An Authentic Life 1.1 for pdf - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

I updated my ministerial profile and began another
nationwide search. Comstock Park Congregational
UCC, a small suburban congregation outside Grand
Rapids, Michigan was interested in me. They flew
Geraldine and I there.
Marilyn Free, a deacon and search committee
member, met us at the airport. She took us to an outdoor
pops concert at the Canonsburg Ski Resort.
There we met other search committee members who
brought a picnic dinner and blankets to sit on in the
grass. We had a pleasant evening enjoying the music
and getting to know each other casually. We stayed at
a motel near the church. The next morning, Jack Klepser,
the moderator, took us on a tour of the area and to
lunch. In the afternoon, E.J. Ericson, a realtor congregation
member, showed us homes for sale.
In the evening, the committee interviewed me
at Jack’s house. I was surprised to see a couple of
hardbound books by Rush Limbaugh prominently
displayed on his book shelves. This was a red flag,
and I clearly explained my positions on women’s and
gay rights, peace, economic justice, and the environment.
I always let congregations know my progressive
views ahead of time to find a good match and
avoid trouble down the line. They always seemed to
not get it and said, “You’re just who we’re looking for.
Sure we’re open to change and growth.” It seems like
they thought I’d change, assimilate, and become one
of them--going native as clergy called it. Of course, I
thought they’d change and embrace the paradigm
shift I offered. It seems we were both wrong.
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