Over these past months, I have learned a lot about the operations of OUUC and how things get done. One of the challenges has been the Community Life Coordinator position that was vacant when I arrived. I have learned over these months that the position grew and changed over time, and now we have the opportunity to re-visit the needs of the congregation so we can clearly define the skills and abilities of the person in the position.

To help us in this work, I have invited Kari Kopnick to join us as the Interim Community Life Coordinator through August of this year. Kari’s work with us will be two-fold: to perform the essential duties of the position and help us define the boundaries of the role, plus the skills, experience, and knowledge needed by the person who will fill the position. I am delighted that Kari said “YES!” to this interim work.

Kari will enter OUUC with an open mind, heart, and hands to help us identify what organizational structure is needed to best serve our congregation. I hope that you will open your minds, hearts, and hands to welcome her and help her in our work together.

Here is a bit of information about herself that Kari shared:

Kari grew up attending a small lay-led UU fellowship in Bloomington, Minnesota. Since 2005 she has served many UU organizations in a variety of roles: religious educator, learning fellow, director of membership and administration and district consultant with a short stint as an alto in the Westside church choir. Kari recently completed the Interfaith Studies program at the Chaplaincy Institute in Berkeley, California and will be ordained as an interfaith minister/chaplain on March 21st by the Chaplaincy Institute community.

Kari has three grown sons and lives with her husband and ill-behaved little dog in South King County. She enjoys gardening, writing and tending to the many hummingbirds who are quick to scold if their nectar runs low.

Look for Kari in the Commons and worship services on Sunday, March 1 and let’s give her a warm welcome.

Blessings on your week,

Rev. Mary