Walking Together into July – How You Can Support Our Ministerial Search

Dear UUFR members and friends,

Here we are, already entering July 2025, and much progress has been made in our ministerial search! Thanks to your engagement and support, we are entering this next phase with a strong and committed Search Team and a deepened sense of shared purpose.

What We’ve Accomplished

• Earlier this spring, the nominating committee invited every member to participate in a nomination survey to help identify the best representatives for this important work.
• You then voted to elect the Ministerial Search Committee in June.
• Since then, the team has met, participated in an initial orientation with the UUA, and begun organizing the work ahead.

What’s Coming Next

In July, the Search Committee will gather for a weekend retreat facilitated by our UUA transitions coach. At that retreat, the team will finalize their covenant and begin shaping how they will engage the congregation and tell UUFR’s story to potential ministers.

Over the summer and fall, the Committee will:

• Launch a congregational survey to gather your hopes, values, and vision
• Host listening and reflection sessions
• Begin writing our Congregational Record, which will help introduce UUFR to ministerial candidates nationwide

How You Can Support the Journey

1. Take the Congregational Survey (when it launches soon!)
2. Attend a Listening Session (and invite others to come with you! – *Invites to come)
3. Stay engaged with updates from the team through the website, Chalice newsletter, and worship announcements
4. Support one another and the committee with encouragement, questions, and curiosity

Why This Matters

Calling a new settled minister is one of the most meaningful and collaborative acts in
congregational life. It’s a time of reflection, discernment, and imagination as we listen closely to who we are and who we hope to become. Your participation so far has helped build a strong foundation. Let’s continue walking this path together.

In shared purpose and deep gratitude,

The UUFR Ministerial Search Team