By Susan Irgang
As I end my 14 years at UUCWC, I want to share a few gratitudes.
To those who planned such a thoughtful and overwhelming retirement celebration, please accept my appreciation for a very memorable day. To those who made donations in honor of my retirement to Studio Route 29, a small nonprofit of working artists helping those with disabilities become working artists, your generosity helps keep their doors open.
Thank you to Melo Holstein, who started me on this journey by encouraging me to apply for the job of administrator and guided me through my early months. The torch she gave me has now been passed to Marilyn Gonzalez, the next church administrator, who will skillfully continue this most interesting work.
People had been known to say “Ask Susan” when there was a church-related question: that’s because I have spent the last 14 years listening and learning from those around me. To all those leaders who taught me beyond the edges of my “regular” job duties, from Finance to the Council for Faith in Action, Capital Campaign, Caring Ministry, Stewardship, and many other groups, thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.
A very special thanks to those whose ministry intersected specifically and significantly with my own—Building, Grounds, Tech, Communications…too many of you over 14 years to name as individuals. You are problem solvers and innovators doing essential work behind the scenes. I’ve learned a lot, and the last eight years of planning and eight months of construction for this Capital Project have felt like working on a master’s degree. Our spaces will soon be even more amazing, and I can’t wait to see the results. To all my “infrastructure” teachers, it’s been a pleasure working by your sides.
To the many Boards and Board Presidents I have had the privilege of working with, it’s been an honor to dream with you and work to make your dreams for UUCWC a reality.
To the many committees and ministries along the way, your volunteer time to help walk the talk of our mission is priceless and vital; thanks for letting me help in whatever ways I could as you do this good work that gives back as much as it gives to others.
To the many individuals I met who made me smile, think, and see the world in new ways, you are all special to me. I hope to enjoy time with you in the future, no longer acting as your administrator but in a new way of connecting.
To the incredible staff, my work family, at UUCWC: Kim, Robin, Rachel, Lisa, Roberto, Julie, Ariel, Lynne, and now Marilyn, there are simply none like you. We have been together through joys and sorrows, discouragement and hope, a rollercoaster ride that takes away your breath and leaves you a little exhausted but always exhilarated. Thank you for the dreaming, the planning, the firefighting, the crying, and mostly the laughing with you. I ask the congregation to take good care of this staff. There is a special alchemy here, dedication, and care given to this community that goes beyond words and expectation.
Thank you to my friends and family, who have stood by me in spirit and body in service to the church. They have listened to my tales of church life with patience, grace, and understanding during this journey and will be by my side through the next steps. It’s been quite the journey. May yours be as special.