A Note From the Board…
Greetings WellSpringers,
We are writing to provide notice of a Congregational Meeting to be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024, after Sunday service. The purpose of the Congregational Meeting is to share information about calling Reverend Lee Paczulla as our settled minister. The Meeting will also be live-streamed, just like previous Congregational Meetings.
When Reverend Ken retired as our Founding Minister, it sparked many conversations and questions in our congregation. One question that arose was regarding Reverend Lee’s status, and whether we should call her as our Minister. That question has never left the Trustees’ radar, but we felt obligated to focus our energies on shoring up our financial foundations. The Stewardship Ministry is now settled in and doing a great job, which means we as Trustees have turned our focus to the question of calling a minister.
So, what does it mean to Call a Minister? In short, it’s a vote by the entire congregation stating that we want Reverend Lee to be our minister for the long term. Currently, she works for WellSprings as a Contracted Minister, and that agreement is renewed yearly. A Contracted Minister is hired by the Board of Trustees, and a Called Minister is voted on and hired by the congregation.
We understand that the majority of WellSpringers may not be lifelong Unitarian Universalists, and this will be something new. That’s not surprising as it will be a first for our congregation. We also understand that there will be questions like: why are we now taking this step? What are the procedures ? What does WellSprings look like once all this is completed? When and how will the vote occur?
On January 28th, after service, Board President Chris Groppe will share information about the process, including how all congregants can share questions and ideas in follow up small group meetings (in-person and virtual). We will be developing a FAQ to share as we move forward in this process. The meeting will be live-streamed for those not able to be there in Bell Hall.
We look forward to seeing you on the 28th as we move forward with this exciting work!
With gratitude,
Chris Groppe, Chris Rieder, Tonie Scullion, Tiffany Shoffner, & Sandy Tucker
The WellSprings Board of Trustees
Note: Childcare available during the meeting
Care for your kiddos will be available after service this Sunday January 28th during the special congressional meeting 11:15 – 12:15, so you can focus on the discussion regarding the calling of Reverend Lee to be our minister.
We’ll have a space for younger kids and for older kids – there will be a few games to play and drawing supplies – or have your kiddo bring their own book for tablet for quiet play or connection with peers.
Helen Zou and a volunteer will be present – bring your kids or littles back to the nursery area in Bell Hall.