We are in liminal space. That means, we are in between. In between normal and what we do not yet know. By the time you read this, the world will have spun around a few times, and a bunch more things will be different. I’m not sure what or how or why, but I am sure that it will be different.
Besides the horrible disease we’re dealing with–each to a greater or lesser extent–we are challenged by economic disruption. To put it mildly. Some of you have probably lost jobs, or hours. Others have lost investment money. So, it’s not a good time for a congregation to be asking for money. Yet, it is nearing the time of year when we do ask for your commitment for next year (our fiscal year goes from June through May). And you may be having trouble figuring out anything at all about next year.
Yet we have to plan. And, already the congregation had its financial struggles. You’ll see information elsewhere in this newsletter about the Annual Meeting and its agenda items–including a budget and a Search Committee. Since the budget is for the 2020/21 year, when I will still be serving as your minister, the decision about how much ministry the congregation can afford to seek does not affect the budget you are considering at the April meeting. It is clear from our current year’s financials that we cannot continue in our current mode.
That is why I have suggested to the Board that my time be dropped from full-time to 3/4-time with the new fiscal year. I cannot expect that UUFM members and friends will be able, given the current economic circumstances, to dramatically increase their giving to continue to support full-time ministry. And it’s not responsible stewardship to draw heavily on the endowment for on-going expenses, especially in the current climate.
We might consider this a rehearsal. A way for UUFM to find out how 3/4-time ministry would work for you, since the Board is recommending searching for a 3/4-time minister. And a way for me to ease towards retirement, which is my next planned step.
I would set clear boundaries around my time (while still being available in an emergency), and you would know when I am available and when I’m not. I have worked 3/4-time before, so I know some of what that entails. It would mean I would be less available. There would be more pressure on the Sunday Services Committee, and I would have to cut back on some of my activities.
Know, though, that I made this offer freely. The Board, acting responsibly, did not reject it, but felt it needed to be acted on by the congregation through the budget approval process.
I am sad about this, as you may be too. Our Developmental Ministry experiment was intended to position UUFM to sup- port full-time ministry. And we didn’t make that sustainable. However, that does not diminish the wonderful ministry we are doing together, and that you will continue to do. This could be an opportunity for other lay leadership to emerge, and perhaps for new models of cooperation with surrounding congregations, who are also struggling to maintain ministry.
Things will be different, but that is the way that life goes. We adjust and readjust.
In these challenging times, may you be well. May your family be well. May UUFM be well. And may all of us find ways to contribute to building a better world every day.
In faith and freedom, Jonalu
Contact Rev Jonalu Johnstone at revjonalu@uufm.net.