Rev. Florence wearing the stole the UUCUC congregation presented to her during the celebration for her on Sunday, April 17. 
Under Rev. Florence’s leadership, we saw this vision come to life. As a result, UUCUC has had a stole designed to ensure Rev. Florence can take that which is a large part of our congregation with her. 
Here at UUCUC, our Rose window in the sanctuary is much appreciated for its beauty and artistry and it truly represents the heart of our church. We’ve recreated it and included it on Rev. Florence’s stole to carry with her on her journey. 
Cascading down the front of the stole, we symbolically added shards of glass. During Rev. Florence’s time with UUCUC, she stood with us shoulder-to-shoulder on many occasions, leading the way in our ongoing fight for social justice. The shards of glass represent the many broken pieces of our society where focused efforts are still needed to bring about a world that is just and loving for all. 
On the fold of the stole, draping around the neck is a rainbow-colored Lotus flower. In Buddhist symbolism, the sacred lotus flower represents spiritual growth. Multiple colors of fabric recreate the lotus as a symbol of the diverse people who are a part of UUCUC and our commitment to inclusion. 
Congregants gather to celebrate Rev. Florence and wish her well. 
Congregants gather to celebrate Rev. Florence and wish her well.
This past Easter Sunday, many congregants gathered to wish Rev. Florence Caplow ‘Fare Thee Well’. It was a beautiful, heartwarming, and healing ceremony. It included A Litany of Gratitude, providing the opportunity to name the many accomplishments that, together, we’ve accomplished.
At its conclusion, Rev. Florence offered the congregation a gift – a certificate to Country Arbors to help expand our butterfly gardens! Likewise, our congregation surprised Rev. Florence with the presentation of a custom-made stole that symbolically tells the story of our mission. After the ceremony, Rev. Florence expressed it was the “most beautiful farewell ceremony” and that “the stole is beyond beautiful.” Well done UUCUC!
Click here for the messages that were shared with Florence during the gift presentation of her stole.