The community of Metropolitan United Church thanks The Rev. Karen Bowles for her leadership and guidance during our period of transition - we recognize and celebrate Karen's ministry with us as Intentional Interim Minister on Pentecost Sunday, May 23. Updates on our period of ministerial transition are found here.

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From The Rev. Karen Bowles

The time has come, the ‘tooth-walking seahorse’ announced in my head over breakfast one morning. And so, the date was set and the plans were made - and then laid aside to ‘get to’ later.

And now later is come.

So this Sunday, the day of Pentecost, is my last Sunday in this community. These past two years and a bit have been quite a ride - measures of joy and anguish, solemn and silly moments, challenging and contemplative moments. It has indeed been a privilege to walk with you through this pandemic and witness the myriad of ways you have been there for one another, for your church and for the community. 

I would that it were a different end - that I would be preaching to the congregation right there in front of me and not to a camera. But I remember my first year and so many of you there. And I remember where you sat and can picture many faces.  And each Sunday since I have re -membered and I have re-called each of you -  and will do again this Sunday, this last Sunday. 

Retirement is the act of ‘removing oneself from contact one has had with others.’ And that is what I will do, for a time. Beyond that time of solitude and renewal, we will meet again. Of that I am sure. 

Grateful to have shared a small slice of Metropolitan’s ongoing journey with each of you.


The Rev. Karen Jessie Bowles

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