No matter how many times I try to let you all know that Sunday mornings are always very frantic for me and that I can’t think or make commitments on the fly on that busy day, many of you lovely people keep acting as though that is the only time you can ever talk to me.

The reality is that, unlike some ministers I have made my home phone number and my cell phone number and my email address widely available. You can call or email me anytime.

I tend to stay up late and sleep late, due to a schedule that involves lots of night meetings and activities. If you don’t catch me in person, leave a detailed message, and also alert me if it is a time sensitive emergency.

Having said that, it seems like a good idea to remind you of some times when you should definitely get in touch with me.

Many years ago UU minister Peter Lee Scott wrote a column called "When to Call the Minister." In the intervening years, his column has been adapated, messaged and added to by others. Here’s the latest version:

CALL THE MINISTER WHEN...

When you don’t know me, but would like to.

When you have problems you would like to discuss with your job, children, marriage, or anything else where a sympathetic ear might help.

When you are going to the hospital or know of someone else in the congregation who is.

When someone close to you has died or is critically ill or you’re dealing with a significant loss of some kind.

When you are planning to be married or divorced.

When you would like your child dedicated.

When you are pregnant and glad you are or wish you weren’t, also if you want to be pregnant but aren’t.

When you feel ready to join the congregation.

When you have concerns or suggestions.

When you have religious or spiritual questions.

When you are seeking to deepen your spiritual life.

When you are upset with me or would like to express appreciation.

When you have won the lottery and want to make a large donation to the church.

To add a little humor, Rev. Marilyn Sewell ( minister of First Unitarian Church in Portland, Oregon) adds several reasons NOT to call the minister:

When you want to giver her "the real scoop" on another member.

When you want to explain that you’ll have to cut your pledge in half because you are spending the summer in the south of France.

When you want to tell her you didn’t like what she wore in the pulpit last Sunday.

When you want to tell her that one of the reasons you are a UU is that you have always distrusted organized religion. (Our church is after all a part of organized religion).

Take this with a sense of fun, and remember that I am a servant leader, not a CEO. My job is to serve you.