By the time you’re reading this, we will have had an all day (6 hour) “retreat” to determine who we actually are and what we actually have in order to go forward into the future, all on the same page. We have prayed and learned and talked and now… we wait.

My family are big fans of the old TV show “The West Wing”. President Bartlett, played by Martin Sheen, likes to keep thing moving along on his big decisions and, as one person or group leaves the Oval Office, he says to his staff, “What’s Next?”. Our church is not the Oval Office, and I’m not President Bartlett. While I may be the leader/guide of this local church, I’m not in charge here. God is. So the answer to “What’s next?” Is “We wait”.

Over the summer, we will pay some dues to get caught up morally, and we will listen for God’s leading. By “paying our dues”, I mean we will be celebrating the gifts of our organist emeritus, Anthony “Tony” Zulkeski. We will install and unveil a plaque in the sanctuary to celebrate his ministry here and we will celebrate the man himself in as many ways as we can.

We will also do the work to make our by-laws fit us so that we can function at our best, most comfortable, and fluid way. If you’re a “detail person”, we could also use your help with that process. If you are a “big idea” person, we could also use your help with that, as we discern the future so that God can lead us to be the best Berlin Congregational we can be.

No idea, no plan is too big or too small, too “wacky” or too “traditional” to engage with. During the summer months, I hope to be more pastoral, making more visits, listening to you and hearing whatever you need. I’m dreaming at this point of getting someone to lead a group on grieving, and someone to come and talk to us about recent changes in insurance in the state and their impact on the people here. It may appear to be a less “scheduled” summer here, but in listening, being, celebrating, resting, and having fun together all take time. God will continue to be at work in Berlin Congregational UCC. We just need to follow the path laid down.

Let us prepare our hearts and our minds and our spirits for the journey in Summer, 2026.