Letter from Rev. Allison Farnum
Beloveds,
I am thrilled to join you in December as your contract minister.
When I heard that 2U was not getting an Interim Minister, I found myself with some very ruffled feathers. How could this amazing congregation not have the bestest, most skilled person come land on their threshold to serve their interim time? I had hoped to perhaps apply after the interim time and then throw my stole "in the ring" for consideration for settled ministry. But I took some time to tune in and realized that I could call the Region and see what options may be available for applying to serve the congregation sooner.
2U, I just love you. Wild, wooly, loving, eccentric, queer, abundant, radical, and beautiful. I have loved you since I was eating Fran Simon’s lemon bars in a small group ministry as a twenty-one year old. I have loved you from afar when I was serving a congregation in southwest Florida, ever grateful for the way you nurtured my call to ministry as a young adult and grounded me in opportunities for political education, youth ministry and connection with young adult anti-racist work in the (then) Central Midwest District. I loved being with you as sabbatical minister. And, soon I get to love the congregation even more!
I come to you having been considered as an inside candidate, having been in touch with UUA Regional staff so I could do things the “right” way and honor the process. I was an “inside candidate” because:
1) I have been an affiliated community minister at 2U,
2) I have served as a sabbatical minister, and
3) I also have been visible and connected with congregants through the UU Prison Ministry of IL work, Facebook, etc.
Now, why am I not starting sooner? Before joining you in December, I am honoring commitments I had already made. From August through November, I will be serving a previously planned sabbatical ministry in Appleton, WI at Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. This timing also allows for a thoughtful hiring process and leadership transition within the prison ministry I currently serve (and love), helping ensure that ministry continues to be well supported before I begin my ministry with 2U. With the support of your leadership and the UUA Regional Staff, you have coverage for pastoral care and worship support with colleagues who are seasoned and talented. Enjoy!
I have a deep love for this congregation just as it is. I am excited by the opportunity to journey alongside you, honoring who you are while supporting the ways you continue to grow and change. With the Transitions Team and Board, I will be working closely with the Region to think intentionally about this time of transition, and mostly to take time to get to know you all better by listening and learning from staff and congregation. So, I hope we stay open to where the spirit of Love leads us in collaborative partnership together.
With great rejoicing,
