Dear Members and Friends of University Unitarian Church, 

As I wrap up my almost nine years at UUC, I have been holding both sadness about leaving and excitement for what is unfolding as I prepare to start at Common Power later this summer. This tension has been possible to bear because the truth is that it is drenched in so much gratitude. Over the past two months, we’ve had the chance to make meaning of our years together, what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown, where we’ve gotten stuck, and where our lives are taking us now. You have been so generous in this transition, sharing your reflections and support, as well as your gratitude and grief. I am proud of the ministry we have shared and excited for whoever arrives next to minister to UUC and the fresh ideas and perspectives they will bring to partnering with the congregation. 

I want to speak directly to what leaving as a minister means for our relationships going forward. When a minister leaves a congregation, they enter into a period of time of no contact. This boundary can feel harsh, but the intention is so that both congregations and ministers can do the sacred work of grieving and creating space for what is to come. For me, this means time and space to rest, reflect, and reorient to my life. For UUC, this means continuing to engage in the Interim process with Rev. Doug as you prepare to partner with your next ministers. Because of the success of the Spring Pledge Drive, the process has begun to hire an Acting Associate Minister with the hope that they can be in place before the next church year begins. That minister will be focused on Community Engagement both within and beyond the congregation, including leading the justice and care ministries, as well as supporting other adult programming. It’s a big role and they will need your patience and support as they come into the community. The next church year will also be the search year for UUC’s next lead minister. It is a pivotal time for the congregation and an important time for everyone to find their role in supporting the health of the community! 

After the end of April, I will be fully away from the congregation for at least two years, giving plenty of space for the incoming ministers to arrive and get settled. Being fully away means you won’t see me visiting on a Sunday or continuing in any ministerial role such as leading UUC weddings or memorials. Since I am staying in Seattle, continuing to serve on the board of the Church Council of Greater Seattle, and working at Common Power, it is likely that we will be crossing paths within those two years. However, in order to respect the boundaries of ministerial transition, when we do encounter each other, I ask that we steer clear of talking about UUC. Also, even though I am going into fundraising at Common Power, I am not going to directly solicit donations from members of UUC to respect this period of intentional parting of ways. Of course, UUC and Common Power will remain connected as partner organizations and I hope the relationship will only deepen in order to build collective strength to meet the current political crises. We need to band together right now. 

There will be at least a couple months between when I leave and the next second minister begins. Please keep in mind that staffing will be more stretched in these months. During that time, Rev. Doug will be supporting the Care Team. The summer preaching schedule will look very much as it has before with a rotation of guest preachers from the area, as well as a Chalice Camp service in early August. Janine Larsen will continue to be the main contact for special events until the new Congregational Engagement Specialist is hired. In terms of social justice, the Social Justice Steering Committee will be available for support as questions and needs arise. I encourage you also to lean into the organizing happening in the wider community. There are so many deeply necessary ways to show up, build community, and resist those forces that rip at the fabric of our shared humanity. Keep opening towards who you are called to be, as persons and as a people, in these perilous times. 

Thank you all for a wonderful nine years of ministry together. Though it feels like the right time to make this life transition, I will dearly miss the community of University Unitarian Church. It has been a joy and an honor to be among you as one of your ministers. 

I hope many of you can join on April 27 at either the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. services for a shared celebration of our time together! 

With love, 

Rev. Beth Chronister