Bull Run UU

Rev. Greg was a big help...

... when my mom died. He not only called and sent emails, but he was available when I wanted to come in and talk. He was empathetic, sincere, understanding and encouraging. He also had some great resources to offer.

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Thanks to Rev. Greg

I am a member (since 1989) and presently a committee member (Social Justice).

I was devastated when Rev. Nancy left. This was not, of course, Rev. Greg’s fault. However, I was not ready to greet him with open arms. I did not read his introductory piece, which introduced him to us.

I felt that this was MY church, OUR church, and he was NOT going to drive me away….and I listened to what he was saying. It didn’t take long before I was a convert. Early on, we had a conversation. I told him that Rev. Nancy was the best minister I’d ever had, and I didn’t expect I would have the chance to have another one as gifted as she is. He told me that I would, that there are different gifts, and that I would find another one, as gifted, but in a different way. I have since thought back about the several minister’s I’ve had (having been a UU since 5th grade, and am now 69 years old) and have realized that each has helped me in my life in various ways.

I have learned much from his sermons. They are gripping – one can hear a pin drop. He brings much from within his life journey to help us live our journey. Have I been changed by his words? I believe I have. He tells me that I am a leader, and although I don’t believe him, I am trying to get my feet wet in that direction.

Although I am a lucky one to have no deaths in our family during his stay with us, those that have, have told me that he was the binding force that held them together during horrible times. Although he himself has lost a mother during his stay with us, and is presently going through a marriage separation, he has been able to remain caring and loving to us. He has trusted us enough to keep us informed of these catastrophic life changes, and has been able to retain his humor and joy in serving others.

He stepped up right away to our involvement with V.O.I.C.E. , and has joined us at several rallies, such as fighting for Marriage Equaliy (DOMA at the Supreme Court, and Valentine’s Day at the Prince William County Court House) and Voting Rights (Moral March in Raleigh N.C.)

I will miss his presence, his warmth, his friendship, his believe in me, his words. Any congregation who chooses him will be lucky…and if they open their hearts to his ways, they will be glad they have him. Namaste.

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Feedback

I have only attended the church for three and a half months but can say that the reason I continue to attend is because of Rev. Greg's sermons. The content of his sermons is interesting but what I appreciate most is that he creates a presentation style to fit the content. He obviously takes great care to put all the pieces together, whether it's visual accompaniment or musical...or both. I feel like I'm getting a spiritual Ted Talk on Sunday morning and it is absolutely what draws me there. I'm only sorry that I didn't come earlier so that I could hear the past year and a half's sermons.

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Grateful

Your conversations with us from the pulpit...................you have a way of sharing your thoughts with us such that it stimulates our minds, touches the depths of our hearts and souls, and puts a smile on our faces. You are gifted and I look forward to your times with the congregation. As such I'm saddened at the prospect of your departure, however I recognize that you have a gift that is of great value to the congregations of which you become a part. Faye raved about the organizational structure that you have brought to BRUU since your arrival. So I understand the need for you to spend some time in one place to assist with transitional times, and then the need for you to move on to find other folks in need of your many talents and skills. I only hope that BRUU finds someone who has the ability to reach our hearts as you are able to do:-)

I am hoping to become involved in the congregation - I need to find my place.

I am grateful that you were here when I first arrived at BRUU's doorstep:-) Thank you for sharing your gifts!!

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Feedback for Interim

From the first sermon after Rev. Greg Ward’s arrival two years ago, I have been grateful that BRUU was able to attract a man of his caliber. He is intelligent, incisive, and clearly committed to the flourishing of our church -- both its community members and the efficiency of the organization. He is also clearly committed to social justice issues. I have found his sermons to be thought-provoking, so much so that on several occasions, I have asked him to email me a written version so that I can study it and reflect on thoughts it engendered. In terms of his personal style, I have appreciated his great thoughtfulness. He lets me speak my mind and doesn’t directly question the validity of my thoughts. He never forgets to ask about my husband (who rarely comes to church). And when I have church business I need to talk with him about, he is willing to give me either personal time in his office or phone time if he’s really busy. I know the phone time situations are a stretch for him, but his willingness to honor my request even though he is busy shows his commitment to his job as our pastor.

In short, I will very much miss having Rev. Greg’s leadership for BRUU, come mid-June. We were so lucky to have him with us these past two years.

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Feedback

I have greatly appreciated the time and attention I received from Rev Greg. He made time for me during his busy first week to meet with me during a significantly difficult time in my personal life. He also followed up with me by phone on several occasions after my surgery and ensuing hiatus from church attendance. I have been a member of BRUU since Rev Kathleen was here and this is the first time that a minister has been so attentive to me or my family.

I have also appreciated the topics of conversation introduced by Greg. I often found myself taking notes and using the material in my psychotherapy practice. I found that we had similar viewpoints and shared many of the same authors. I would imagine that this was not everyone's cup of tea, but I appreciated a change of pace and the introduction of these new ideas (new to BRUU anyway).

He brought caring and compassion. Kindness and listening. Confirmation to what I could see about BRUU.

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In Praise of Greg

I have been a member of Bull Run UU congregation for over 20 years, and after a second marriage encouraged my husband to join. Surprisingly for my husband, Reverend Greg Ward became the first BRUU minister utilized as a family counselor. My husband found Greg to be a professional full of authentically good training and experienced in family counseling.

I myself found Greg to be totally lacking in phoniness, and I respected any advice he gave me in regards to rites of passage. His preaching was always relevant to contemporary moral concerns and was presented with a wise sense of humor. He also showed up for the zillions of BRUU functions and fund raisers and seemed to be the diplomat in control.

Because I have been a member for so long I have seen many ministers come and go, thus learning not to get too attached. However, I found it impossible not to get attached Reverend Greg. In comparison to other BRUU ministers I found him totally appropriate. His ability to be calm and focused (never frantic or hyper) and thoughtfully spiritual thoroughly impressed both my husband and me. Because it is apparent that he is dedicated to our faith, we will most sincerely miss Reverend Greg and wish he could make BRUU his permanent home.

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Thank You!

Rev. Greg, it was truly awesome! Your sermons always are, but the last couple were super special. From our point of view you have done an extraordinary job at BRUU. I only hope that those who needed to hear this really did listen! We are really going to miss you. You made the transition seamless, which we were worried about given our past experience. I realize people must come and go, but I am never good with the going. But I know you will be fabulous wherever you go.

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We’re better because of you

I wanted to take the time to thank you for all that you have done for Bruu. Coming here after a beloved minister leaves is no easy task and you certainly should be proud of all that you accomplished. I have learned a lot from you and hope I have made your stay here enjoyable. I know it has been memorable to say the least.

Please recognize that at times I know we were a difficult congregation but you handled yourself professionally and with love in your heart and I thank you personally and on behalf of BRUU.

I will miss you but rest assured you will be remembered as a positive, energetic, sometimes pain in the ass, minister that only wanted to keep BRUU moving forward. I will do my best to make you proud of us and wish you the best of all that life has to offer.

Thank you for being a part of our journey.