Interim Ministry is a Time to Garden

I am a gardener. I love growing food and cooking. It is an extension of my ministry. Interim ministry is a time to garden in a congregation. We step back and look at our soil health. We review what we have planted and assess our harvests as well as what we might have sowed that did not grow or is no longer what we want to eat. As the process progresses, we will decide what we want to plant in the future. [These images are scenes from my garden. One is the entrance to my vegetable garden. The other is a bowl of tomatoes I picked yesterday.]

To that end, I am looking at ways we communicate, greet and get to know one another; I will occasionally send an email from just me like I did this week about the memorial. Sometimes they will be pastoral, inspirational or informational. I believe clear is kind. I want to thank many of you for sending me messages directly. I am taking them all in.

Occasionally, I will send a text. Please update your information in Breeze and opt into texting: Click “My Profile” (at the top) and select “Enroll to Receive Text Messages” (next to your profile picture).

What do we focus on during an interim period?

• HERITAGE – Reviewing how the congregation has been shaped and formed. 
• MISSION – Defining and redefining sense of purpose and direction 
• LEADERSHIP – Reviewing member needs and the congregation’s ways of organizing and developing leadership 
• CONNECTIONS – Discovering and nurturing the relationships a faith community builds outside of itself 
• FUTURE – Preparing for the next era of leadership 

We begin this process with the Start-up with two representatives from the Mid-America Regional staff. All of you are invited to the Friday night potluck and activity on September 18 at 5:30 p.m. This brings energy and we start to recall our history together and warm up the Interim Process. Saturday September 19 in the morning key leaders in the congregation will be invited to dive deeper into that work. That afternoon the board will meet with me and Regional UUA staff to dive deeper still and create our Board and Minister Covenant as well as get very clear about who has what responsibility. 

This work is exciting and I can’t wait to have you take part. I am already delighted with the caliber of leaders you have here and the knowledge you already have about dismantling systems of oppression. When people asked me how my new ministry was going, I told them: “My first week people talked about not being performative, appropriative or white supremacist. I think I found a great match.” I mean that. I am impressed with so many of you, your skills and the passion you bring to our faith. Thank you for your efforts, gifts, time, money and heart.

Why is interim ministry recommended?

The interim period offers a deep breathing space between ministries where we:

• Review goals and assess whether programs, facilities, technology, and communication align with the ministries we aim to build
• Update systems to reflect current best practices
• Bond as a congregation and grow into a new identity
• Invite all groups and committee into self-examination and deep questions
• Discover and develop new leaders and guides among us
• Explore theology, repentance & repair in faith formation experiences for all 
• Prepare the congregation to welcome a new minister

I expect this time to nurture you personally and grow your congregation. Thank you for bringing your humus and compost, your seeds and your harvesting skills to the adventure we are embarking upon.

Warmly, Rev. Denise 8/19/26