Search Committee Updates:
Your Search Committee:
Ministerial Search Committee. Standing left to right: Robert Mayer, Marie Keeney, Ava Whaley, Rick Sandler (Chair), Kathy Brackett. Seated left to right: Lisa Ellis, Mary Maldonado, Sharron Howard
Photo by Estee Janssens via Unsplash
February 21: Tentative schedule announced
Are you wondering about the status of our search for a settled minister? Right now, all Unitarian Universalist Churches in search are in the interview and 'neutral' pulpit stage of the search process. This includes interviews (mostly Zoom), checking references, bringing candidates to church, and longer interviews. The neutral pulpit provides an opportunity for the search committee to see the candidate preaching.
The international Unitarian Universalist Association sets the timeline for all of our activities and we've committed to adhering to it. In late March, we inform UUA of our preferred candidate. During the first week in April, we can tell if there is a 'match'.
With a match, we would then begin arranging Candidate Week. During this week, the prospective minister will lead a service on two consecutive Sundays. The candidate will also meet with Board, Committee Chairs, staff, and members of the Congregation in open forums. The Candidate Week is tentatively scheduled for April 24 through May 1.
After Candidate Week, the congregation will vote to endorse (or not endorse) the choice of the Search Committee.
Thank you for expressing interest in our work and in the timeline.
Ava Whaley
February 21, 2022
Are you wondering about the status of our search for a settled minister? Right now, all Unitarian Universalist Churches in search are in the interview and 'neutral' pulpit stage of the search process. This includes interviews (mostly Zoom), checking references, bringing candidates to church, and longer interviews. The neutral pulpit provides an opportunity for the search committee to see the candidate preaching.
The international Unitarian Universalist Association sets the timeline for all of our activities and we've committed to adhering to it. In late March, we inform UUA of our preferred candidate. During the first week in April, we can tell if there is a 'match'.
With a match, we would then begin arranging Candidate Week. During this week, the prospective minister will lead a service on two consecutive Sundays. The candidate will also meet with Board, Committee Chairs, staff, and members of the Congregation in open forums. The Candidate Week is tentatively scheduled for April 24 through May 1.
After Candidate Week, the congregation will vote to endorse (or not endorse) the choice of the Search Committee.
Thank you for expressing interest in our work and in the timeline.
Ava Whaley
February 21, 2022
EUREKA! We Pushed the Button!
We did it! Monday we pushed the “Submit and Publish” button that made weeks of preparation visible to prospective ministers on the UUA website. Now, in mid-December, we will make available years of church documents (copies of budgets, newsletters, Board meeting notes etc) and then we can rest on our laurels until January when we will receive a list of prospective ministers who are interested in us. That will kick off months of resume reviews, interviews, neutral pulpit visits and negotiations.
As they say, the package we delivered on Monday was “a piece of work!” It included an introduction to our church history, focus and cottage group summaries, survey details, Beyond Categorical Thinking impressions, and answers to 54 questions about us, our expectations and our priorities. It was reviewed by two ministers and our transition representative at the UUA. We proudly report that the UUA was quite impressed with both our preparation and our candor. It's important to portray an honest picture of our congregation- our challenges, strengths and unique characteristics. Thanks to Doug Caldwell, our videographer, we started off with a very enticing video of our church and our city. That's something other congregations haven't done and the UUA was very complimentary. So, thanks Doug!
Now, we wait. And we take a couple of weeks off before we start the second half of our search. A few positive thoughts from y'all might help deliver the perfect candidate to be our new settled minister for years to come.
Happy Holidays and a Very Healthy New Year to all.
Your Search Committee
November 30, 2021
We did it! Monday we pushed the “Submit and Publish” button that made weeks of preparation visible to prospective ministers on the UUA website. Now, in mid-December, we will make available years of church documents (copies of budgets, newsletters, Board meeting notes etc) and then we can rest on our laurels until January when we will receive a list of prospective ministers who are interested in us. That will kick off months of resume reviews, interviews, neutral pulpit visits and negotiations.
As they say, the package we delivered on Monday was “a piece of work!” It included an introduction to our church history, focus and cottage group summaries, survey details, Beyond Categorical Thinking impressions, and answers to 54 questions about us, our expectations and our priorities. It was reviewed by two ministers and our transition representative at the UUA. We proudly report that the UUA was quite impressed with both our preparation and our candor. It's important to portray an honest picture of our congregation- our challenges, strengths and unique characteristics. Thanks to Doug Caldwell, our videographer, we started off with a very enticing video of our church and our city. That's something other congregations haven't done and the UUA was very complimentary. So, thanks Doug!
Now, we wait. And we take a couple of weeks off before we start the second half of our search. A few positive thoughts from y'all might help deliver the perfect candidate to be our new settled minister for years to come.
Happy Holidays and a Very Healthy New Year to all.
Your Search Committee
November 30, 2021
Photo: John Schaidler via Unsplash
November 21:
Sermon by Rev. Keith Kron
What are our hopes and concerns for a new minister? How might our own history - both personal and congregational - interfere with our efforts in our search for such a minister?
Beyond Categorical Thinking is a virtual program designed to help congregations in the ministerial search process. The program is facilitated by a trainer from the Unitarian Universalist Association. Issues around race/ethnicity, gender/gender identity, visible and invisible disabilities and health concerns, and sexual orientation are addressed.
This is an opportunity which allows the entire congregation to learn more about the search process and more fully participate in it. This service was preceded by two workshops which were held via Zoom.
Sermon by Rev. Keith Kron
What are our hopes and concerns for a new minister? How might our own history - both personal and congregational - interfere with our efforts in our search for such a minister?
Beyond Categorical Thinking is a virtual program designed to help congregations in the ministerial search process. The program is facilitated by a trainer from the Unitarian Universalist Association. Issues around race/ethnicity, gender/gender identity, visible and invisible disabilities and health concerns, and sexual orientation are addressed.
This is an opportunity which allows the entire congregation to learn more about the search process and more fully participate in it. This service was preceded by two workshops which were held via Zoom.
You Are Invited: Beyond Categorical Thinking – Two Workshops
Beyond Categorical Thinking (BCT) is a virtual program designed to help congregations in the ministerial search process. The program is facilitated by a trainer from the Unitarian Universalist Association. Issues around race/ethnicity, gender/gender identity, visible and invisible disabilities and health concerns, and sexual orientation are addressed in the two workshops.
It is the responsibility of congregational leaders to be mindful of their personal implicit and overt biases, and to take active steps to counter systemic and personal biases. We have been told that potential ministerial candidates will seek out the key congregational learning from this exercise.
Attendance is expected of the search committee, board members, and other church leadership, and strongly encouraged for all members.
The schedule for these sessions is as follows:
Monday, November 15 from 5:30 – 7:00 via Zoom
Thursday, November 18 from 5:30 – 7:00 via Zoom
This will be followed with a church service on November 21 where Rev. Wadkins and a representative from the UUA will explore this topic further. As we expect to be holding live services at that time, Rev. Doug will conduct the service, with assistance via the internet from Keith Kron at the UUA.
PLEASE NOTE: We will send out the Zoom invitations for these sessions as we get closer to the dates.
Your Search Committee
Beyond Categorical Thinking (BCT) is a virtual program designed to help congregations in the ministerial search process. The program is facilitated by a trainer from the Unitarian Universalist Association. Issues around race/ethnicity, gender/gender identity, visible and invisible disabilities and health concerns, and sexual orientation are addressed in the two workshops.
It is the responsibility of congregational leaders to be mindful of their personal implicit and overt biases, and to take active steps to counter systemic and personal biases. We have been told that potential ministerial candidates will seek out the key congregational learning from this exercise.
Attendance is expected of the search committee, board members, and other church leadership, and strongly encouraged for all members.
The schedule for these sessions is as follows:
Monday, November 15 from 5:30 – 7:00 via Zoom
Thursday, November 18 from 5:30 – 7:00 via Zoom
This will be followed with a church service on November 21 where Rev. Wadkins and a representative from the UUA will explore this topic further. As we expect to be holding live services at that time, Rev. Doug will conduct the service, with assistance via the internet from Keith Kron at the UUA.
PLEASE NOTE: We will send out the Zoom invitations for these sessions as we get closer to the dates.
Your Search Committee
Minister Search:
Search Committee Report to the Congregation:
Summary of 18 Focus Group Meetings
Q 1. We are looking forward to people, community, face to face interactions, music and memorial services in person. We want to restart programs and groups such as Get Together Dinners, coffee hours, and Potluck Sundays. We want to continue Zoom and YouTube. We need intellectual and emotional stimulation of live services and the return of Lakewood Ranch services.
Q 2. Our measures of success after a year would be membership growth with engaged new members. Success would be shown by new variety in music, the minister feeling comfortable, continuation of Zoom, an emphasis on RE and youth attendance, and greater ethnic, racial, age, and ability diversity. Lakewood Ranch should feel supported, the minister should know the names of the children, and there should be evidence of activism.
Q 3. We would feel comfortable expressing our concerns if the minister were open, compassionate, empathetic, humble, curious, a good listener and responder, approachable, and knows members personally. The minister should have an open-door policy or office hours and a ministerial committee or access group. Being able to connect to our age group, being comfortable with Interweave and supportive of LGBTQIA+ people, and having a partner who is part of our community would also make us feel we could express our concerns.
Q 4. Our expectations and priorities for the new minister are awareness of our range of beliefs and demographics, fitting in with the sophistication and intellect of the congregation, managerial leadership, more provocative and inspiring sermons, dedication to our community, and a diversified music program. Being engaged with youth and families, interfaith outreach, and participation in a broad range of church activities are also important. We would also like to see a person with strong pastoral care skills, support for community and national issues, including political discussion, and a sense of humor. The person should be experienced and skilled with social media, the press, and technology.
Q 5. Our new minister could effectively address our wide range of beliefs by showing spiritual awe and experience, giving sermons reflecting our wide range of beliefs, celebrating all holidays, including pagan, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian, and including great ideas from the secular realm. Our new minister should use inclusive language, focus on our 7 principles, invite non-minister sermons, develop adult RE, and share their own beliefs and point of view.
Q 6. Final thoughts: the new minister should be experienced but still growing and learning. The church is financially stable and has a strong administrative staff and we realize the new minister may have CEO expectations. The Search Committee should not feel pressured to select any certain type by sex or culture nor feel that we cannot continue the search if we have not found a great candidate. The Arts Council wants to be consulted on church matters with art integrated into the church. Lakewood Ranch wants to remain a satellite and to have ministerial and administrative services from Sarasota. The Membership Committee wants to have the Discovering UU program continue and more “Meet the Minister” type events. Interweave wants an annual Interweave Service. RE wants the minister to come to RE events and provide minister-led programming and education. Social Justice suggests a designated Volunteer Administrator and someone dedicated to Social Justice issues.
10/30/21 MRK
Search Committee Report to the Congregation:
Summary of 18 Focus Group Meetings
Q 1. We are looking forward to people, community, face to face interactions, music and memorial services in person. We want to restart programs and groups such as Get Together Dinners, coffee hours, and Potluck Sundays. We want to continue Zoom and YouTube. We need intellectual and emotional stimulation of live services and the return of Lakewood Ranch services.
Q 2. Our measures of success after a year would be membership growth with engaged new members. Success would be shown by new variety in music, the minister feeling comfortable, continuation of Zoom, an emphasis on RE and youth attendance, and greater ethnic, racial, age, and ability diversity. Lakewood Ranch should feel supported, the minister should know the names of the children, and there should be evidence of activism.
Q 3. We would feel comfortable expressing our concerns if the minister were open, compassionate, empathetic, humble, curious, a good listener and responder, approachable, and knows members personally. The minister should have an open-door policy or office hours and a ministerial committee or access group. Being able to connect to our age group, being comfortable with Interweave and supportive of LGBTQIA+ people, and having a partner who is part of our community would also make us feel we could express our concerns.
Q 4. Our expectations and priorities for the new minister are awareness of our range of beliefs and demographics, fitting in with the sophistication and intellect of the congregation, managerial leadership, more provocative and inspiring sermons, dedication to our community, and a diversified music program. Being engaged with youth and families, interfaith outreach, and participation in a broad range of church activities are also important. We would also like to see a person with strong pastoral care skills, support for community and national issues, including political discussion, and a sense of humor. The person should be experienced and skilled with social media, the press, and technology.
Q 5. Our new minister could effectively address our wide range of beliefs by showing spiritual awe and experience, giving sermons reflecting our wide range of beliefs, celebrating all holidays, including pagan, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian, and including great ideas from the secular realm. Our new minister should use inclusive language, focus on our 7 principles, invite non-minister sermons, develop adult RE, and share their own beliefs and point of view.
Q 6. Final thoughts: the new minister should be experienced but still growing and learning. The church is financially stable and has a strong administrative staff and we realize the new minister may have CEO expectations. The Search Committee should not feel pressured to select any certain type by sex or culture nor feel that we cannot continue the search if we have not found a great candidate. The Arts Council wants to be consulted on church matters with art integrated into the church. Lakewood Ranch wants to remain a satellite and to have ministerial and administrative services from Sarasota. The Membership Committee wants to have the Discovering UU program continue and more “Meet the Minister” type events. Interweave wants an annual Interweave Service. RE wants the minister to come to RE events and provide minister-led programming and education. Social Justice suggests a designated Volunteer Administrator and someone dedicated to Social Justice issues.
10/30/21 MRK
Minister Search:
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
During the focus groups and mentioned on the survey, several people asked why we didn't ask congregants to clarify their beliefs systems. Here is our response:
Two years ago when we were preparing for the interim minister search, we conducted a survey which was required by the Unitarian Universalist Association and was part of our Congregational Record.
The first page of that record includes the following statement:
"The vast majority of our members describe themselves in multiple religious terms. The largest number of our members (57%) describe themselves as identifying with humanists, followed by eclectic (44%), ethical religion (44%), agnosticism (35%), ethical Christianity (26%)."
Additionally, during every focus group we asked the question: "We know we represent a range of beliefs or non-belief systems. How could a minister most effectively address the wide range of beliefs in our congregation"?
We believe this is the important question, not so much how we classify ourselves but how a minister would deal with the varied beliefs existing within our congregation. That is most important and will assuredly be part of our interviewing process.
The committee also discussed this with Rev. Beth and Rev. Doug who provided insights into how a prospective candidate would react to this topic.
So now you know.
Have something to share that you didn’t include on your survey? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. We’re all ears.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Read more about the Ministerial Search Committee's work at Timeline and Committee Updates...
Your Search Committee
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
During the focus groups and mentioned on the survey, several people asked why we didn't ask congregants to clarify their beliefs systems. Here is our response:
Two years ago when we were preparing for the interim minister search, we conducted a survey which was required by the Unitarian Universalist Association and was part of our Congregational Record.
The first page of that record includes the following statement:
"The vast majority of our members describe themselves in multiple religious terms. The largest number of our members (57%) describe themselves as identifying with humanists, followed by eclectic (44%), ethical religion (44%), agnosticism (35%), ethical Christianity (26%)."
Additionally, during every focus group we asked the question: "We know we represent a range of beliefs or non-belief systems. How could a minister most effectively address the wide range of beliefs in our congregation"?
We believe this is the important question, not so much how we classify ourselves but how a minister would deal with the varied beliefs existing within our congregation. That is most important and will assuredly be part of our interviewing process.
The committee also discussed this with Rev. Beth and Rev. Doug who provided insights into how a prospective candidate would react to this topic.
So now you know.
Have something to share that you didn’t include on your survey? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. We’re all ears.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Read more about the Ministerial Search Committee's work at Timeline and Committee Updates...
Your Search Committee
Minister Search: Feeling Left Out?
Have you been unable to participate in a focus group because you’re not a member of a special interest group? Was your focus group held at an inconvenient time for you? Well, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!
And better yet, you can participate in this group on site! Masks, of course, are required so please wear yours.
On Sunday, October 24 from 2pm to 3pm, your Search Committee will hold a special “last chance” focus group for those who haven’t participated previously. So come to the Lexow Wing and share your thoughts. We have a few questions to ask and we know you have comments and concerns to relay.
Results of the focus groups will also be shared with the congregation and prospective ministers.
We are a good way through our exploratory process. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas and concerns.
And one more thing….
Have something to share that you didn’t include on your survey? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. We’re all ears.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Read more about the Ministerial Search Committee's work at Timeline and Committee Updates...
Your Search Committee
Have you been unable to participate in a focus group because you’re not a member of a special interest group? Was your focus group held at an inconvenient time for you? Well, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!
And better yet, you can participate in this group on site! Masks, of course, are required so please wear yours.
On Sunday, October 24 from 2pm to 3pm, your Search Committee will hold a special “last chance” focus group for those who haven’t participated previously. So come to the Lexow Wing and share your thoughts. We have a few questions to ask and we know you have comments and concerns to relay.
Results of the focus groups will also be shared with the congregation and prospective ministers.
We are a good way through our exploratory process. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas and concerns.
And one more thing….
Have something to share that you didn’t include on your survey? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. We’re all ears.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Read more about the Ministerial Search Committee's work at Timeline and Committee Updates...
Your Search Committee
Search Committee releases Survey Report
Thank you again to all who participated in our Congregational Survey. Your Search Committee spent several hours last week reviewing your comments, selecting common themes and noting the many good suggestions and ideas you shared with us. Read the Survey Report here... It will also become part of the Congregational Record so that prospective ministers can get to know us better.
Now...on to the focus groups. During the rest of October, a member of Your Search Committee will host a focus group with our special interest groups. Watch your email for a special invitation, if you are a member of such a group. Most meetings will take place on Zoom but a few will happen in the church courtyard. Focus groups should take about 45 minutes to an hour. If you attend, please answer the questions from the point of view of your special interest group. We are especially interested in hearing how you would like a new minister to interact with your group.
Results of the focus groups will also be shared with the congregation and prospective ministers.
We are a good way through our exploratory process. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas and concerns.
And one more thing….
Have something to share that you didn’t include on your survey? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. We’re all ears.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Read more about the Ministerial Search Committee's work at Timeline and Committee Updates...
Your Search Committee
Thank you again to all who participated in our Congregational Survey. Your Search Committee spent several hours last week reviewing your comments, selecting common themes and noting the many good suggestions and ideas you shared with us. Read the Survey Report here... It will also become part of the Congregational Record so that prospective ministers can get to know us better.
Now...on to the focus groups. During the rest of October, a member of Your Search Committee will host a focus group with our special interest groups. Watch your email for a special invitation, if you are a member of such a group. Most meetings will take place on Zoom but a few will happen in the church courtyard. Focus groups should take about 45 minutes to an hour. If you attend, please answer the questions from the point of view of your special interest group. We are especially interested in hearing how you would like a new minister to interact with your group.
Results of the focus groups will also be shared with the congregation and prospective ministers.
We are a good way through our exploratory process. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas and concerns.
And one more thing….
Have something to share that you didn’t include on your survey? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. We’re all ears.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Read more about the Ministerial Search Committee's work at Timeline and Committee Updates...
Your Search Committee
August 28:
A Survey Is Coming! A Survey Is Coming!
It’s been said that if you put four UUs in a room you get five opinions!
Well, now is your chance to dredge up those opinions and let your voice be heard!
In about a week, a Congregational Survey will arrive in your inbox (or your mailbox if you are not online) and thru a link in Contact. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU RESPOND TO IT so your Ministerial Search Committee learns what is important to you before we undergo our search for a new, settled minister who will lead our church into the future.
We know you have a lot to say. Now is your chance to say it! And just in case the survey doesn’t capture everything you want to convey, we’re setting up a dedicated email account that you can use to contact us regarding questions, concerns or earth-shattering ideas you may want to share. We’re all ears!
As soon as it’s live, we’ll post it on this website and in the Contact newsletter. Stay tuned!
Thank you for doing your part to insure we have a successful search.
Your Ministerial Search Committee.
Read more about the Ministerial Search Committee's work at Timeline and Committee Updates...
A Survey Is Coming! A Survey Is Coming!
It’s been said that if you put four UUs in a room you get five opinions!
Well, now is your chance to dredge up those opinions and let your voice be heard!
In about a week, a Congregational Survey will arrive in your inbox (or your mailbox if you are not online) and thru a link in Contact. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU RESPOND TO IT so your Ministerial Search Committee learns what is important to you before we undergo our search for a new, settled minister who will lead our church into the future.
We know you have a lot to say. Now is your chance to say it! And just in case the survey doesn’t capture everything you want to convey, we’re setting up a dedicated email account that you can use to contact us regarding questions, concerns or earth-shattering ideas you may want to share. We’re all ears!
As soon as it’s live, we’ll post it on this website and in the Contact newsletter. Stay tuned!
Thank you for doing your part to insure we have a successful search.
Your Ministerial Search Committee.
Read more about the Ministerial Search Committee's work at Timeline and Committee Updates...
August 28:
Your Search Committee is Zooming It!
Christine Purcell, Transitions Program Manager for the UUA, is surrounded by Your Search Committee members on the first day of a two-day “retreat”. She answered questions, gave suggestions and provided guidance on how to attract top ministerial candidates, the importance of creating a Covenant, the timeline for the search and the challenges of conducting a search in a time of Covid.
The good news is that we are well-positioned for a successful search- offering a competitive salary, having assistant ministers, being located in Sarasota, being considered a mid to large-sized church by UUA standards and creating search documents that portray our church in a realistic light.
Your Committee will meet many more times during this process. On Saturday, Sept 11 we meet to finish creating the Congregational survey where members will be asked for their input on ministerial qualities and strengths, visions for the future and changes you would like to see. LOOK FOR THE SURVEY IN YOUR EMAIL AND US Postal Service MAILBOX MID-SEPT. It is very important that your voice be heard. The search wouldn’t be the same without you!
Thank you for the confidence you place in us—and your support.
Your Search Committee is Zooming It!
Christine Purcell, Transitions Program Manager for the UUA, is surrounded by Your Search Committee members on the first day of a two-day “retreat”. She answered questions, gave suggestions and provided guidance on how to attract top ministerial candidates, the importance of creating a Covenant, the timeline for the search and the challenges of conducting a search in a time of Covid.
The good news is that we are well-positioned for a successful search- offering a competitive salary, having assistant ministers, being located in Sarasota, being considered a mid to large-sized church by UUA standards and creating search documents that portray our church in a realistic light.
Your Committee will meet many more times during this process. On Saturday, Sept 11 we meet to finish creating the Congregational survey where members will be asked for their input on ministerial qualities and strengths, visions for the future and changes you would like to see. LOOK FOR THE SURVEY IN YOUR EMAIL AND US Postal Service MAILBOX MID-SEPT. It is very important that your voice be heard. The search wouldn’t be the same without you!
Thank you for the confidence you place in us—and your support.
Ministerial Search Committee. Standing left to right: Robert Mayer, Marie Keeney, Ava Whaley, Rick Sandler (Chair), Kathy Brackett. Seated left to right: Lisa Ellis, Mary Maldonado, Sharron Howard
August 13:
Your Search Committee is Workin' It!
Your Ministerial Search Committee met to discuss a congregational survey and focus groups (where you will have multiple opportunities to provide your input on what the Congregation needs in a minister), the Congregational Record and ministerial compensation. The next two meetings will be an in-depth retreat, led by a representative of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We appreciate your support as we move forward on this vitally important task.
Your Search Committee is Workin' It!
Your Ministerial Search Committee met to discuss a congregational survey and focus groups (where you will have multiple opportunities to provide your input on what the Congregation needs in a minister), the Congregational Record and ministerial compensation. The next two meetings will be an in-depth retreat, led by a representative of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We appreciate your support as we move forward on this vitally important task.