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Letter from Rodger Mattlage 2/15/09
Jeanne,
We and 50+ parishioners had a wonderful time today during the service in Greenfield. We remembered Tarcsafalva in words and songs and played the "Partners in Faith" video as part of the Jeanne's sermon. Then almost 30 of the parishioners went downstairs for elaborate and tasty valentines day refreshments followed by a presentation and discussions about Tarcsafalva; Transylvanian history, culture and Unitarianism; the UUPCC and its partnership prugram; and and how the Greenfield-Tarcsafalva partnership might be re-invigorated. Three people volunteered to help organize and revive the partnership activities and a couple of people expressed interest in visiting Tarcsafalva, perhaps with the UUPCC's June pilgrimage.
We talked about the resources available for furthering parishioners' knowledge of partnership, including resources that the UUPCC provides on their web site, particularly the Partnership Handbook. We also recommended showing the UUPCC's Community Capacity Building video at a subsequent meeting as a great way to trigger the next round of discussions.
Besides the above ideas for follow-up activities, the discussions included trading letters between the two congregations, perhaps starting with easter greetings, and perhaps including exchanging childrens' drawings. Some opportunities were discussed for finding English <-> Hungarian translation support.
I was very encouraged to see that a number of people expressed genuine interest in continuing to build the partnership and am confident that there is some genuine interest that can be turned into a vibrant group supporting a revived partnership. To realize that, I think it is essential to plan a follow-up meeting within the next few weeks. I also think it would be a great first step to exchange Easter greetings, perhaps with some kids drawings, between your two congregations - nothing elaborate. The most important thing is to just be there for each other - trade emails - perhaps email photos of yourselves and interested parishioners to each other so you get to know each others names and faces. Start simple and then work with each other to develop next steps you are both comfortable with. I can see a beautiful future for your partnership!!
Note: I will be going to Transylvania in mid July and will be happy to be the courier of few small, flat, light packages in both directions!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, issues, etc!!
Minden jót! (Best wishes!)
Rodger
Rodger Mattlage
First Parish in Concord
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