We are entering an important period in our congregation’s life as we begin the process of searching for our next settled minister. This is a moment of reflection and anticipation as we discern the leadership and guidance that will best serve our beloved community in the years to come.
The Leadership Development and Nominating Committee (LDNC), the Board of Directors, and the Membership Committee have completed a month-long canvas of our congregation, getting recommendations by congregants of congregants to serve on the Search Committee for a Settled Minister.
The LDNC will put forth a slate of seven members to the Board by mid-April. The Board will call a Congregational Meeting in mid-May to choose from the slate and any additional approved petition candidates (see the bylaws excerpt below).
Once the Search Committee has been approved by the congregation, they will begin their work, meeting from June this year through late Spring next year.
We have begun the journey. Thank you all for your contributions.
— Erik Paesel (Chair of LDNC), John Zinner, Haygo Salibian, Wendi Gladstone, and Robbert Schalekamp
Editor’s Note: This process is specified in the recently refreshed UUSM bylaws, available to members HERE. You must log in to view the full document. Here is the pertinent section:
Article VII. Section B. Ministerial Search Committee
- Nominations for the Ministerial Search Committee shall be made by the Leadership Development and Nominating Committee and shall be submitted to the Board at a Board meeting held at least thirty (30) days before the Congregational meeting at which the election is to be held. Board members may serve on the Ministerial Search Committee.
- Nominations may also be made by petition of 10% or more of the voting members, submitted to the Board at least twenty (20) days before the Congregational meeting at which the election is to be held.
— Pam Teplitz, Managing Editor
