This week marked the official launch of our search for a new minister. The Search Committee met in retreat with our Transitions Coach Laura Graham to learn about the task ahead of us. We chose John Mercer as the chair of our committee and also assigned people to the various roles that needed to be filled. We discussed how we would work together to identify the best person we can find to become our new minister in the spring.
You are an important part of this process. We will use the ideas you shared with us about your understanding of our beloved community and your hopes for our future to inform candidates about who we are and what we are searching for. But we need your help again and will be seeking your ideas about what you want in a minister. On August 10, we will post a survey asking for your input on this important question. We will finish collecting data on September 15. On the 17th, we will meet after church in several small groups, to talk about the data we have collected and to expand on the ideas people have about who our new minister should be. It is essential that as many congregants as possible take part in this work as it will guide us as we look at the ministerial reports and packets we receive. We want to make sure that your ideas help guide us in our choices.
In the fall, we will be scheduling a workshop on Beyond Categorical Thinking led by a representative from the UUA. This workshop promotes inclusive thinking to prevent unfair discrimination during our search for a settled minister. We hope as many of you as possible will attend and will work with us to make our search as fair as possible.
The Search Committee will be meeting over the summer. We will update you on what we are doing and where we are in searching for a new minister. This is an exciting time for our community, and we hope you will stay engaged and informed as we work towards welcoming a settled minister in the spring.
Everyone who is part of our community is welcomed into the search, but please remember that when we meet to call the minister, you can vote only if you are a member of the congregation. If you are interested in joining the FRS as a member, please be in touch with Diane Young (978-465-0602 X409).
