aware of those guidelines and give you all a little context for why they matter…
As UU ministers, we agree not to have any intentional contact with congregants from the congregations that we are departing for a certain period. In my case, that period will be one year. This period of no-contact allows both of us to figure out who we are without one another. It ensures that the congregation can move forward into the next phase of its shared life together and that we ministers can focus our attention on our new congregations.
Although I will be moving to Vermont to begin my first settled ministry in August, I will still be in Denver through the end of July. Between now and then, I suspect that I may run into some of you around the neighborhood or at protests, the farmers market, etc. If you do run into me, you are most welcome to say hello! However, I will no longer be one of your ministers, which means that I will not offer any pastoral care nor will I offer advice about anything related to First Unitarian.
I know that this kind of goodbye is challenging and unusual in our culture, where we are much more comfortable with see-you-laters than goodbyes. Please know as I depart, that I remain truly honored and humbled by the ways that you all invited me into your lives this year. This year has taught me so much about ministry, and I will carry forward the lessons that you have taught me into all of my future ministries.
Thank you for all of the support you have given me this year and for being some of my best teachers.
In faith and gratitude,
Rev. Michael