The Minister Search Committee would like to thank members of the congregation for their participation, patience, and trust during our successful search process. Yes, we have found and selected an outstanding candidate-to be announced on Sunday, April 14.
Together, you have created an energetic, forward-looking church that is eager to welcome new ministry. By stepping up to play an active role in the life of the church, you participated in Rev. Finkelstein’s successful effort to move us from a two-minister congregation to a single-minister model.
As our minister search began last summer, you filled out surveys, attended our cottage meetings, and helped us to develop an engaging picture of our congregation. Candidates and UUA staff often remarked on the extensive, open, and honest impression we provided. Plus you have honored our need to maintain confidentiality throughout the discernment and selection processes.
The committee received 14 applications from UU ministers who wanted to join us on our journey. The ministers who applied from all across the country formed a talented and highly diverse pool. From the 14, we video interviewed nine whose records, websites, and sermons impressed our team. After evaluating these nine, we invited four to come for in-person interviews and an opportunity to conduct a worship service at a neutral pulpit. And from these four excellent pre-candidates, we have selected one to bring to you for a candidating week and vote.
The committee is thrilled with its choice and believes you will be as well. We had no trouble at all reaching a unanimous decision, which we will announce during the worship service on Sunday, April 14. If you cannot be with us next Sunday, look for simultaneous announcements via email and social media, or on the church’s website.
We hope that you will fully participate in candidating week, April 27 through May 5, with numerous opportunities to hear from and meet our candidate. (A full schedule will be released shortly after Sunday’s announcement.) The congregation will gather to vote on Sunday, May 5, following worship. Thanks again!
-Julie, Edris, Jeff, Barry, Paul, Linda, and Ed
Questions or comments? Email search@firstuuwilm.org