Greetings Friends / Dearly Beloved,
We begin together with two voices, two greetings, the two of us: Delaney and Thandiwe. This week we have been holding together the liminality to which Delaney referred in last week's message and the truth that:
"our summer theme of ubuntu — “I am because we are” — offers wisdom and reminds us that belonging is rarely singular. We do not belong only to one place, one people, or one purpose. Rather, we are constantly navigating overlapping circles of connection, which sometimes harmonize and sometimes pull us in different directions. That tug is not a failure of commitment, nor does it signal a lack of belonging; it’s a sign of life, love, and movement."
We (Delaney and Thandiwe) can feel the particularity of that movement for each of us and for this congregation in this moment. So, we thought we'd answer some of your burning questions for us as we come and go, arrive and leave, AND as we hold this liminal and sacred space together right now.
Grace and peace / with love,
Delaney & Thandiwe
What was most memorable for you about the summer?
Delaney: Without a doubt, the mountains. As someone who comes from the flattest states imaginable, the Colorado landscape has totally rocked my world for the better and unlocked a whole new layer of divine appreciation. I know there will be days back home where I’ll yearn for the drive up to Horsetooth Reservoir or through Big Thompson Canyon!
Thandiwe: Lions and cheetahs in Hwange National Park! Getting to close doors (saying goodbye to Zimbabwe) and realizing that some doors had never actually been closed (rekindling connections in KwaZulu Natal).
What was your favorite eating experience?
Delaney: Maybe not fully an ‘eating’ experience per se, but two divinity school friends and I spent the 4th of July brewery hopping through Loveland! It was joyous claiming the holiday for fun, fellowship, and good-ol’ fried bar food. (Berthould Brewing even makes a beer with green chiles – who knew!).
Thandiwe: The traditional dinner that the Khuzwayo family prepared for us our last night staying with them: chicken, dumplings, potatoes, yams, and a local root starch similar to a potato.
What surprised you?
Delaney: The extravagant welcome I felt in this congregation from the minute I got here. I anticipated some apprehension in this transition (trusting a new pastor is no small feat!), yet this church immediately embraced the unique gifts I have to offer with open arms, and for that, I am most grateful.
Thandiwe: I remembered more Zulu than I'd anticipated! Mfanefile reminded me of the Front Range and Kalimpong, India. Durban reminded me of San Francisco. And I'm grateful (maybe not completely surprised) at how at home I felt in Zimbabwe, South Africa and upon my return here to Colorado.
What will you be taking home with you?
Delaney: I’ve certainly added to my various collections in my time here — physically, I’ll be headed home with more DVDs, records, Lego, and a perfect wooden bear statue I spent days scouring for. More importantly, however, I take from this place a deeper sense of call. This opportunity to serve full-time as a pastor has been incredibly affirming, and I know that I will carry the many moments of learning from this summer throughout the rest of my career.
Thandiwe: Photos, mementos, memories, beaded birds and carved animals, and a wholeness that resides deep deep in my soul -- a wholeness that I can only describe as a gift of the Spirit, a seeing and knowing and loving of who I am and who I have been and the God to whom I belong, and the ability to own all of that with grace and gratitude. Oh and a renewed connection to the African church (no wonder I'm so often late for things!)!
What does this transition mean for us (the congregation) in relationship to you both?
It means that you get to switch into being in that pastor/parishioner role with Thandiwe again and that you can keep up with Delaney as a beloved interim and friend! Because they weren't here long, there's no need for a year with no contact! Text, call, email, visit! (Chicago is a beautiful city.) Oh. And please hold us both and our congregation in your prayers. However wonderful transitions are, however good, they can also bring grief and uncertainty. Even the best of change can be a little hard. So let's call God in to walk with and guide each of us.
