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: