Supporting UUWestport Through Transition

A supportive approach for UUWestport during a time of transition, with a focus on assessing, adjusting, and preparing for a new settled minister. Elements of shared transitional ministry are explored, including leadership needs, conflict transformation, rebuilding trust, and envisioning the future ministry.

• UUWestport
• Transitional Ministry
• Leadership Development
• Conflict Transformation
• Visioning

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1. Transitional Ministry Supporting UUWestport During A Time of Transition Rev Alan Taylor November 12, 2023 1

2. UUWestport Today and Transitioning to the Future You are Creative, energetic, industrious, hardy, with an inspiring history A congregation of committed, engaged members Engaged in the Community, open tonNew Ideas With some challenges Erosion of trust Struggles with managing conflict Confusion about roles and responsibilities, decision making Concerns about equity, transparency, diversity This is a time of Transition when the Congregation will Assess and adjust Prepare for a search for a new Settled Minister

3. The Arc of Shared Transitional Ministry at UUWestport New Minister Search Visioning Decision Making, Governance Assess current practices Review documented processes and policies Consider changes to enhance transparency, effectiveness and collaboration Conflict Transformation To Begin Again in Love New understanding of the nature of conflict New skills. Opportunities to practice healthy, loving engagement Rebuild Trust Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Integrity, Safety A Two or Three Year Process

4. Elements of Shared Transitional Ministry Who are we; what do we need; where are we going? Congregation Leadership Needs, organization, decision making, leadership development Mission Purpose and direction Connections Relationships inside and outside Heritage Understand our history and how it has shaped us and influenced our identity Future Prepare the for the next era of ministerial leadership Transitional Minister 4 Board of Trustees

5. What is Role of the Transitional Minister? Guide and support the Congregation in preparation for a new Settled Minister Help the Congregation assess and appreciate their strengths Guide the process of understanding Internal Congregational Dynamics Help the Congregation recognize unhealthy ingrained habits Establish the structures to enable the Congregation to address areas that are not working well Create an environment that encourages broad and diverse engagement Help create a healthy perspective of the past and enthusiasm and confidence in the future Transitional Ministry usually lasts two to three years. There may be a single Transitional Minister, but not necessarily.

6. Our Approach to Shared Transitional Ministry Governance and Decision Making Task Force Review current practices Consider responsibilities and boundaries for the Ministers, the Board, Committee Chairs and the Committee on Ministry Assess current environment for inclusivity, diversity and transparency Consider alignment of the Covenant of Right Relations and UU principles with decision making practices Make recommendations to the Board and the Congregation Conflict Transformation Team Support the Congregation s healing and resilience with education and opportunities to practice healthy engagement Engage outside resources Coordinate with Chaplains, Committee on Ministry, Faith Formation Team, Social Justice Council and the Board Evaluate progress and communicate regularly with the Board, the COM and the Congregation Focus on Healing and Resilience Appreciative Inquiry Task Force priorities Transition Team Meet regularly with the Transitional Minister Seek input from the Congregation and keep the Congregation informed about progress Be role models for participation in Shared Transitional Ministry Provide advice and guidance to the Transitional Minister and the Board Communicate regularly with the COM, the Board and the Congregation

7. Additional Key UUWestport Initiatives Capital Campaign Construction Task Force Engage the Congregation regarding the current plan, gather feedback With the Senior Minister and the Board, determine whether or not the current plan needs to be reassessed Manage the projects once there is a decision to proceed Financial Sustainability Team Coordinate with Legacy Gift Planning, Stewardship, Finance and Endowment Committees Identify initiatives to enhance financial sustainability Relaunch Soul Matters and Small Group Ministry Create opportunities for building connections, spiritual growth and practicing deep listening Celebrate UUWestport s 75th Anniversary Weave together the history of the cCongregation Interviews, Exploring the timeline Plan celebrations

8. How it all Fits Together Transitional Minister Board of Trustees Transition Team Financial Sustainability Team 75th Anniversary Committee Decision Making and Governance Task Force Conflict Vision and Values Clarification Project Transformation Team Capital Campaign Construction Team Called Minister Search Team

9. A Year of Challenge and Growth is Ahead - with plenty of fun and celebration along the way Be a part of this Shared Transitional Ministry Participate, engage, learn Share your ideas, listen Make things happen 75th Anniversary Our History Celebrations Bring your passions and talents Building and Grounds Stewardship Membership Communications Personnel / HR ..and more