Rev. Lilli Nye has announced her resignation as pastor of Theodore Parker Church effective July 1, 2012. Thus, the 2012-2013 church year will be a time of transition for the congregation. The Standing Committee held a Congregational Forum on February 12, 2012, to discuss the transition process.
There is an excellent protocol mapped out by the Unitarian Universalist Association to assist UU congregations in the process of ministerial transition. These methods and schedules will inform our process at Theodore Parker. For anyone who wants to read in greater detail, this information is available on the UUA website.
Interim Minister
The first stage of the process, initiated by the Standing Committee, is to search for an interim minister who will guide the community for one or two years, beginning this summer. A list of potential interim minister candidates will be provided to us by the UUA in March. The hiring of the interim minister is administered by the Standing Committee and is relatively straightforward, similar to any church staff hire. Resumes are submitted and reviewed, candidates for interviews are selected and interviewed, references are checked, and an offer is made.
Ministerial Search Committee
Meanwhile, a Nominating Committee is formed by the Standing Committee that will begin identifying potential members for the Ministerial Search Committee. The Nominating Committee will present a slate of Search Committee candidates to the congregation this spring.
Once formed, the Ministerial Search Committee will work very closely and intensely for over a year (beginning this spring and throughout the interim period), seeking a candidate for the permanent ministry to present to the congregation. To serve as a member of this Search Committee is a major commitment of time and energy on behalf of our community.
Celebration of Lilli’s Ministry
This spring, in addition to finding an interim minister and identifying a Search Committee, we will also celebrate our ten years with Lilli and, in June, say farewell. Bringing presence and completion to this relationship during these next six months is important for both the congregation and Lilli.
Lilli will conclude her service to TPC at the end of our fiscal year, June 30, 2012. Our interim minister will most likely begin service in mid-July or early August 2012.