July

26, 2011 Dear Search Committee, I am delighted to be able to write a letter on behalf of Reverend Molly Housh Gordon, whom I met during her Ministerial Internship at First Parish Needham, in Needham, Massachusetts. Our congregation had the very, very good fortune of having Molly with us for two years, and to see her through her ordination this past spring (and to have her continue summertime services following her ordination). Molly is an extraordinary individual, and touched the lives of so many people on many different levels. Whether by nature, nurture, or a combination of both, she possesses that very rare combination of skills that inspires and lifts people, and calls for people to look at themselves and each other in supportive, caring ways that engender community - *real* community. She touches people on a deep level, and has a sense of humor, compassion, and honesty that is very rare to see, and greatly appreciated when it is seen (I have often found myself transported to a different place when Molly preaches; and I generally am not emotional in services, but Molly has found a way to help even stubborn old well, I would say Yanks, but I live in the Boston area, so I need to say Red Sox - like me tap into that part of myself a tricky task indeed!). However, pretty much anyone in our congregation could type the above paragraph. Molly has meant much more to specifically my family, especially in two ways. These past 18 months were extraordinarily difficult for my family we faced several family deaths, my own bout with thyroid cancer, and another very difficult family situation. In addition to other ministerial duties, Molly led the Youth Group along with a member of the congregation. I called Molly and kept her abreast of the situations, and asked her to keep an eye on my teenage children (my older, by the way, served on YAC, absolutely loved Youth Group, and plans to continue her affiliation with the UU church even now that shes off to college; my younger is a diehard scientist, and is still trying to reconcile strong scientific beliefs with religion; regardless, both very much love and appreciate the role Molly played in their lives). Molly not only kept an eye on the children, she kept an eye on us and we felt very comforted knowing she was keeping a watchful eye on them (its honestly very difficult to realize shes young she has a wisdom that far surpasses her years). Then, we had a fortunate series of circumstances that really (in our hearts, anyhow) makes her a permanent part of our lives. Among the family deaths we faced was that of my father, on December 6, 2010. Molly officiated over his Memorial Service; it was her first Memorial Service, although it would have been impossible to know had we not been specifically told (John Buehrens, the Minister of the parish, told us). Molly was spectacularly professional and wonderful throughout the process. My father was a somewhat controversial figure; he was a wonderful person, although he made some very unfortunate choices (to use one of his common phrases, and Molly used it in his service, he had many hills and valleys in his life some hills were quite high, and some valleys were quite low). Molly helped us identify a date for the service, and came to our home to help learn about a man shed never met. It was initially difficult for me to describe him, because he was so complicated. She was wonderful at drawing out details (it turned out photos were the best way to access him, and she was able to pick key details to draw out more details, which led my daughter to participating, which led to my husband participating, and so on). My father loved a few key songs (Good Night, Irene and Let Me Call You Sweetheart, along with the Polish National Anthem and music by Chopin), and a few key

members of the congregation (who happen to be close friends) were able to take charge of the music. Molly took care of arranging the details and the Order of Service. She contacted the people who were performing the music, and asked me to coordinate the speakers. She identified readings that were perfect for him, which made them easy to assign. In organizing the service, she created (in her words) the archway of his life: it was honest, it was gentle, it was humorous (which is EXACTLY what he would have loved), and it was exactly the service I wanted. We had a big Polish feast afterwards, and I cannot thank Molly enough for everything she did for us. I knew it was a huge success when friends came up to me afterwards and said (verbatim), I want a service just like this when I go! (I do, too). As our thanks to Molly, we gave her one of her stoles. She presided over her last service in Needham this past weekend; I went, which is rare for me in the summer (I told her she is the *only* person for whom I would go to church in the summer). Wonder of wonders, she wore the stole! I was very touched. Molly Housh Gordon is an incredibly special person; any congregation would be very, very lucky to have her in their pulpit. I am very sorry that she is leaving Needham, but she has an incredible career awaiting her; I cant wait to see it unfold. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Warm regards, Corinne J. Lewkowicz, Ph.D. 74 Taylor Street Needham, MA 02494 (h) 781-453-0455 (c) 339-225-0969