As those of you who attended the congregational meeting are already aware, the Board has determined that full-time professional ministry is no longer financially sustainable for UUFM.

The budget for next year, as it currently stands, is based on a 60% ministry position. As was also announced at the meeting, that change in the position makes it very unlikely that I will be your minister again next year. While this is not what any of us hoped for, I appreciate and affirm that the Board is doing exactly what it is supposed to: prioritizing the health and sustainability of the congregation.

I know many of you have questions and/or concerns, and I want to share a few things that I hope will help:

• My contract does not end until early August. Part of my role in the next few months will be consulting with the Board to help make the transition as smooth and healthy as possible.
• This congregation is resilient and creative, and the staff team is excellent. I have complete faith in UUFM’s ability to make this shift.
• The Board has been doing some research, and is already considering many options for what a new, more sustainable model of ministry might look like for UUFM.

If you need additional pastoral care as you process this news, please let me know and we will schedule a time to talk.

 

In gratitude,

Rev. Diana