Breaking Barriers, Build Beliefs (B4)

Break Barriers, Build Beliefs (B4) Workshop at UUFR

We’re excited to take the next step in out ministerial search journey together! On Saturday, November 15, from 10am-2pm, UUFR will host the Break Barriers, Build Beliefs (B4) workshop. This is a powerful opportunity for our congregation to reflect, connect and prepare for the important work of calling our next minister.

Rev. Patrice Curtis, a UUA-trained facilitator, will lead the session and will also offer the Sunday service the following morning. We’re thrilled to welcome them and to learn together in a space that’s grounded in curiosity, compassion, ad our shared UU values.

This isn’t just another meeting, it’s an experience designed to help us grow as a community and approach our search with awareness, openness, and integrity.

What is the B4 Workshop?

• A 3-4 hour facilitated session, help in person at UUFR on Saturday, November 15, with childcare provided and a light breakfast at 9:30am followed by lunch together.
• Guides participants in identifying and reflecting on conscious and unconscious biases related to age, race, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, spirituality, and more. It will explore how these might shape our opinions of ministerial candidates.
• Facilitated by Rev. Patrice, a UUA Transitions professional who bring deep experience in helping congregations prepare for healthy, inclusive searches.
• Followed by a Sunday service with Rev. Patrice, continuing the reflection and learning we begin together on Saturday.
• There is no cost for you to participate. All you need to do is RSVP and show up!

Purpose & Impact

• Surface hidden biases that might influence how candidates are evaluated, allowing decisions based on shared values and genuine fit rather than unconscious assumptions.
• Encourage broad participation in the ministerial search, inviting input from every part of the congregation so all voices are heard.
• Reaffirm our UU commitment to Beloved Community, diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• Align our hopes and vision for UUFR’s future with the qualities we’re seeking in our next minister.

Why We’re Holding This Workshop

• To Mitigate Bias in the Search Process: We all carry biases, personal and systemic, that can influence who we see as the “ideal” candidate. This workshop helps us name and navigate those influences with honesty and care.
• To Prepare for a Fair, Inclusive Search: By exploring our history, our habits, and our hopes, we can approach this search with clarity and equity.
• To Live Our Values: This process embodies our UU principles – welcoming all, especially those historically marginalized, and doing the inner work that builds outer justice.
• To Strengthen Our Community: Shared reflection deepens trust, understanding, and unity across our diverse congregation. This helps us grow stronger together for the search and beyond.

The B4 workshop is an essential and inspiring part of our journey toward calling UUFR’s next minister. Please RSVP here and join us on November 15th for this meaningful day of learning and connection.