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The Unitarian Church in Westport, Connecticut
This 400 + member congregation is an architectural jewel, and well-known in UUA circles for producing many denominational leaders. Denny Davidoff, Linda Shannon-Bluestein, John Hooper, Randy Burnham, Ted Yang, Rev. Olivia Holmes, just to name a few. It is in a very high-income area, bringing inherent complexities to its congregational system, cultural demographics and social justice ministries. I served this church in my final year of ministerial formation, as Intern Minister, with the Senior minister, Rev. Dr. John Morehouse. During this time, the church transitioned to Policy Governance as well as managing several internal conflicts, losses and a serious misconduct by a staff member. This was a rich year of experience in ministerial leadership, with all the challenges and joys imaginable. I truly loved this congregation, and working collaboratively with the ministry team.
January 24, 2017
To: The Ministerial Fellowship Committee
Lara has impressed me with her ability to design and lead worship, offer pastoral care and lead the congregation in our focused work towards partnering with a local Islamic Center.
Lara brings maturity and calm to her ministry. She has an eye for detail and is very well organized, traits that will serve her well in the future. She has taken the initiative to offer several worship services (one at Solstice and one on Christmas Day) beyond what our worship team had planned that served many in our congregation. She has also offered spiritual practice events and discussion groups around issues following the election.
As a colleague, I have appreciated her questions and reflections on what we are doing as a congregation. More than once I have changed course around worship or a social justice effort because of our conversation.
I have been especially impressed by her willingness to lead us in our justice work. She works collaboratively with the senior staff around educating and communicating our need to go out into our community. She helped me design a long term strategy on anti-racism, including classes, entering into the Beloved Conversations program and a new partnership with a local African American Congregation.
I recommend her, without reservation, to our fellowshipped ministry.
Yours Sincerely, Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, Senior Minister
January 24, 2017
To: The Ministerial Fellowship Committee
Lara has impressed me with her ability to design and lead worship, offer pastoral care and lead the congregation in our focused work towards partnering with a local Islamic Center.
Lara brings maturity and calm to her ministry. She has an eye for detail and is very well organized, traits that will serve her well in the future. She has taken the initiative to offer several worship services (one at Solstice and one on Christmas Day) beyond what our worship team had planned that served many in our congregation. She has also offered spiritual practice events and discussion groups around issues following the election.
As a colleague, I have appreciated her questions and reflections on what we are doing as a congregation. More than once I have changed course around worship or a social justice effort because of our conversation.
I have been especially impressed by her willingness to lead us in our justice work. She works collaboratively with the senior staff around educating and communicating our need to go out into our community. She helped me design a long term strategy on anti-racism, including classes, entering into the Beloved Conversations program and a new partnership with a local African American Congregation.
I recommend her, without reservation, to our fellowshipped ministry.
Yours Sincerely, Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, Senior Minister
