With many hugs and some tears, Northwest said goodbye to Rev. Terry Davis. Rev. Davis was warmly welcomed to Northwest in August 2012 as its eighth called minister. She preached her final sermon on Sunday, December 3, 2017.
In her farewell letter published in our December 2017 monthly newsletter, Rev. Terry wrote.
Dear Friends,
As I write my last newsletter column to you, I have a range of emotions welling up inside. I am sad to be leaving. And I feel very grateful to have been with you these past 5-1/2 years.
Serving as your minister has enabled me to experience more deeply how Unitarian Universalist congregations are places that are beautiful, awed, loving, and striving.
You have taught me lessons in leadership, patience and courage. You have affirmed for me that to grow in spirit means to risk doing those big and li le things I never thought I could do . . . and that practicing self-care is essential to the journey.
And, so where will Northwest go from here? You have so many possibilities ahead! You are blessed with strong leadership, a talented and capable staff, the growing presence of children, enthusiasm for your future and love for one another.
As I think of the stretch of unknown that lies ahead for you and me, I share with you these words by Patrick Overton that were shared with me recently by two Northwest members:
When we walk to the edge of the light we have and take a step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe one of two things will happen: There will be something to stand on, or we will be taught to fly.
I will miss you, loved ones. May you flourish in your shared ministry and in your precious life.
With deep affection and gratitude,
Terry
Prior to arriving at Northwest in August 2012, Terry served as Minister of Pastoral Care for Eliot Chapel, a 550-member Unitarian Universalist congregation located in St. Louis, Missouri. There she oversaw Eliot’s pastoral care program, as well as provided guidance and support to Eliot’s small group ministry program and hospitality team. She also led adult Sunday worship services and a monthly “children’s chapel” worship service for Eliot children in grades K through 5.
Terry graduated from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia in 2008. She completed a one-year chaplaincy residency program at Emory University Hospital Midtown in 2009, where she served as the maternity center and women’s health chaplain.
She was ordained at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, where she was a member for 20 years. Terry also served on the board of trustees for the Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation, one of only two UUA-affiliated organizations.
Prior to pursuing UU ministry, Terry had a 25-year career in marketing and communications, including 15 years as founding CEO of an Atlanta-based communications firm whose clients included The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, UPS, the United Way, Prevent Child Abuse Georgia and other corporations and nonprofit agencies. A native of Washington, DC, Terry has called Atlanta home since 1978.
She and her spouse Gail Hyde live in Atlanta’s Morningside neighborhood.