Areas of Ministry
Below you can learn more about how I see different areas of ministry, and I how I hope to bring these diverse skills to the well-being of the congregation. Although I am writing about them under different headings, they are truly interwoven. To be healthy in all of these areas cultivates a steady and resilient faith community. The summaries below are complemented by the information provided in the Ministerial Record.
The photo of the circles is from an exercise that I did with our Young Adults, using a Tapestry of Faith curriculum on spiritual practices. |
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AdministrationI have served on a ministry team during two interim ministries and a settled ministry, while in the role of Assistant Minister. I am aware of the many logistics that arise during chapters in the life of a church. A stable building, reliable infrastructure, updated facilities, appropriate budget, clear personnel guidelines, and congregational covenant are all essential to making a church run smoothly. Smoothness in and of itself is not the goal. Keeping energy free to love and serve is the goal. I will attend continuing education to keep myself and the congregation up to date on best practices in congregational administration. From this solid ground we grow wings to serve the world.
See sample board report on link in menu on top bar 
Sharing food is one way for a staff to build rapport---for example, a birthday cake!
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Worship and
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Justice
The work of upholding each human's dignity involves providing aid and changing policies. This work requires skill, tenacity and is ultimately very fulfilling. Because social systems of injustice are slow to change, we need patience and a long view. Sharing the journey toward justice makes us more likely to stick in there for the long haul. Our faith can be strengthened when we engage in this justice work and allow ourselves to be changed by it.
In a congregation, I see my professional role in justice work as: - providing uplifting and challenging sermons about justice - ensuring that accurate information about laws and injustice is reaching the congregation, through forms such as sermons, bulletin articles, bulletin boards, social media, classes, and workshops - helping budget for social justice work - teaching skills to grow leaders who understand the long view of social change - pointing out internal racism, homophobia and other "-isms" within the congregation - networking with other agencies when an official clergy presence is needed |
Education
Humans are life-long learners, and at all ages they seek to make sense of life. In our spiritual community, we can support each person by providing age-appropriate classes, and shared activities that involve experiential learning.
I have taught religious education for many ages: - fourth grade - teens - Young Adults - adults I believe the role of the professional clergy is to be available to the staff and volunteers who are teaching others, and to sometimes teach when needed. I love teaching, want want to empower others to grow in this way. Learning takes place in classes, on retreats, in service trips, and during art projects. Learning can be a more private, quiet activity, or vibrant and shared activity. A way to measure how we are succeeding in our congregation's programs are whether people report newfound resilience and tools for dealing with questions posed by other and by life challenges. For example, I would like all the UU children to have a comfortable answer if another child on the playground asks if they believe in Jesus. I would like all of our members to know where to go to get information about planning for end-of-life. 
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