A Pastoral Note From Don
Word is out: Your fine called minister search team were unable to find a good match for UUFH – this, despite making every effort to do so.
This is obviously disappointing, especially for the team themselves. So much hope, so much anticipation.
But having served two UU congregations that found themselves at this very juncture, I know the trick to moving through these situations with grace, patience and self-awareness.
Folx naturally want to focus on concrete next steps (see board president, Ed Law’s explanation in an earlier e-blast) but vital congregations view these situations as a test to their agreed upon covenants: Will we lobby board members to choose options we want, or will we recognize the wide diversity of thoughts, wants and needs within the greater congregation? Will we think only in terms of our own resources and opinions, or will we put faith in the denominational experts there to help us?
Friends in this tradition, being part of our religious tradition was never meant to be easy. Dreams don’t come about. Plans get waylaid. Stuff that’s not supposed to happen does. Done from the heart, being a religious liberal is a constant renegotiation with realities we didn’t see coming.
Let me state the obvious: The sky hasn’t fallen, and you and your leaders are going to find a path forward. You just will. It’s what you do, how you roll. Let the process unfold, stay informed and tell at least one search team, and one board member, you appreciate their commitment. Then find another, and another until you’ve thanked them all
Postscript: My practice is to stay in touch with some groups over the summer of my last year. It’s a way to support and resources a few basic functions between ministries. I’ll be attending the June and July meetings of the pastoral care and worship teams, board and staff. Aside from emergencies, those will be my only duties.
Report from Settled Minister Search Team HERE