Today is the last day of my Internship and then Summer Ministry at the Unitarian Church of 
Evanston Illinois. It was a wonderful and formative experience, and I will miss being a part of the life of this wonderful congregation. Here is a link to the sermon I preached this morning for the congregation, entitled “Retracing our Steps”.
The Worship Associate who was in the pulpit this morning, William Phillips, read the following poem he had written for me before leading the Call to Worship, and with his permission I am sharing it with you all here at Celestial Lands.
UCE Pyle-s It On
This year you’ve given us so many things.
It’s great you came here to try out your wings.
With gusto, you’ve worked with us, shared with us, preached;
Our hearts, minds and spirits you’ve constantly reached.
You’ve smiled, you’ve laughed, and you’ve told all us folks,
The world’s biggest stash of great U.U. jokes.
I’m sure we’ll remember, long after you’ve gone,
One about the question mark burned on the lawn.
You’ve given us kindness, humanity, heart.
We hope that we’ve given you a good start.
We’re glad that you’ve been here with us for this while.
Take lots of love with you from us, David Pyle.
— Read by William Phillips at the Unitarian Church of Evanston, August 31st, 2008.
My Internship Committee, Bill Irons, Bill Fisher, Trudi Westwood, Jenny Walsh, and Dale Griffin also gave me a wonderful send off, along with the Rev. Connie Grant and by proxy the Rev. Barbara Pescan. The internship committee presented me with a gift, a beautiful burgundy and gold stole, with a chalice and an interfaith oneness symbol, that will hang with my meditation altar until the date of my ordination.
It has been a wonderful year, and it is hard to imagine it is over. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart for this congregation that has nurtured me and helped me to grow.
Thank you, all of you. I will miss you.
Yours in Faith,
David