Learning About Transition Ministry
 
A highlight in April was attending the UUA’s Interim Ministry Seminar, my first as I finish my Accredited Interim Ministry training. Thankfully, I didn’t have to travel far to attend the national event as this year it was held in Woodstock, IL, at Loyola’s Retreat & Ecology Campus. The major requirements for Interim Accreditation are two 12-hour courses through the Interim Ministry Network, attending the seminar, and a year of one-to-one coaching while serving as an interim minister. There are ministers who serve as interims without seeking accreditation, but I wanted to do it right—and I’m enjoying transition work. I may do it again.
 
One of the most insightful things I heard shared by one of our experienced interims, who is also following a high-profile minister, is this: “My work is to de-center the ministry away from a single person and back toward the congregation.” This is the best visual I’ve heard about interim work. Where the “center” of a congregation is often EITHER on a charismatic minister OR a few strong lay leaders, interim ministry re-centers things so the congregation as a whole is at the center. The interim minister leads through coaching, modeling, redirecting, and presence–but is careful to balance their authority with the congregation’s reclaiming of theirs. I’ve been calling this “a reset to neutral,” but I like the decentering image better.
 
I’m pleased with progress made this year. As I’ve said, one of my goals is to do a “reset to neutral” of church systems, worship practices, and congregational assumptions around ministry. What does this mean? In long-term settlements, a congregation naturally forms itself to the style and personality of its minister or ministry team. This is especially true with strong  ministries. As with any healthy relationship, partners adapt to one another, compensate for strengths and shortcomings, and leverage what each other is good at. As a congregation transitions to a new relationship with a new minister, those unspoken expectations and sub-surface adaptations can get in the way. My role is not to “reset” the church to my particular strengths or personality traits, but to more of what might be considered “neutral.”
 
What does this look like in practice? We’ve reactivated key leadership functions, such as the Congregational Life Council and Committee on Ministry (for now called “The Transition Team”). We’re expanding the role of Worship Associates to include more leadership in the Sunday service. Overall, in line with this month’s Soul Matters theme of “Awakening Curiosity,” we’ve been curious about how lay empowerment and shared ministry will make our ministries more robust and ready for what’s next.

~ Rev. Bret

There will be two Zoom listening circles on Wednesday, May 6th. One is at 5 pm, and the other is at 8 pm. You will have to sign up for those. There will be sign-up sheets in Deale Hall on Sunday. 

Thank you!

Thanks to all who purchased cherry jam after last week’s service. The total collected was $140….no wait, here comes Ed and Diane Kuehl waving a $5 dollar bill….$145! As promised, the money will be passed on to replenish stock in the UU neighborhood pantry.

Gaen & Wanda

Eco Justice Team

The Eco Justice team will meet on May 31st instead of June 7th!

Martha Daniels Scholarship

Hi friends,

We are deeply grateful for your support and delighted to introduce you to your 2026 Scholar for the Martha Daniels UU Church Scholarship, Ha Phan! 

Ha, a graduate of Guilford High School, plans to pursue a degree in accounting and business. Growing up in a low-income household as an immigrant student, she shared that paying for college once felt “like a nightmare.” Receiving this opportunity changed that. She expressed that she is “so grateful and feel truly blessed,” knowing her family no longer has to worry about tuition. With renewed confidence, Ha says, “this has changed my future,” as she continues working toward her goals—made possible through your support.  

The UU Fourth Sunday Book Discussion Group meets at noon on the fourth Sunday of every month (Suprise!) in the church library.

This month, we will be reading Animal Farm by George Orwell

Admission if Free
Membership is Free
No strings are attached

• Our deep roots connect us to a wealth of resources that nourish our growth as a beacon for justice, inclusion, and liberation, especially anti-racism and gender and sexuality justice. 
• Our listening cultivates diverse and multicultural relationships that bridge divisions, strengthen our communities, heal hearts, and foster safety for all. 
• Our awareness of our interdependence inspires us to protect the shared environment and natural world in which we live.

The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL  |   4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107   |   815-398-6322    |   uurockford.org  |