What we call the beginning is often the end
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
The end is where we start from.

—T.S. Eliot, “Little Gidding”

Dear friends,

I began my work with Follen Church in the summer of 2018. I came with an open heart, and you welcomed me with open arms. Little did I know then how much I would come to love the people of this community. I have had the honor of watching scores of children learn and grow through the Religious Education program, witnessed teens as they grounded themselves in this faith and in their values, and journeyed with adults as they challenged themselves to dig deeper.

It has been a good six and a half years. It has been my privilege to witness your children’s growth and to see them as the special beings they are.

I am writing to inform you of my intention to retire from my position as Follen’s Director of Religious Education, effective June 30, 2025. While I will miss this work and regular contact with the good people of Follen, I am looking forward to focusing on relationships with my far-flung family and friends, my emotional and physical health, and opportunities for exercising my creativity in fresh ways.

I have loved serving this community and will forever be grateful for the opportunities you have provided me to develop strengths I didn’t even know I had. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the support, generosity, and collaboration I’ve received during my time at Follen, particularly from the members of the RE Action Team. As the congregation works to RE-vision the religious education program, I am confident that you are in good hands. In the meantime, I am still with you through the end of June and will be working with volunteers, staff, and Rev. Claire to make the transition from my parting to your next beginning a smooth one. I am proud to have been a part of the Follen story. Please help me write a good ending. One of my final goals is to leave this community “joyfully and well.” I look forward to seeing you and your children in the weeks and months ahead and to a final celebration of my time with you sometime at the end of the church year.

In faith, with love,

Beryl

Special note to parents: I will be sharing a kid-friendly story during the time for all ages this Sunday. This is an opportunity for children to hear about my retirement, if you prefer for them to learn about it from me.