In the Interim, September 2010
In this, my first newsletter column to you as your Interim Minister of 2010- 2011, I want to tell you how glad I am
that we will be together in ministry this year.
It feels good to be back in Virginia. I served the UU congregations in Norfolk and Williamsburg as their Interim Minister in 1992-3 and 2003-4 respectively. However, my main connection with Virginia was during my young adulthood. For thirteen years after I graduated from college I lived in Arlington and Alexandria as I practiced my first career as a computer professional and began studying for the Unitarian Universalist ministry.
It was in northern Virginia that I discovered UUism, married, was widowed, and felt called to parish ministry. It was with great reluctance that I moved away to Chicago to continue my theological studies at Meadville/Lombard Theological School.
Since then, I have moved many times to serve congregations that are in transition. I know we will have a good year together as you work with me to make the most of this additional interim year.
Here are several details to talk with you about as we begin together – they can make a real difference in helping us understand one another.
First of all, I want to thank all of you who gave me such warm hospitality during my visit with you in June. It was gratifying to see so many of you at the meetings and gatherings during those days and evenings and to hear your thoughts and questions. And thanks also to you who gave me home hospitality, meals, and kind words!
Second, I will be keeping regular office hours. I imagine I will be there between 9ish and 5 PM (days TBD), with time away for meetings and visiting in hospitals and homes. So if you would like to meet with me, it is always a good idea to call me at the Church Office and make an appointment so that we can have some uninterrupted time with each other. Or, if you wish to invite me to call on you at home, I would be glad to schedule a time to do so. There are many ways for us to get acquainted, and the time will go by all too fast! You already know this from your two years with Rev. Dr. Morris Hudgins.
Third, Friday is my Sabbath day, and I do not schedule myself for appointments then. If you have a true
emergency, though, I am available any day. Please call the staff in the Church Office, and they will contact me.
Fourth, The Board will soon approve the existence of the Transition Team, a working group of congregants who will be the in-house resource persons on the concept and practice of Interim Ministry during this period of transition. I will have more information about the Team soon, so watch for their names and contact info. Maybe we can get them special name tags.
And, last, speaking of name tags, blessings on you who wear them at congregational events! It helps me enormously when I can see your name at the same time as I hear it and look at your face. Remember the first time you were a newcomer in a room full of Unitarian Universalists who all seemed to know each other? All those faces, unfamiliar to you, and few if any nametags? ‘Nuff said!
Best wishes, Janet E. Newman
Accredited Interim Minister
now serving you at TJMC-UU
