The Interim Time: A Review
Even before the departure of our settled Senior Minister in the spring of 2011, our congregation has been working through a time of reflection, planning, and change. Congregational leaders wrestled with the disconnect between our size (which suggested classification as a program-size church) and our governance structure (which operated more like a pastoral-size church). Unsure of how to begin a process of change and development, we hired an interim minister, Rev. Margret O’Neall, with strong process and management knowledge.
Building upon the Long Range Plan adopted in 2011, the Board of Trustees identified three areas upon which to work with Rev. O’Neall, who served pour congregation from August 2011 to June 2014. The goals for that period were: Identity (the congregation knows who it is and what it is about), Governance (the Board of Trustees makes decisions and takes actions with clear and fair policies and procedures), and Covenantal Stewardship (the congregation understands its relationships to each other, to the minister, and to the staff, and is committed to carry the church into the future). Given the scope and magnitude of what was required, the Board proposed and the congregation voted to extend Rev. O'Neall’s contract from two to three years.
With the guidance of Rev. O’Neall, our congregation drew upon many UUA resources so that we might learn how to more effectively welcome visitors, prepare a path to membership, cherish and draw on the talents of congregants, make decisions about the role of the church in the community, maintain our building, and ensure the fiscal health of the church. St. Lawrence District and UUA consultants brought their insights to us through programs in Appreciative Inquiry, Governance Transformation, Music Programs, and Stewardship. Many members of the congregation participated in church services, workshops, study groups, and retreats highlighting need for changes and ways to get there.
The results of all this activity are extensive. Our full-time Religious Educator is credentialed in Lifespan Faith Development. We secured a Chalice Lighter Grant to fund a half-time membership coordinator, whose full salary is part of the 2015 budget. We have transitioned from a beloved Minister of Music of 50 year’s tenure to a new half-time Director of Music and quarter-time piano and organ accompanist. The Board of Trustees has been reduced in size and is embracing policy-based governance. Our budget is clearer and tracked more closely. Our stewardship practices are regularized.
In terms of congregational engagement, ours is one of nine congregations nationwide selected to pilot and participate in the Ability/Disability Action Certification program. Our Covenant Group Ministry has been revitalized with leader training and new group formation practices. Our Worship Team functions to assist the Senior Minister and to ensure quality services during summer months.
Through the efforts of interim minister Rev. Mary Hnottavange-Telleen, who is serving our congregation through June 2015, we are beginning to understand the extent to which our work is incomplete. From a new settled minister, we seek guidance about how to develop volunteers and support them in improving programs that further the mission of the church. We want to learn ways to expand our support of a minister in developing and planning a season of worship services. We strive for new ways to bring the Unitarian Universalist message to the larger community. We need to find creative ways to help our congregation to better understand financial needs. Our Board needs assistance in understanding its decision-making authority and its responsibility to set clear direction for the congregation.
We do not expect a new settled minister to meet all the needs and desires we have expressed. But we hope for someone who can discern the progress we have made, move us forward, and help us to learn sound decision-making practices and strong communication so that the church can reach its full potential as place for spiritual insight and social action.
Building upon the Long Range Plan adopted in 2011, the Board of Trustees identified three areas upon which to work with Rev. O’Neall, who served pour congregation from August 2011 to June 2014. The goals for that period were: Identity (the congregation knows who it is and what it is about), Governance (the Board of Trustees makes decisions and takes actions with clear and fair policies and procedures), and Covenantal Stewardship (the congregation understands its relationships to each other, to the minister, and to the staff, and is committed to carry the church into the future). Given the scope and magnitude of what was required, the Board proposed and the congregation voted to extend Rev. O'Neall’s contract from two to three years.
With the guidance of Rev. O’Neall, our congregation drew upon many UUA resources so that we might learn how to more effectively welcome visitors, prepare a path to membership, cherish and draw on the talents of congregants, make decisions about the role of the church in the community, maintain our building, and ensure the fiscal health of the church. St. Lawrence District and UUA consultants brought their insights to us through programs in Appreciative Inquiry, Governance Transformation, Music Programs, and Stewardship. Many members of the congregation participated in church services, workshops, study groups, and retreats highlighting need for changes and ways to get there.
The results of all this activity are extensive. Our full-time Religious Educator is credentialed in Lifespan Faith Development. We secured a Chalice Lighter Grant to fund a half-time membership coordinator, whose full salary is part of the 2015 budget. We have transitioned from a beloved Minister of Music of 50 year’s tenure to a new half-time Director of Music and quarter-time piano and organ accompanist. The Board of Trustees has been reduced in size and is embracing policy-based governance. Our budget is clearer and tracked more closely. Our stewardship practices are regularized.
In terms of congregational engagement, ours is one of nine congregations nationwide selected to pilot and participate in the Ability/Disability Action Certification program. Our Covenant Group Ministry has been revitalized with leader training and new group formation practices. Our Worship Team functions to assist the Senior Minister and to ensure quality services during summer months.
Through the efforts of interim minister Rev. Mary Hnottavange-Telleen, who is serving our congregation through June 2015, we are beginning to understand the extent to which our work is incomplete. From a new settled minister, we seek guidance about how to develop volunteers and support them in improving programs that further the mission of the church. We want to learn ways to expand our support of a minister in developing and planning a season of worship services. We strive for new ways to bring the Unitarian Universalist message to the larger community. We need to find creative ways to help our congregation to better understand financial needs. Our Board needs assistance in understanding its decision-making authority and its responsibility to set clear direction for the congregation.
We do not expect a new settled minister to meet all the needs and desires we have expressed. But we hope for someone who can discern the progress we have made, move us forward, and help us to learn sound decision-making practices and strong communication so that the church can reach its full potential as place for spiritual insight and social action.