April 26, 2018

I am writing to let you know that I have submitted my resignation to the board this evening.  My last day in the pulpit will be June 17 and then I am taking my vacation and study leave time to prepare for my move by July 31.

I have accepted a position as Developmental Minister for the Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bradenton, FL.

This has been a fruitful ministry here. We have accomplished the goals that we set out to do when I was brought on 2/3rds time back in 2008.  Those goals were to create more visibility in the community, to put our values into action, and to grow the congregation to be able to sustain full time ministry.  We have done and continue to do this work.

We have become known as the church that shows up for social justice.  We have spearheaded the development of Somos Tuskaloosa, Move to Amend, and Druid City Pride.  All have made our larger community a better place for all.  We became a designated welcoming congregation in the UUA. Our ties to the UUA’s Southern Region have grown strong with our participation of the president calls with area UU congregations. We have invited the Southern Region here to host regional events.

I have been honored and privileged to have served as your minister for the past 10 years. And I am confident that your next phase of your journey will continue to be fruitful ones.  You will remain in my heart and held with pride. It has been a rewarding journey for me as your minister.

Over the next several weeks, we will celebrate our ministry together and begin saying our goodbyes. I will say a few things about this on Sunday but will focus the May 6th service to the next steps.

With a full heart,

Fred