Welcome Susan Frances!

On Monday, August 3rd, we will welcome the very newly (less than 24 hours, to be precise) ordained Rev. Susan Frances, as our part-time Congregational Life Director. As you hopefully know by now, Rev. Karen Mooney is departing UCE as she has decided to focus solely on being the Executive Director of UUANI. We are so grateful to Karen for the time she has been with us. Her wisdom, deep spiritual nature, and powerful ministry has been so very needed at this difficult–to–navigate time and she will be dearly missed. Thank you, Karen, for your ongoing commitment to our faith. 

We recognize that the decision to hire Susan Frances, our former Ministerial Intern, may have seemed swift and somewhat veiled. As we examine our power structures and how they show up in hiring practices, we are mindful of the harm a lack of transparency can cause. However, while we needed to make the decision quickly, please know that it was well-considered. Karen Mooney’s announced departure came just three months after we had concluded a thorough search for the position, in which we considered several strong candidates including Susan. The timing didn’t work for Susan last year, but it does now and having someone with Susan’s skills and well-established relationships is a windfall for the congregation, especially at this complicated time.  

We are thrilled to have Susan join the staff team. She brings the same insight, compassion, intelligence, and excellent skills to the role of Congregational Life Director as she did as our Intern. Her contract with us is for one year at which time it will be re-considered. The settled senior minister, who will be determined by the spring of this year, will be in dialogue with Susan and the board about the position long-term. 

For now, please join me in welcoming Susan into the role of directing UCE’s focus on social justice and membership.  

Yours in faith and in service, 

Eileen