First Parish Unitarian UniversalistLetter of Resignation from Diane
Effective This Summer
Please read Diane's letter of resignation. (The text of the letter follows.)
Diane's letter (PDF, 122 KB)
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Text of Diane's Letter
March 13, 2008
Dear First Parish Folks,
I write today to tell you that I plan to leave my ministry with First Parish this summer. We’ve had a good ten years together, with lots of growth, change, love and service.
Last summer I made the decision to seek a new ministry opportunity with a new congregation and a shorter commute. The outcome of that search is unclear as yet. In the months since that decision, though, my own discernment process—heeding my own inner callings, reviewing these ten years and concluding that we have by now done together what is possible for us to do together well, and feeling drawn by all that goes on in the world to see how else I might serve—brought me to the realization that I wish to move on, even if I don’t yet know where I’m going. I also considered the impact of my resignation on achieving the goals of your Strategic Plan, especially a capital campaign, and decided that sooner would be better than later.
And, so, I announce my resignation with sadness in anticipation of sorrowful partings and also with excited hope for whatever is to unfold for me.
I also feel hopeful for First Parish. I think the change will be good for the congregation. You will have an opportunity to look back over these ten years and consider what kind of minister could best serve and lead you in the years to come.
The Unitarian Universalist Association’s very thorough “settlement process” will help you to form a “Transition Team” and find an Interim Minister for 2008-09. And, it will guide you through a series of steps designed to end with a vote of the membership to call someone special as your next settled Parish Minister. I only mention this now to reassure anyone who may worry about the transition and to tell you that you can read about it at www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/transitions/.
Please know that I want to have whatever kinds of conversations will make ours a “proper good-bye,” with integrity and warmth. I’m sure there will be a mix of tears and laughter, relief and sorrow in the coming months, and celebration, too. During that time, I will continue to be your minister.
I plan to attend worship this Sunday and I will be available in the Parlor, along with members of the Parish Committee, during Coffee Hour to talk informally with you.
Truly yours,
(signed) Diane