INTERIM IDEAS 

  FROM OUR INTERIM MINISTER, REV. ALICIA FORSEY

NOVEMBER 2010

Looking out my window as I write this, I see trees and mountains. It is very peaceful here. The complex of apartments and shops where I live is called "an intentional urban village." I am attracted to the concept, and to some extent the vision has been carried out. There is more to add that would be desirable, and will no doubt materialize over time. For now, the problem is that there is not enough business to maintain the retail shops. The restaurants seem to be doing well, and if I need something that is not available in a restaurant I can easily leave my urban village to find it. Eugene is a fairly uncrowded city compared to places like Los Angeles. It is less expensive, too. The apartment I have here is much nicer than the one I had last year in Los Angeles County, but it costs less. There is no smog and the water (as far as I know) is not toxic.

The center of my focus here is, of course, the church. The church is so much more than any one person can see all at once. Aside from all the members, friends, staff and facilities, there is much more. There is a sort of web, composed of intricate but invisible connections which undergird the systems. This web holds the members and the practices in place, which can cause a feeling of being "stuck" if it can't be changed or adjusted. Not as simple as "here is the church and here is the steeple, open your hands and see all the people" that my grandmother taught me when I was a kid. Trying to conceptualize the complexity of the entire church requires a great deal of information gathering, observation, analysis and finding solutions that address areas where things need to be clarified. During the time I am with you, I am concentrating on understanding how things function (or not) in the church and what might be done to improve and/or streamline the way UUCE does the work of the church through various committees, groups and individuals.

The Small Group Ministry circles will have "Transitions" as the theme this year. This theme covers a lot of ground. My work and my suggestions will be just one of many ways that transitions offers a theme that allows for deep conversation and personal reflection. It will be a year full of promise while UUCE looks forward to a new home that enables many new possibilities. Like the urban village where I live, there may initially be a sense of wanting to have things more complete, and that will happen in time.

The mountains remind me that all of the little things that stop us short from being what we say we want to see can be surmounted.

Love,
Alicia
minister@uueugene.org

Always assume the best intentions, and before speaking in anger or frustration, stop and ask yourself: Is it fair? Is it kind? Is it true?

OCTOBER 2010

There are as many different kinds of interim ministers as there are interim ministries. Some of us are inten-tional interim ministers. We have a guild and we meet once a year for a week-long seminar. Other interim ministers may have recently left a settled ministry and take up a year or two of interim work while in search for another settled position. Some may be recent graduates of a seminary. There are several more paths to serving as an interim minister, but UUCE has me. I am a fully accredited, intentional interim minister.

During the first few months of my time with you I mostly want to meet you, receive input from you about your perceptions of UUCE and organize my thoughts about what I think I am observing. I will study your history, communication patterns, infrastructure, governance, finances and other areas of importance. I will have candid discussions with my Transitions Team and receive their suggestions, guidance and support. This is a group that meets with me once a month. I requested the selection of five individuals who are highly regarded at UUCE. One who knows the history of the church, one who has a connection to your Religious Education program, one who understands the finances and one who represents a minority voice. The fifth member will be chosen by me. The Transitions Team helps me to stay on track and stay on task. If a major issue comes up, they help me to think things through. I have had a Transition Team at every church I have served as an interim minister, in Canada and the United States.

I am mindful of the importance of a good working relationship with your Board of Trustees, based on trust, respect, cooperation and good communication.

This time of transition is a time of opportunity for UUCE to address any areas that need attention. It is a time to make adjustments that reflect best practices for a program-size congregation. It is a time to celebrate all that you have managed to do and all that you are looking forward to accomplishing in the future. This interim period gives you the time you need to prepare for your next settled minister.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call, email or visit.

Warm regards,
Alicia

SEPTEMBER 2010

You have probably heard that interim ministry is not "business as usual" and many of you have experienced what it is like for your congregation to be in a period of transition. If transitional ministry is new to you, you might find a brief overview of the basics helpful. You can find a video on the subject at
      http://www.uua.org/videos/legacy.php?movie=mpl/interim_opportunity.mov

As I arrive in Eugene, I will be gathering with all who are interested for evening dessert nights. I want to know you, how you feel about UUCE and what you hope for as the congregation moves forward.

While I am with you, I will be fully present as your minister. I will write my sermons honoring everyone who shows up, knowing that one or more of you has come because you need to hear something that matters, something that inspires, something to chew on, something to remind you that you are not alone -- something to remind us all that our thoughts and our actions relating to UUCE begin with asking ourselves what is best for the good of the whole church.

This is a time open wide for healing, building a beloved community, changing in ways that strengthen the church and prepare the way for a successful settled ministry. And, it is a time to enjoy.

UUCE is an amazing place, full of energy and goodwill. Reading about how you are working on your new building together held a message for me: I am coming to the right place.

Warm Regards,
Alicia

Rev. Alicia McNary Forsey, Ph.D., AIM
http://www.pacificuu.org/fore