Greetings, Good People,

          After deep discernment I decided not to return to Mission Peak next year. I didn’t know whether or not I would be offered a second year contract but after reflection, discussion with mentors and colleagues, and my spouse, I realized I didn’t feel it would be the best thing. Not that I couldn’t see what skills I could bring to the table in service to you or what work I could be helpful with, but that I hadn’t experienced the kind of support from congregational leadership-those elected and those who de facto have big influence, rightly or wrongly-that any minister would want and certainly that I felt necessary to get more accomplished and feel good about staying.

          I have no doubt you can find a good match for your next interim, someone who will work with you effectively and perhaps not face the interpersonal obstacles-mostly focused on personality rather than principles-that I have experienced. No need to point fingers. It just hasn’t felt to me that my skills and experience, my leadership and consultative services have been welcomed sufficiently for me to feel fully of use.

          From the first time I led a service here, some years ago, I felt you are a warm and loving community. But there are issues that need to be worked on: communications, conflict avoidance, roles and responsibilities, focus on the congregation’s mission rather than what each person wants. Any congregation can exist, can get by, but to function well as a religious institution and not just a club of friendly folk, it takes commitment to the “we” as expressed in your mission, your reason for being, more than personal preferences alone or the “me” things. And it takes good communication skills and healthy approaches to hurt feelings and conflict resolution.

          I did not resign, by the way. For some reason that’s what some of you have said to one another. And I’m in good health; there is no medical reason behind my decision. I’m here working, serving out my one-year contract, fully engaged.

          I will be physically present through almost all of May and almost all of June, on study leave and therefore on call for pastoral emergencies through most of July, and then will finish my contract taking vacation time through August 19.

          If you would like to talk with me about this decision or anything else related to congregational life, MPUUC’s present or it’s future, feel free to email
minister@mpuuc.org or call 510-972-3890 and make a time to meet.

          While this is a time of mixed emotion for me and some of you, it should also be seen as a time of great opportunity. Take hold of it and engage!

 

UU San Francisco is hosting 4 Young Adult OWL Workshops, a tester to see if we might offer the full curriculum next year. Young adults interested, contact Joe Chapot, UUSF Young Adult Coordinator @ 
youngadults@uusf.org