Checking In:

As you might have learned from board president, Susan Grider’s column, the board at it’s last meeting voted to extend the interim period from two to three years. It’s important to note the decision wasn’t made in haste, but after both formal and informal discussions within and outside the board.

Here’s why the decision was made to extend:
• It’s common for congregations served by a long ministry to spend more than the recommended minimum of a two-year interim period. The congregation and minister have developed a relationship over many years, and it takes time for the congregation to discover a new identity;
• Related, it can take months for a board and interim minister to identify priorities for the interim period. Congregations are complex, living systems before, during and after a transition in ministers. Interim ministry is rarely a linear process;
• Susan and I consulted with denominational and regional resources before bringing to the board. After hearing the basics, both consultants suggested a third year;
• While UUFH is a healthy fellowship, the interim period was already crowded with possibilities for growth: governance, communication, technology, ministry to families, changes in staff, stewardship, justice work, identity, strategic planning, leadership training and multiculturalism/anti-oppression/anti-racism. Our work in these areas has been deeply impacted by COVID-19, and the extra time will allow us to play catch-up, as well as adjust to life after the virus.

Just a few more odds and ends to help understand all this:
• Unlike settled ministers, interims are hired by boards, not called by a congregational vote;
• Contracts for interim ministries are generally for a specific length, but for one year at a time, allowing flexibility on both parts;
• As part of it’s discernment process, the board asked if I would be available for a third year. My answer was yes at this point; but if for any reason the board or I find its best to bring in another interim minister, doing a “shared” interim period is not uncommon, and has some particular upsides.

So, if you’re hearing about all this just now, it might be a lot to digest. Know that the consultants, your board are convinced this plan will make for an even better UUFH, and put the fellowship in a stronger position to find a good match with your next settled minister.

Thanks and hang in there,
Don

Minister’s Discretionary Fund
You may know that Don oversees a limited fund for helping UUFH members and friends experiencing severe financial hardship. To request confidential assistance, contact Don HERE.