Dear Friends,
Today I announced to the congregation that I will be retiring from my position as senior minister at the end of this year. My last Sunday will be Dec. 18.
I know this is the right decision for me, though I make it with a heavy heart. Unity Renaissance has been at the center of my life for some 9½ years. I love our community, and all of you, very much. At the same time, I am feeling complete with my ministry here. I’ve done what I came here to do, and it is time to pass the torch to new leadership.
Let me assure you that nothing happened to cause my decision other than my own inner urging to create the next chapter of my life. All is well with Richard and me, the Board, the staff, and the congregation. But I will be 68 in February, and time is precious. I am looking forward to having more time with my beloved Richard, with my precious children and grandchildren (including our first grandson due Jan. 3!), and more time for myself. I will spend much of 2023 resting and rejuvenating before contemplating what’s next.
Rev. Richard will not be retiring along with me. He will continue as Music Director for the foreseeable future. Rev. Ann DeMichael will also be continuing as Adult Education Director and Director of Prayer and Pastoral Care. Neither Richard nor Ann, both Unity ministers, is interested in applying for the senior minister position. Nevertheless, they will provide tremendous continuity and stability as we move forward, as will our exceptional Board, staff, and volunteers.
The Board is already in touch with Unity Worldwide Ministries to chart the way forward. In keeping with UWM’s recommendation, the Board will be looking to hire a transitional minister at the beginning of 2023 who will serve Unity Renaissance for several months. The role of the transitional minister is to help the church adjust to operating without the departing minister. The transitional minister will also work with the Board and congregation to move through the steps of hiring a new senior minister. You will be a vital part of that process. The Board is committed to keeping you informed and engaged through each phase of the ministerial search, via meetings, emails, regular updates, and Q&A sessions.
There is much more to understand about what will be happening at Unity Renaissance in the coming months and year. I encourage you to attend the Community Forum with our Board at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, to ask your questions and learn more.
Meanwhile, know that whatever you are feeling about this news is normal and okay. You may be sad, angry, shocked, in denial, or even excited about the changes to come. My own feelings are all over the map! As much as I look forward to retirement, I am very sad to be leaving you.
I will be holding small group meetings later in the fall to talk to you about what’s happening and process it together. This is a great time to put our spiritual tools into practice – to have faith in our community, and each other; to affirm Divine Order will prevail; and to know all will be well.
Here’s how you can best support Unity Renaissance in this time of change:
- First, recognize that the church is not the minister. Unity Renaissance is much bigger and stronger than the leadership of a single person. You are part of a spiritual community and a consciousness that continues on, no matter who is in charge.
- Second, lean in, not out. It’s normal for some people to think this would be a great time to take a break from church, and to stop attending, contributing, or volunteering. Please don’t! Community is strengthened when we stick together through times of change and shape our future together. You are a valued part of our spiritual family. Unity Renaissance needs you! Please take this opportunity to engage even more deeply with our spiritual family and find new ways to call this place your home.
- Third, hold positive intentions for our future minister and our evolving community. We have a strong Board, strong staff, and strong lay leadership. See this change opening the way for an exciting new era for Unity Renaissance.
I am grateful to have three more months with you before I go. It will be precious time indeed! I look forward to spending time with each of you, appreciating how far we’ve come, and focusing on what’s most important.
It has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life to serve all of you. I love Unity Renaissance more than words can ever express! Thank you for making this minister’s dreams come true.
Much love,
Rev. Paula Mekdeci
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