January 4, 2022
Grace and peace to you this day. We are entering the highly participatory, prayerful process of searching for a Senior Minister. Your engagement in this process is vital as we work together to make this transition as a church. The good news is that not only is God in the process, but you as members of Union Church will be participating as we navigate our way and discern what the future holds for our church leadership.
Early in December, our Senior Interim Pastor, Wendy Vander Hart presented to the Church Council a draft Timeline for Transition Ministry as well as a Nominating Process for the Transition Team and Search Committee. The first step in the process is to identify 4-6 members on each team who are willing to serve either on the Transition Team or the Search Committee. There are a number of personal qualities and attributes to consider including:
- a passionate commitment to Christ's church
- a positive attitude (no grudges)
- a capacity to approach the task with openness rather than a pre-determined agenda
- a sense of integrity and respect for others
- an ability to keep confidentiality
- a capacity to listen, to participate in a group, and to come to consensus
In addition, the individual under consideration for the Transition Team or Search Committee should be an active supporter of the church as demonstrated by participation and financial support, who is trusted and respected by the congregation and willing and able to make this responsibility a very high priority.
The Transition Team, in concert with the Interim Senior Pastor, will seek input from the congregation before drafting a well-written document describing what Union Church is doing well now, updating our view of who is our neighbor, and determining who God is calling us to be. Along with key data, the document will explain our core values and will provide our vision for effective ministry under new leadership. The Transition Team, composed of 4-6 members, will meet 2-4 times a month for up to 6 months. The local church profile they draft will be sent to headquarters of the United Church of Christ and American Baptists as well as other places that will inform pastoral candidates of our church's search for a Senior Minister.
The Search Committee, composed of 4-6 members, will then meet 2-4 times a month, to review applications, and complete the process by meeting pastoral candidates, discerning a call, and presenting a candidate to the congregation for a congregational vote. The timeline for this whole process is focused on completing the search in 2022.
Your role in the process begins now as you consider presenting yourself to the Nominating Committee or suggesting another church member to serve. Using the email nominating@ucw.org, include a brief description of the reasons why you or that person would be an asset to the Transition Team or to the Search Committee. The Nominating Committee (Frank Laski, Jenny Weisz as Co-Moderators, Jim MacDonald, Chair of Deacons, and Lisa Crockett, as member at large) will then select a slate of 4-6 members for the Transition Team and another 4-6 members for the Search Committee.
Submission for nominations should be completed by January 15. We plan to meet in hybrid fashion in later January as a congregation to consider the slate of members for both the Transition Team and the Search Committee. Thank you for your thoughtful recommendations to the Nominating Committee and your commitment to serving Christ through Union Church in Waban.
Peace and Love
Frank Laski, Jenny Weisz,
Co-Moderators, The Union Church in Waban
