From Rev. Doug Wadkins, Interim Minister

Following Byron Krystad’s recent announcement of his pending retirement and other staffing changes, I am delighted to share that Janine Larsen has agreed to serve as Acting Administrator, effective Monday, December 16.

This will be a full-time position that is designed to help us bridge some gaps as we determine and implement next steps in re-imagining and re-building our staff team. It’s important to note that Janine will not be assuming all of Byron’s responsibilities. She’ll help us maintain continuity in congregational services, many of our administrative processes, volunteer support, and staff management. Janine will also be able to continue her leadership of the UUC Zen Group, which has become a sizeable and valued program of the church.

We are already pursuing a variety of options for appropriate support of finance, facilities and technology functions, as well as longer term office and program support. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we address these areas of need.

From Janine:

“I’m pleased to be able to serve UUC as Acting Administrator during this time of significant staff transition. It’s not unusual for churches navigating a ministerial change to see staffing shifts too. When several staff leave and particularly when long-time staff depart, it can be very destabilizing to congregations. But it can also be an opportunity to try new approaches and welcome new talents to meet both emerging and continuing missions of the church. I look forward to supporting Rev. Doug’s ministry with us as we explore who we are now, and who we are called to be and become.”   

Janine joined UUC staff as Director of Ministries in 2016. In this role, she has overseen church programs and staff who support learning, spiritual deepening, connection & communications, and welcoming presence. She moved to half-time in July, 2024, to support a staffing reduction and restructuring. Prior to joining UUC staff, Janine served the Unitarian Universalist Association in the Pacific Northwest for twelve years, as District Executive and on Regional Staff. She worked in nonprofit management, fundraising, and consulting for 25 years before that. She is also an ordained Zen Buddhist priest and Dharma Teacher, with a devoted practice in Unitarian Universalist communities.

Please join me in expressing thanks to Janine as she takes on this new role with us at UUC.

~ Rev. Doug