Here is a message from the Board on April 24, 2025:
Dear Friends,
By now, most, if not all, of you have seen the message from Rev. Sam announcing his resignation as our minister at the end of this month. We understand this news may come as a surprise and stir a range of emotions. Please know that whatever you are feeling, it is valid, and you are not alone.
We want to clarify that the Board did not seek Rev. Sam’s resignation. Rather, he returned from his sabbatical and unexpectedly presented us with this ultimatum. Nor was this outcome the result of a single event, or the result of any complaints about Rev. Sam’s efforts to increase diversity and advocate for social justice. Rather, this event resulted from the culmination of concerns and experiences that developed over multiple years. While much of this work happened quietly out of respect for Rev. Sam and the confidentiality of personnel matters, we recognize that the lack of visible communication has led to surprise and hurt now, and for that we are truly sorry.
We assure you that our actions have been guided by a deep commitment to the health, integrity, and future of this congregation. Furthermore, we wish to unequivocally affirm our commitment as a Board to the UU shared values, including justice and equity, and we as a church will continue to center those values in the coming months and years. This includes centering those values as we as a church select a new minister.
On May 4th after the service, we will hold a Town Hall meeting to provide space for you to voice your concerns and ask your questions. Alongside Cameron Young from the UUA, we’ll share more about the Board’s process, hear the UUA’s perspective and continue this conversation together as a community rooted in care and covenant.
We believe this time of transition is also a time of opportunity: to reflect, to reconnect, and to renew our shared vision for all seven UU values: love, interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity, and equity. We continue to embrace that we do not have to think alike to love alike. We know who we are, a congregation rooted in love, seeking justice, and striving always to be a welcoming spiritual home for all.
Rev. Sam leaves behind a meaningful legacy of preaching inclusion and championing social justice from our pulpit– values that are central to who we are as Unitarian Universalists. He helped move us forward in important ways, and we recognize that our journey continues. We will keep working to build a congregation and staff that includes all persons regardless of race, sexual identity or orientation, political beliefs, age, or faith journey. We are striving to build a beloved community in which all our lives may be enriched.
So, what happens next?
We had hoped Rev.Sam would stay through the end of the church year in June to allow more time for the congregation to prepare for the transition. Instead, from May through August, we will welcome a series of guest speakers to our pulpit, including our beloved intern Monica Clark-Robinson and Music Director James Westerfield. At the same time, we are actively beginning the search for an Interim Minister, who will serve for two years beginning August 1. Interim ministers are specially trained to guide congregations through times of transition, helping us heal, strengthen relationships, and prepare for the future.
During the Interim’s second year, we will begin a search for our next Settled Minister, with the goal of welcoming them in August 2027. We will seek leaders who can carry forward the call for justice, inclusion, and shared ministry.
For now, we ask that you continue showing up for one another. Join us in worship, in fellowship, and in the many ways we care for our church and its mission. Our strength has always come from our people and from the love, resilience, and hope we share.
With gratitude and in faith,
The Church of the River Board of Trustees:
Matt Holladay, President
Gordon Bradley, Vice-President
Lisa K. Jennings, Treasurer
Porter Feild
Carol Fourmy, Secretary
Paul Herman
Lynette Larkins
James Martin
Ron Peck
Laura Taylor
Paula Turner
