My word for this month is TRANSITIONS. The gorgeous fall leaves and cool mornings we are experiencing now remind us to put away summer clothes and transition to sweaters, as we do every year. Congregational life also experiences transitions – that may or may not be expected.
The Board has been working with Rev. Michelle to prepare for the transition next August from her interim ministry to a developmental ministry as planned.
HOWEVER, we have recently learned that we will also be experiencing an UNEXPECTED TRANSITION. Rev. Michelle will be leaving in January to care for her own physical and mental wellness. Her experience, accessibility, and knowledge have been invaluable as we prepare for the end of her interim ministry and the beginning of the expected developmental ministry. We will miss her wise counsel and creativity, but realize she must now reduce stress and take care of herself. She has been an effective and welcome guide for interim projects and we are grateful for her leadership.
Transition in January
Rev. Michelle’s last service will happen January 5. After the service there will be a celebration of appreciation for her ministry and wishing her improved health and well-being.
The Board and Rev. Michelle have been in contact with Christine Purcell, UUA Congregational Transitions Director, and Tyler Coles, our Southern Region staff representative. Both have offered support and assistance. The Board will discuss options at the November meeting and will schedule conferences with both staff members. We will have a plan to share with you soon.
Transition in August
- The Board met with Christine Purcell, Unitarian Universalist Association Congregational Transitions Director, and determined together that it is appropriate for WUU to search for a developmental minister. “It works when the congregation identifies significant cultural or structural change work it wants to do or wants to make a breakthrough in addressing chronic issues and the congregation has worked with the regional staff and/or current minister to see the need and capacity for significant learning and change.” (UUA Transitional Ministry Handbook)
- The Board contracted with Stewardship For Us consultant Rachel Maxwell to assist with creation of a five-year strategic financial plan that explores all assets and resources. The process includes support for the visioning process that was used to create three aspirational goals developed from congregational input during the Listening Circles. The Board will finalize those goals at the November meeting and will present them to the congregation.
- A Strategic Financial Planning Task Force and a Staffing Assessment Task Force have begun working on a long range financial plan that will secure WUU’s financial future.
- A Developmental Minister Search Team will be named by the Board November 12. Their timeline:
- November 2024 through January 31, 2025 – Create a Congregational Record and gather materials to publish to ministerial candidates
- March 11 – Receive names of prospective ministers and begin conducting virtual interviews and research
- March 31 – The task force sends the ranked list to UUA Transition Team
- April 3 – Offer and negotiations
- Early to mid-April – Minister is announced to the congregation
- August 1 – Developmental minister begins at WUU
OTHER WUU TRANSITION NEWS
Winter Shelter
Another transition is the timing of our Community of Faith Winter Shelter host week. We were asked to change our week from mid-March to mid-November – beginning in less than two weeks! The Winter Shelter provides us an opportunity to live our values. Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094BADAF22A1F94-47749545-wuucofm#/
Jolly’s Mill Pond rental
Jolly’s Mill Pond has transitioned from a successful three-month trial period to a one-year contract. They are renting the kitchen on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays to produce baked goods to sell at the Farmer’s Market. Angi and Justin have promised to tell us more about the farm soon. If you are in the building those days, feel free to stop in and say hello.
Parker House
The Campus Improvement Team has been hard at work on repairs needed for Parker’s transition to its next use. Eleven new windows were installed and other necessary work is ongoing. The Board will be exploring options for the Parker House to determine further renovation needs. Next month’s WUU News will have more information in a separate article.
One more thing
Our country will soon be experiencing a transition to a new president. Regardless of our individual and political beliefs we cherish our congregation’s commitment to its values. The process may be difficult for many of us and as a congregation we wish to support and hear each other during this time. I hope you will join us for Soup and Community, Wednesday, November 5, at 6 pm. Rev. Michelle is making the soup, and we ARE the community.
In gratitude,
Helen Hansen and Deb Fabian
WUU Board President and Vice President
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Contact the WUU Board President: boardpresident@wuu.org