Our congregation is actively engaged in the process called Transition or Interim Ministry. The Transition Team and Interim Minister work together to define the unique set of needs, strengths, and vision for selecting and moving forward with a new minister.

During this time between settled ministers, the congregation looks deeply inward and broadly outward as we prepare to call a new minister. 

Transition is a two-year process with many steps involving both reflection and growth. The community is guided by our Interim Minister, Reverend Beverly Waring (Rev. Bev), who is specifically trained to support congregations in doing the important work needed to prepare for a successful settled ministry. The Transition Team works to support the minister and community in this important work. Active participation by all members of the community is encouraged.

Transition Team:  Nick Allis, Cilla Cogan, Michael Dubinsky, Louise Marcoux

Read below to see where FUSF is on this important journey.

January 2023:  During a Quaker style worship, congregants were given the opportunity to reflect on their deepest hopes and concerns for our community. Members and friends were invited to reflect in silence and if moved, to share their thoughts aloud. Discussion did not take place, allowing the community to hear deeply the thoughts of others.

January 2023:  Small group discussions were facilitated by the Transition Team and the Lay Ministers. Groups shared their views of FUSF presently and their vision for the future.  Participants were asked to say what they were willing to bring to the community to make that vision a reality. Following the small group discussions, a summary of each group’s highlights was shared with the entire congregation.

October 2022:  Several cottage meetings were held both at the meetinghouse and online, facilitated by the minister and a member of the Transition Team. These groups, numbering up to twenty participants, offered the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings about the leaving of the settled minister and the hopes for our future.

August 2022:  Rev. Bev began her ministry at FUSF. Congregants happily greeted her with small group “Meet and Greets” which allowed everyone to become acquainted with each other.

June 2022:  The Board of Trustees appointed a Transition Team of five members to support Rev. Bev in her work

May 2022-June 2022:  An offer for a two-year ministry was made to and accepted by the Rev. Beverly Waring

February 2022: An Interim Minister search team was appointed by the Board. This team put together a comprehensive packet of information about FUSF’s congregational life. Included were descriptions of the Social, Spiritual, Ministerial, Administrative, and Educational fabric of our community. The packet was submitted to the UUA for consideration by Interim Ministers seeking new placements. January 2022:  With guidance from our Board of Trustees, the decision was made to enter the Interim Ministry Search process with the UUA.