Dear Church Friends,
This is to provide an additional update on some of the professional UUSM Staff that make our Sunday worship special and support our thriving community.
First, regarding Religious Education: Jessica TenHave-Place, our beloved Director of Religious Education who was on leave this month, has resigned from her position. In her resignation, Jessica shared some details about why she is resigning:
“UUSM was for me the “perfect church” I had always hoped to find. No community is really perfect, of course, but UUSM checked all the boxes of what I was looking for when I arrived. That’s why the inner calling I’ve been hearing over the past year to a spiritual vocation outside of organized religion has been so distressing to receive. I wanted to stay in this role for a longer time in order to pay back what UUSM gave me.”
There is no question that this departure is especially painful for us. It’s one more loss, closely following Jeremiah’s, Kikanza’s, and Saunder’s departures. Also, we have long struggled with identifying the appropriate person as DRE and Jessica fit well with our community. I know we are feeling deep sadness about Jessica leaving.
In Jessica’s absence, member Maddie Van Beek is serving as an Interim RE Coordinator. She provides consistent care so that our kids enjoy themselves and are safe in the cottage each Sunday. We are fortunate that Maddie and other devoted parents stepped up quickly to support our incredible children’s program.
Maddie will continue as Interim RE Coordinator until the end of September. Meanwhile, we are searching for someone to work in this position after Maddie leaves and we’re hopeful that we can find someone quickly. Once an Interim Coordinator position is in place, we will search for a permanent DRE. Our plan is to engage a deliberate process so that we can identify a DRE that fits well with our community. Stay tuned as we provide updates about the ensuing DRE search.
Second, regarding our Music Program: As we previously noted, Saunder Choi has left to become Director of Music at Neighborhood UU Church in Pasadena. His last date at church was July 19 (view the serice HERE) – we enjoyed a reception for him following the service. We have begun the search process and are confident that we will identify a new DOM quickly. Meanwhile, Ryan Humphrey, our accompanist, is filling in as Director of Music in the interim. Thank you, Ryan!
With Love and Appreciation,
Vilma Ortiz
UUSM President
