Dear UUC Community:

I’m writing to you in my capacity as this year’s Board of Trustees president to share significant information with you.

As you have heard directly from our Rev. Jon Luopa, he informed the Board on January 18 of his intent to retire at the end of June 2024. The Board has accepted Jon’s decision to retire and will celebrate his remarkable 25-year tenure with us and 43-year career as a UU minister with gratitude and joy later in the year.

The Board of Trustees has initiated the transition process with the Unitarian Universalist Association, with the first step of finding a capable, engaging interim minister to serve us for a minimum of two years while we conduct our search for a new called minister.

A ministerial search is a thoughtful, inclusive and deliberate process undertaken by a congregation with the goal of calling a minister who can best meet the needs of a church now and into the future. Your Board of Trustees has studied the process and will work with the UUA support team and in collaboration with our entire congregation toward a successful transition.

As a board we are committed to keeping you abreast of the many details as they unfold. Please join us at the Town Hall Meeting on January 28 to hear more.

We can all rest a bit easier facing this momentous change knowing that UUC is in a strong position to weather a major transition – we have solid membership, outstanding staff and lay leadership, generous resources and an actively engaged congregation. 

I look forward to seeing you at the Town Hall and ask for your support as we embark on this journey together.

Patricia Graesser

President, Board of Trustees