The theme for this month is “Nurturing Beauty,” and it is turning out to be a very beautiful
month. There are many things to look back on in the last few weeks with optimism, and many
things to look forward to as well. The meditation retreat with Rev. Daiken Nelson was well
received. We had over 20 participants, and out of that meeting came the Youngstown Zen
Center, a space to regularly practice zazen (seated meditation), kinhin (walking meditation), and
support each other in learning more about ourselves and Buddhism. For now, Youngstown Zen
will use space in the church, and I’m open to the group taking shape and perhaps becoming
independent at some point. The next meeting will be Saturday, June 4 at 9 am.

I and a couple members of the board attended a Zoom meeting with Jimma McWilson on
the plight of education in Youngstown, especially among black students at East High School in
particular. East High School has an average score among its student population of a .94 grade
average in a 4 point system, and yet are still graduating students who are not yet able to
satisfactorily read, write, or do math at a basic high school level. This has been true for nearly
25 years. We discussed how it is important to bring this to the awareness of parents and the
wider community, as this is documented by the state, is factual, and beyond the world of
opinion. One actionable step I mentioned to Jimma McWilson was to host an event in person at
the church (with virtual participation) this Summer to share this information with the public,
inviting elected officials including the mayor, members of the board of education, the CEO, etc.
Jimma felt this would be a good step. I’m sure there are other possibilities as well.

I met this month in person with Youngstown Police Chaplains, and I learned that there is
an uptick in suicides across the age spectrum. I also learned that this is not unique to
Youngstown, but is sadly part of a national trend. Many are dealing with loss and despair in our
community, and I think it’s important for us to be mindful of this as we plan Summer events at
the church. It is good to hold events that remind people that it is good to be alive, and that we
are available to support and buoy those going through whatever they’re going through. I think
having fun, being together, drinking/eating together – it’s good ministry during this time.

In response the Supreme Court leak about Roe V. Wade being overturned there was a
national rally “Bans Off Our Bodies,” and our city participated at the Courthouse in downtown
Youngstown. There were many people there, and good, strong energy in supporting
reproductive justice at the local level and beyond. An organization was formed called Steel City
Reproductive Justice Coalition. Composed of members of the community, they will guide
Youngstown and the surrounding area in possible responses to what happens politically. The
Coalition will be meeting at our church starting June 1 at 6 pm.

It was a pleasure to have a guest in the pulpit this past Sunday, Rev. Steven Protzman
from Kent, OH. He spoke of the teachings of Malcolm X. Like many of you, I’m devastated and
still processing the news about the shooting in Buffalo, NY at a grocery store, targeting black
people. The layers of this event continue to bother me: the fact that this was a food desert, that
the community worked hard to get a grocery store, that now they had to close this grocery store temporarily due to this hate crime. Many of the details remind me of the problems that are present in Youngstown, and the opportunities our church has to engage with these problems in a way that is hopefully healing, by at least showing up and being present to them.

The upcoming weeks have many things to look forward to. May 22 will be our annual
youth service, put together by Kathleen Hogue and some of our parents. On May 29th, Luke
Pinella, a saxophone player, will help us celebrate the music of John Coltrane, with specialemphasis on “A Love Supreme.” We have a Homecoming Sunday service on June 12, and later in June a Summer Solstice Service being organized by Gary Davenport, Linda Mohn, and
others.

We have extended Kathleen Hogue’s contract as DRE to 11 months instead of 10
months. She will be working through June, not working in July, and returning August 1.

The A/V team seems to be adapting quite well. We have new volunteers beginning last
Sunday to run video for services: Tim Malone, Diana Palardy, and Ryan Stryffeler. It seems that
with simple instructions, it is not too difficult for a new person to learn how to navigate our
sanctuary cameras and zoom.

Andy Crabb emailed a recommendation to the board that if we wish to repaint and do
repairs in the sanctuary that we do this during the Summer when we are downstairs in Channing
Hall. I agree with the recommendation. I think the end of June/early July would be a good time
to do any painting or adjustments to the sanctuary, if the board wishes.

I will be away May 22-May 27, taking a trip with Jennifer to parts of Kentucky (a state
we’ve never been before). I’m looking forward to it. We will be visiting Cincinnati, Lexington and
Louisville. I will be back on Saturday May 28.