Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth 
Interim Ministerial Transition Team
Team Members:
Back Row: Bob Seitz, Ann Nordgren,Barbara Lund
Middle: Jim Seitz and Ruth McCutcheon
Front: Jan Magree, Kathy Heltzer, Marree Seitz
Mission
As an ad hoc committee of the Board of Trustees we are responsible for helping the congregation navigate the transition from our last minister to a settled minister. This time period is defined as “interim.” Our focus is on the five developmental tasks (see expanded list for more detail on the developmental tasks)
- Coming to Terms with History
- Considering a New Identity
- Facilitating Shift in Power and Leadership
- Rethinking Denominational Linkage
- Making a Commitment to New Leadership and the New Future
Timeline
- October 22, 2008: Harvest Meal - History
- November 19, 2008: Supper - Caring
- December 17, 2008: Supper - What do we mean to work for justice?
- January 21, 2009: Supper - What do we mean by spiritual growth?
- February 21, 2009: Brunch - Communication
- March 2009: Developmental Task on Identity completed, Themes compiled
- April - May 2009: Constituency for Board for Selection Committee
- May 2009: Search committee identified (by Board/Nominating Committee) and voted on my UUCD members at Annual Meeting
- September - October 2009: Packets for Settled Minister Created (by Search Committee)
- November 2009: Packet Exchanges with Candidates for Settled Minister
- Spring 2010: In-person Interviews with 3 -5 Candidates (weekend events)
- May 2010: Final Interview with selected Candidate (10-day event)
Link to notes from meetings with the congregation, staff, and leadership
Summary of Ministerial Search Survey, October 2009
Summary of MTT Findings:
The Ministerial Transition Team, including our Interim Minister, Gail Lindsay Marriner, met in an attempt to guide the Board of Trustees, Committee Chairs and congregation through the transition from an interim ministry period to settled minister. The main focus was, through discussions with congregates, to define UUCD's identity. To accomplish this, the MTT sponsored five suppers in which we asked specific questions related to UUCD's history, three topics from our Mission Statement: how we care for one another, how we grow spiritually, and how we work for justice. The final topic was how the congregation communicates.
The following is a summary of our findings. Detailed notes/findings from each topic/discussion will be posted soon.
History:
UUCD met in four different locations prior to moving to our College
Street property. Over these years, we acquired and sold two buildings paving
the way for two other faith communities, the Quakers and the Muslims, to
purchase their own buildings (our "old" churches). We became a "Welcoming
Congregation" in 2002 and a "Green Sanctuary" in September 2005.
Caring For One Another:
The congregation identified 25 ways we care for one another. Our minister cares for us by affording spiritual challenges, listening, and providing guidance. What we expect from one another is reaching out and respect. We identified areas where we could improve or consider for outreach and working with those marginalized members in our greater community.
How We Grow Spiritually:
The congregation identified 42 areas in this
regard.
How We Work for Justice:
The congregation identified 18 social justice activities of interest. In March, 2009, the Board of Trustees conducted a survey for congregants to identify the attributes of a new minister. This information needs analysis. A social justice council has formed.
How We Communicate:
We identified three elements of our internal and external communications that are used by the congregation as well as staff: tools, style, reach