While traveling almost the entire months of September, November and January, the periods in between were rich opportunities to read and reflect in ways that are difficult to accomplish given the weekly demands of reading for the ministerial life. I read and occasionally re-read many books on poverty, justice, environmental ethics and the global weather and food crises, politics (in particular the middle east), societal change and collapse, gratitude and spiritual practice, spirituality, prayer and meditation manuals and writings in several different faith traditions, clergy self care, “The Call” and the life ministerial, the life and work of a “senior pastor” in a church our size, family systems theory in congregational life, congregational dynamics and healthy congregations theory (I am a trained facilitator of the Alban Institute’s Peter Steineke’s “Healthy Congregations” workshops), healing and pastoral practice, grief and bereavement and the UUA Commission on Appraisal’s work going back 15 years which includes “Our Professional Ministry” “Interdependence – Renewing Congregational Polity” “The Meaning of Membership” and “Engaging our Theological Diversity.” Although I did not complete the list of “50 life-changing” books I assembled by surveying colleagues, I hope to get to them over the fall! I also read some fiction which I usually reserve for the summer; as my former mentor Rev. David Pohl says “You must read for fun as well as for work!” For fun and pure pleasure I read biographies, (often of UUs but sometimes just of people I find interesting) as well as novels from my favourite and from recommended writers (Canadian and international authors) and indulge my passion for poetry and the writings of mystics from all times and places. I also became much more knowledgeable about our new hymnal supplement and learned its hymns and tried to play music every day and sing a lot. Deep Learning and Insights - too numerous to mention but in summary, I feel full of ideas and ready to preach and to share my learning and reflections in worship with all of you! UU Values - All of our UU Principles and Purposes were reflected in my reading material! Next Page