Settled Minister Search- Blog

November 2 ,2021

Meg Hoke – Communications

  Greetings, from the Settled Minister Search Committee 

This congregation has accomplished a great deal in the last few months:

Aug/Sept: We had great participation in the congregational survey with 87 respondents. It verified some demographics, and gave us an idea of what brought you to UUFH, what you love about it, what’s important to you, and what concerns you. Results can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BABtP4bM9wxe290smPTSoJASvNJGBgWf/edit

And here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yF2B-KbpodOklfM9KOkQ_cXB0rj1ZDyL/edit

Sept/Oct: We held nine different focus groups and cottage meetings; a total of 75 participants who all spent at least an hour together so we could gain a deeper understanding and have more conversation about our UUFH values and culture and how the new minister would fit in, what you want to see from the minister, and some specific ideas, concerns, and hopes. Results from these can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W_JAz5no43TDwuOnzoVQRIpHuvWC5c0W/edit

Oct 30 Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop: We had 34 participants in a half-day Zoom workshop that focused on exploring diversity, learning about how bias, prejudice, ignorance, and oppression have impacted calls for settled ministers and challenged their ministry in churches. This important workshop brought to light some issues in our own congregation that we need to own and work on.  But it also made clear that we are a congregation that does strive to be open and welcoming to all people, regardless of race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and those who may have a disability (apparent or hidden).

While all these activities were happening, another group – consisting of members of the Board, the Finance Team, and the Settled Ministry Team – has been putting together a compensation package and proposed contract. That work is still in progress.

So – What’s Next?

The Congregational Record:  The next step for the committee is to take everything we have learned and heard and use it to answer a 65-question document that also includes information such as our congregational history, financial history, and demographics. Some questions are straightforward, such as “Describe a typical Sunday at the congregation, including a typical Sunday worship service”. Others are more thought-provoking: “Things a prospective minister should know about the theologies of the congregation, including where to find inspiration, comfort, and conflict”. We will be reaching out to some individuals and possibly some groups to help us answer these questions accurately and thoroughly, but the work over the last few months will help us tremendously as we thoughtfully and carefully respond. On Sunday, we spent three hours getting started on piecing together this document; we expect to spend many, many more. 

Looking ahead:

Nov 15 – Submit Congregational record to interim and regional staff for review, clarification, opportunity for editing

Nov 30 – Submit Compensation package and proposed contract to Transitions office

Dec 1 – Release of packet for Ministerial review

Jan. 1 – Release of Ministerial packets for congregational review

At this point, the discernment process begins. The Search Committee will have the opportunity to sort through the ministers, and ministers will have the opportunity to learn about the congregation. This process is highly confidential. By the end of January, and into February, the pre-candidating begins, and will be ongoing for the next eight weekends. The Search Committee may then select one minister to visit UUFH for a whole week as a final candidate to check us out, preach twice, and then the congregation votes to affirm the choice. 

Whew! It’s a lot. Want to know more? The entire 108-page manual is available for your perusal at; https://www.uua.org/sites/live-new.uua.org/files/settlement_handbook.pdf

Once again, it is an honor for us to serve in this capacity
We continue to do our best, and are open to questions, concerns, and assistance.

Bill Elder, Chair  billelder73@nullgmail.com
Ron Partin, Survey developer   rpartin@nullbgsu.edu
Meg Hoke, Communication  hokemeg@nullhotmail.com
MC Gaylord, Finances  mckgaylord@nullgmail.com
Mary Highberger, Cottage Meeting/Focus Group Coordinator
   mkhigh141@nullgmail.com

Thank you for your confidence in our team, for your support, and, especially, thank you for YOUR commitment to and engagement in this process.

Meg Hoke