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This is a reprint of the announcement that was sent out on Friday, October 16.
Dear OUUC Community,
I am so grateful for the ministry we have shared for these past seven years.
It has been a privilege to serve as your settled minister.
I’m writing to let you know that this will be my last year as the minister at
OUUC. I plan to retire from full-time ministry at the end of July 2027. This
decision is personal and what is best for me and my family. I am weary
and looking forward to more time to care for myself and my relationships. I
will also take some time to see what emerges next for my ministry.
This may come as a surprise and will likely bring up many different feelings.
I have many feelings, too. Transitions are hard. Over these next 10
months, we will have time and space to practice the spiritual work of
celebration and saying goodbye.
We can be proud of the work that we have done together these past seven
years. We have weathered many storms, including a pandemic and
massive political and cultural upheaval. Amid all this, together we have
created beautiful and inspiring worship services, crafted a new vision and
mission, deepened our shared covenant, strengthened our organization,
cared for our building, focused our justice work, created welcoming space
for visitors and new members, and revitalized our program for children.
Through it all, we have cared for each other and deepened relationships
within and beyond our walls.
I am especially proud of our work to build physical and social infrastructure
at OUUC. We have made Thursday evenings a time of sharing food and
fellowship, learning together and connection. Due to your generosity, the
congregation is debt free, and the building is fully electric and well
maintained. The staff team has expanded to include support for online
ministry and member engagement. OUUC has robust teams of volunteers
to support our shared ministry. The Board of Trustees has created
committees to support the work of sharing power and making decisions. In
a time when much of what we counted on is being dismantled, we have
been building OUUC to be strong and sustainable well into the future.
I have been in touch with UUA regional staff and Transitions Office staff,
who are ready to support both you and me through this transition. On
Sunday, October 18, OUUC’s regional liaison, Isaac Castro, will be onsite
to co-lead the worship service with me and offer an after-service forum at
12:15 about how the region can assist over these next months. Please join
us!
OUUC board leaders and I have talked about the next steps and how to
best support a healthy goodbye. Board leaders are already hard at work
taking the next steps regarding this transition. (See board president, Sally
Alhadeff’s letter below.)
Over the next months, I’ll offer opportunities to drop in to share tea,
cookies, and stories about OUUC and our time together. And, if you would
like an appointment with me, please reach out by email.
Ministry is always shared. Thanks to all of you and the staff of this
congregation, many who do so much, visible and less visible.
I will be leaving after serving you for eight years, a bit longer than average.
That you have had several long-term and dedicated ministers speaks well
of you as a congregation and offers hope for the minister that you select
next and your ministry in the future.
I feel so fortunate to have been part of your congregational story. I love
you and I believe in you as a congregation. You are what makes the
church, and I think you will face this change as you have faced the
challenges of these last years---with thoughtfulness, courage, and care.
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in this meaningful
ministry. For the next 10 months, let’s celebrate our shared ministry!
With gratitude,
Rev. Mary Mangione Gear
minister@ouuc.org
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