Ministerial Transition

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Rev. Kent’s last day?
Rev. Kent’s last Sunday at Tapestry will be June 29, 2025.

When will we have another minister?
Tapestry leaders are working hard to secure another minister. An Interim or Contract Minister will likely begin on August 1, 2025

Why is Rev. Kent leaving?
Rev. Kent is leaving Tapestry to fill a position closer to his family in Oklahoma. He feels like he cannot pass up this rare opportunity. He is not leaving to get away from Tapestry. In fact, he is very sad to leave this wonderful community.

What do we do between now and the end of June?
Rev. Kent will work closely with committee chairs and staff to hand off all necessary files and close as many gaps as possible. The Committee on Shared Ministry and Rev. Kent will host listening sessions to process some of the complicated feelings about this change. One-on-one meetings are also available as needed. This is also a time to celebrate the growth of Tapestry’s past 11 years and all we have accomplished together.

How will we find our next minister?
Tapestry’s Board has formed a search committee to select an Interim Minister. The committee includes Nikky Contractor, Paul Brady, Sheryl Hagen, Wendy Washington, and Scott Westerfield. Sheryl Hagen is the committee chair. Their first step is to gather a thorough and honest description of Tapestry so potential candidates can find it. That job posting will be completed by April 18. Then interested, qualified ministers will submit their information to the committee. If all goes as planned, the Board has the hiring authority to make an offer and hire an Interim Minister to start August 1st.

What about Worship?
The Worship Committee has a solid list of guest speakers, many of whom are UU ministers. Occasionally, Tapestry members will be called upon to share their wisdom. As soon as a new minister is found, they will lead Sunday service like Rev. Kent has.

What about Pastoral Care?
A new emergency pastoral care phone line has been created, (949) 264-3997. It will always be forwarded to a minister or qualified mental health professional connected to Tapestry. This same number will be transferred to Tapestry’s future ministerial leadership.

What is Interim Ministry?
Interim ministry is a transitional ministry designed to help a congregation move from one settled ministry to the next settled ministry. Most interim ministries last 24 months, though occasionally longer or shorter. An interim minister assists the congregation in moving beyond its last ministry and equipping itself for a new, different ministry. This preparation involves helping the congregation look at practices that may or may not be serving them well, assisting through the emotional process of transition, setting sights forward, and connecting the congregation to needed resources. The board of trustees hires the interim minister. Interim ministers may not be called by the congregation.

What is Contract Ministry?
Contract ministry is often used by a congregation smaller than Tapestry. Contract ministries may be full- or part-time. The minister(s) is contracted for a specific period, usually a year. Contracts may be renewed and modified. Contract ministers are hired by the board. They may be called by the congregation, should that be mutually desirable, after some time together.

How do we deal with the complicated feelings around this transition?
There are many different deep feelings at play for Tapestry members and for Rev. Kent. It is okay to grieve the loss of a relationship. There might also be a sense of anger that comes with the loss, and fear of change. This is also a time for gratitude and celebration of the growth and depth of the past several years. It is okay to feel all of those things and express them. Try to keep in mind that what you are feeling at the moment might be different from what another member of our community is feeling. That is okay too.

How do I find more information?
Rev. Kent and Tapestry’s Board always aim to be transparent. A page on Tapestry’s website will include the most up-to-date information. Any major decisions or changes will be spoken aloud on Sunday morning and emailed to members.

Letter to the Congregation - Sunday, March 16, 2025

Dear Tapestry Members,

This Summer I will begin a new chapter of my life. I have accepted a position as the minister of First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City. This is a unique opportunity to continue vibrant ministry and be near my family.

I will be at Tapestry through the end of June. There are probably many feelings and questions in your head right now. We will have time to sort through those together. For now, let me say thank you. The past eleven years have been an unforgettable journey.

Tapestry’s Board is in communication with staff from the Unitarian Universalist Association. Together, we will move quickly to set up Tapestry for next steps. You may know I have been working with the Comprehensive Planning Committee and various leaders to update Tapestry’s Five-Year Plan. It is coming together nicely, and all those goals are still possible.

With the political climate, this is a challenging year. Please understand that this is not the time I would have chosen. Outside of New England, openings for UU ministry are rare. I know in my heart that if I did not take this chance, I would regret it one day.

Tapestry remains a vibrant, welcoming congregation. The dedication and leadership skills among you are astounding. I have great hopes for the future of this community. I wouldn’t have come here over eleven years ago if I didn’t believe in you.

Sincerely,
Rev. Kent

The Board

  • President- Keith Tuominen (25)
  • VP of Ops- Amanda Standish Wainwright (25)
  • VP of Finance- Dave Weber (25)
  • Treasurer- Suzi Cassidy (26)
  • Trustee- Richard Lappin (25)
  • Trustee- Paul Brady (26)
  • Trustee- Debbie Byrne- (26)

The Chairs

  • Chair of Comprehensive Planning- Lynn Cowan
  • Racial Justice Committee- Liz Bear
  • Welcoming and Membership- Paul Brady
  • Building and Grounds- Suzi Cassidy
  • Safety- Marle Chen
  • Ways and Means- Sue Dearing and Kathy Spahn
  • AV- Grayson Gothard
  • RECY-Jennifer Guy
  • Worship- Sheryl Hagen
  • Welcoming Neighbors Home- Rona Henry
  • Nominating Committee- Tara Sayer
  • Comprehensive Planning-
  • COSM-
  • Adult RE- Scott Noonan
  • Caring Committee- Amanda Standish Wainwright
  • FOCD- Peggy Thompson
  • Green Sanctuary- Carol Semelroth
  • Aesthetics- Linda Yeargin
  • Hospitality- Bruce Johnson

The Board

  • President- Keith Tuominen (25)
  • VP of Ops- Amanda Standish Wainwright (25)
  • VP of Finance- Dave Weber (25)
  • Treasurer- Suzi Cassidy (26)
  • Trustee- Richard Lappin (25)
  • Trustee- Paul Brady (26)
  • Trustee- Debbie Byrne- (26)

The Chairs

  • Chair of Comprehensive Planning- Lynn Cowan
  • Racial Justice Committee- Liz Bear
  • Welcoming and Membership- Paul Brady
  • Building and Grounds- Suzi Cassidy
  • Safety- Marle Chen
  • Ways and Means- Sue Dearing and Kathy Spahn
  • AV- Grayson Gothard
  • RECY-Jennifer Guy
  • Worship- Sheryl Hagen
  • Welcoming Neighbors Home- Rona Henry
  • Nominating Committee- Tara Sayer
  • Comprehensive Planning-
  • COSM-
  • Adult RE- Scott Noonan
  • Caring Committee- Amanda Standish Wainwright
  • FOCD- Peggy Thompson
  • Green Sanctuary- Carol Semelroth
  • Aesthetics- Linda Yeargin
  • Hospitality- Bruce Johnson