Dear fellow UTUUC members,
 
The interim ministry phase of congregational life can be confusing, uncertain, unsettling, or exciting. It's a journey, and we don't know yet where it will take us. As your Transition Team (appointed by the Board of Trustees) we are here to help avoid getting lost in transition.
 
We have been hard at work since August, scheduling numerous individual and small group meetings that gave many of you the opportunity to meet with Rev. Dawn and share your hopes for the congregation, and your concerns. Through these meetings, Rev. Dawn was able to speak with over 100 members and gather significant information about the history, culture, challenges, and dreams of the congregation.
 
In addition to facilitating these meetings, we have all been actively listening, both in scheduled group meetings and every other chance we get. We keep our ears open to gather a sense of the feelings of the community. We also meet monthly or more often to help Rev. Dawn work through challenges and to develop plans for the future.
 
In the new year, we expect to facilitate even more congregational conversations to help us all grapple with the congregation's history, to address current concerns, and to discern the appropriate next steps for the congregation. From these ongoing discussions, we will work with Rev. Dawn to develop a roadmap charting where we have been and where we might go. Completion of the roadmap will reveal the next steps based on identified concerns and the time and expertise required for resolution.
 
While many are eager to find our next long-term minister, the Transition Team may recommend to the Board that the congregation first address structural or governance issues. If we conclude that more work needs to be done, we may recommend what is known as a "developmental" minister — someone who would serve for a set duration (likely longer than the interim period) and would bring special skills to address particular needs of the congregation. But nothing has been decided. It is too early to know what the right approach will be. We are only beginning our work to help advise Rev. Dawn, the Board and the congregation on what to do next.
 
We welcome your questions, comments, and ideas, which may be sent to transition@unitytemple.org. We will also be present at community hour (online and in person) and look forward to connecting with you. If you feel lost, please contact us.
Best Regards,
Marsha Borders
Glenn Brewer
Vera Dowell
Fran Knechel
Ian Morrison