Have no fear, your Settled Minister Search Committee is here, dear, and clear. Its 14 members were introduced in the December newsletter, and they have chosen three co-chairs (from left to right in photo above): Lindsey Telg, Jim Harper, and Meaghan Bonnaghan. Ministers Talia Raymond and Donna Schaper are non-voting advisors. After only a few meetings, they have launched subcommittees to pursue in-depth development of the job description, communications and engagement with the congregation, and a required church profile.
As a brief reminder, the congregation approved this committee at a special meeting on October 26. Its primary task is to guide the process of recruiting and hiring a new minister. Not long ago, UCG had three full-time ministers, whereas currently we have only one full-time settled (not interim) minister, the Rev. Dr. Talia Raymond (with newly minted Doctor of Ministry degree). Our interim minister, Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper, will be completing her ministry with us in less than a year. By then, we seek to have more than one settled minister.
Your feedback and ideas will be solicited at various times by our engagement subcommittee, and our progress will be shared regularly by the communications subcommittee. The full committee will be meeting twice a month for the foreseeable future.
While we cannot predict an exact timeline of events, we will be sharing a UCC poster that describes the three main elements of a search process: Preparing for the Search, Discerning through the Search, and Completing the Search. We are focused on the first element and pursuing deep dives into the history of UCG and its previous searches, discovering support available from UCC and other wise counsel, and seeking clarity about UCG’s current identity and its specific needs for ministry. With careful deliberation and consideration of a full spectrum of concerns, we have faith that we will move into the discerning phase with a unified approach.
Join us in spirit by reading the booklet “Searching for a Future Clarity” created by Meaghan Bonnaghan. It will be a source of inspiration for our committee all year long.
The Settled Minister Search Committee, approved by the congregation at a special called meeting on Sunday, October 26, is:
Robert Chapman Barb Gibbs
Malika Green John Jopling
Cody Gusto Kathy Funke
Heidi Stein Lindsey Telg*
Meaghan Bonnaghan* Jeremy Archer
Jim Harper* Berta Hernandez
Helda Montero Youth Representative: Benny White
*co-chairs
That Zine is Amazing and beautiful!
Looks like a great group! I have confidence in you all.