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Vancouver Unitarians
2020 to 2023 - Interim Ministry
Arriving as an interim minister to serve the Unitarian Church of Vancouver during the pandemic was an experience filled with challenges and opportunities. While the amazing volunteers had pivoted to provide high-quality online services, the shutdown made it challenging for people to feel connected in community. As a newcomer, it was also challenging to provide leadership and build relationships without the benefit of face-to-face interaction, but we discovered quickly that one-on-one Zoom conversations with people actually does create a deep sense of connection.
However, this time also created opportunities for new leaders and ideas to emerge. People are so creative and resilient! We worked hard to provide pastoral care and support to members who were struggling, and we found new ways to connect with each other virtually. We reviewed and organization of the congregation, identifying areas for growth and improvement, and did a deep exploration of some of the history of the congregation that held some lingering areas for shared understanding and healing.
As the pandemic recedes, the congregation is continuing to emerge with a renewed sense of purpose, identity, and vision. UCV has weathered the pandemic better than many other congregations in many ways, working tirelessly through this complex transition process during a time of turmoil in the world and within our denomination as well. Despite, or perhaps because of, all the challenges, UCV is a vibrant and healthy community, looking towards its next chapter of settled ministry with a unified vision that reflects its values and priorities. I am honored to have been a part of this transformation, and I am grateful to the amazing volunteers and leaders who made it possible.
Arriving as an interim minister to serve the Unitarian Church of Vancouver during the pandemic was an experience filled with challenges and opportunities. While the amazing volunteers had pivoted to provide high-quality online services, the shutdown made it challenging for people to feel connected in community. As a newcomer, it was also challenging to provide leadership and build relationships without the benefit of face-to-face interaction, but we discovered quickly that one-on-one Zoom conversations with people actually does create a deep sense of connection.
However, this time also created opportunities for new leaders and ideas to emerge. People are so creative and resilient! We worked hard to provide pastoral care and support to members who were struggling, and we found new ways to connect with each other virtually. We reviewed and organization of the congregation, identifying areas for growth and improvement, and did a deep exploration of some of the history of the congregation that held some lingering areas for shared understanding and healing.
As the pandemic recedes, the congregation is continuing to emerge with a renewed sense of purpose, identity, and vision. UCV has weathered the pandemic better than many other congregations in many ways, working tirelessly through this complex transition process during a time of turmoil in the world and within our denomination as well. Despite, or perhaps because of, all the challenges, UCV is a vibrant and healthy community, looking towards its next chapter of settled ministry with a unified vision that reflects its values and priorities. I am honored to have been a part of this transformation, and I am grateful to the amazing volunteers and leaders who made it possible.
