Ministerial Transition
With the June 2024 retirement of UUC's Senior Minister of 25 years, the Rev. Jon Luopa, we are in a period of transition. On this page, you will find information regarding timeline, process, and decisions made throughout the transition to the congregation's call of our next Senior Minister.
Slate of Ministerial Search Committee Nominees Approved
June 2025
At our June 15, 2025 Annual Meeting UUC members voted to approve the slate of Ministerial Search Committee nominees.
This team will spend the next year identifying the best candidate for our next Senior Minister.
Hired Acting Associate Minister
May 2025
We are excited to share some wonderful news with you! The Acting Associate Search Team has concluded its efforts, and we are thrilled to introduce Rev. Victoria Poling as our new Acting Associate Minister for Community Engagement.
The position is part of our new staff team that emphasizes working with congregational teams to share the ministry of several essential areas including welcome, caring community and social justice. We will be very collaborative within the staff, as well as with lay leaders to continue to expand leadership development and build partnerships within the congregation and beyond. The associate position is acting, which indicates in this instance that it will likely remain in place as we transition into the new lead ministry and will allow the lead minister to have flexibility to continue the current ministry or seek another associate in line with their vision to build a vibrant and effective shared ministry.
Transition Update
June 2024
The UUC Board of Trustees has entered into a contract with the Rev. Dr. Douglas Wadkins to serve as interim Senior Minister for a two-year period beginning in August 2024. You can read more about Doug in this UUC blog post or by visiting his website.
Doug also offered this video message (at right) to the congregation in anticipation of the start of his ministry at UUC.
A final message from the Rev. Jon Luopa to the congregation reflected on the transition process and the path ahead for UUC. You can view that video here (at right).
Transition Update
March 2024
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 of Trustees
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.