Address: 6556 35th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98115
Service: Sundays at 9:30am and 11:15am in-person or online
Phone: 206-525-8400
Minister Transition
With the retirement of UUC's Senior Minister of 25 years, Rev. Jon Luopa, we are going through a period of transition. Please find the information regarding the process below.
Retirement Announcement
January 2024
On January 21st, 2024 Rev. Jon Luopa announced his retirement as Senior Minister at University Unitarian Church at the end of June 2024.
2024 Leadership Transition
University Unitarian Church has enjoyed the benefit of Jon Luopa’s long-term ministry for the past 25 years. With Jon’s announced retirement at the end of June 2024, the Board of Trustees has begun the process to hire an interim minister.
Before the end of May 2024, the Board is expected to enter into a contract with an interim minister for a two-year period. Our Board focus in May and June will be to celebrate Jon Luopa’s life of service. Summer services will run much as they have traditionally. Then, in August 2024, our interim ministry period begins.
The search process for a called minister is a separate process that isn’t initiated until after an interim minister is hired. A ministerial search is a thoughtful, inclusive process undertaken by a congregation with the goal of calling a minister who can best meet the needs of a church now and into the future. We enter into this new phase in a strong position: We have solid membership, outstanding staff and lay leadership, generous resources and an actively engaged congregation. The Board of Trustees asks for your continued patience and participation as we travel this transitional road together.
Transition Update
The Board of Trustees met with the Congregation during their monthly Conversations with the Board on March 17, 2024 to update the attendees on the progress to find an interim minister.
Unitarian Universalist Association Transition Process
The Unitarian Universalist Association provides guidance for churches going through the leadership transition process. Please see the links below for more information.
Congregational Meeting January 28, 2024
University Unitarian Church held their mid-year Congregational Meeting on January 28, 2024. During this meeting, Rev. Jon Luopa, Rev. Beth Chronister and Board of Trustees President Patricia Graesser all made statements regarding the leadership transition.
Senior Minister Statement
A statement from Rev. Jon Luopa at the January 28, 2024 Congregational Meeting
Rev. Beth Chronister's Remarks
A statement from Rev. Beth Chronister about her plans now that Rev. Jon Luopa is retiring at the January 28, 2024 Congregational Meeting.
Statement from the Board on the Transition
A Statement from the Board of Trustees President Patricia Graesser regarding the Interim Search Process and the leadership transition at the January 28, 2024 Congregational Meeting.