Letter to the Congregation: June 26, 2020

It is with a mix of regret and appreciation that we share the news that Rev. Karen Mooney will be leaving the position of Congregational Life Director at the end of July to continue her work as the  (Sabbatical)  Executive Director for UUANI until the end of the year.  

This change was not anticipated when Karen was hired but the  life events that brought Karen into that Sabbatical Ministry have worsened requiring her leadership for a longer period of time. Karen has been holding two half-time positions within our Unitarian Universalist faith since March – as the Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of Illinois (UUANI) and as Congregational Life Director of UCE. The leadership at UCE has worked to ensure a smooth transition from Karen’s ministry.  As hard as it is to see Karen go, we trust you will be reassured to know that Susan Frances, our former ministerial intern, will be returning to UCE as our part time Congregational Life Director beginning August 3rd. There will be more details on that soon. 

We have benefitted from Karen’s presence in all ways. We are grateful for her wisdom, competence, and compassion in this role and we also understand and support her need to move on.  As you will remember, Karen began her role with us on March 10th, the very day the pandemic impacted our community in such a profound and personal way. It has been an extraordinary time of upheaval and challenge to carry forth ministry, let alone to begin a new position. Yet, Karen proved to be a tremendous asset from the very beginning, managing our caring response to members and friends, launching Proximity Partners, steering the Social Justice Council, orienting and welcoming new members, leading powerful and beautiful worship, and much more.  

We will miss you, Karen, and know that our work together will carry on, through our partnership with UUANI and other shared justice efforts. Please read Karen’s statement of thanks and regret here: 

Letter from Rev. Karen Mooney

Rev. Karen Mooney here. It is with regret and real sadness that I announce my resignation as Director of Congregational Life at the Unitarian Church of Evanston.

Any significant move deserves some explanation and here is mine. As many of you know I have been juggling my work here at UCE working with the UU Advocacy Network of IL. I had thought that role there would end this month. Sadly my position as the Sabbatical Minister for the UU Advocacy Network of IL is being extended to the end of year as Rev. Scott Aaseng continues to care for a family medical crisis. I cannot do both jobs well in the longer term and feel an obligation to UUANI and Rev. Aaseng on his journey. UUANI has unique work that they do within the state as an organization working with congregations.

I will continue to work through the end of July when a familiar face will be coming back into this role. Thank you for your warm welcome. 
I have enjoyed working and getting to know many of you. I am sure that we will continue working together in the broader sense as we bring justice and compassion into the world.  
2020-06-26T16:35:46+00:00

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Unitarian Church of Evanston

A Unitarian Universalist Congregation

1330 Ridge Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
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(847) 864-1330
uce@ucevanston.org

UCE's office hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 4 pm

In-person and Virtual Sunday Service is held at 10:30 am.

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