An Exciting Possibility for Little River
Good morning, Little River!
I write today with news of an exciting possibility for our congregation.
A month or so ago, I had lunch with our Associate Conference Minister, the Rev. Marvin Silver. During the course of our conversation, he mentioned that there is a small UCC congregation in Fredericksburg (UCC of Fredericksburg) that could benefit from partnering with another larger UCC congregation. They are about 20 people strong and rent space once a week from the Masonic Lodge. Currently, they meet on Sunday mornings and have just hired a new minister who lives in the D.C. area, the Rev. Darryl Moch. Because Rev. Darryl is less than part-time with the congregation, he does not have the capacity to provide the congregation with everything it needs: adult education experiences, social justice events, networking and raising the profile of the congregation, preaching, and offering pastoral care.
I suggested that we might think creatively about strengthening our ties with UCC of Fredericksburg. It could be that they could benefit from our current online/hybrid programming and connection with a larger UCC congregation, and we could benefit from their participation in our programs and their pastor’s expertise.
One of the things that we at LRUCC need at the moment is someone who can help to guide our emerging antiracism ministry. Rev. Darryl happens to be one of the primary movers and shakers in the Potomac Association and Central Atlantic Conference regarding antiracism. He was pivotal in creating the resource that accompanies the Resolution just adopted at the UCC's national General Synod this summer calling predominantly white congregations to become white supremacy free zones. He has a wealth of experience in consulting with nonprofits and religious groups in organizing, antiracism, and diversity/equity/inclusion. He has a Master of Education in Counseling from Alfred University and is completing a doctorate in Organizational Leadership. He also served for 15 years with Inner Light UCC in DC. I do not know Rev. Darryl well, but we met at General Synod in workshops and at dinner, and I believe he would be an asset to our congregation.
After having a conversation with myself and Rev. Darryl separately about the ways in which we might be interested in strengthening the ties between our congregations, Marvin visited UCC of Fredericksburg to talk with them about the possibility of being in mutual ministry together. They were receptive to the idea, and very supportive of giving Darryl the opportunity to share his gifts with our congregation. I've now had a conversation with Revs. Marvin and Darryl to work out some of the details of a potential relationship.
In short, we are envisioning the following relationship:
We would welcome UCC of Fredericksburg to participate in our adult education offerings on Monday mornings and Tuesday evenings, Book Club on Sunday afternoons, along with whatever other hybrid/online and in-person events and services we may hold (e.g. Lenten programs, Advent programs, Rise against Hunger, etc.). We would also invite the congregation to be with us in worship for Christmas, Easter, and/or any other special worship services where they'd like to gather with us.
Rev. Darryl would preach in-person at Little River once every 6 weeks. We hope this would bring new energy and direction to our antiracism ministry and would also draw folks to Little River who prioritize antiracism. On those Sundays when Darryl is with us in worship, UCC of Fredericksburg would gather for worship as usual and watch our service together online before having their usual coffee hour. We would incorporate their voices into this joint worship service by using pre-recorded videos for our scripture reading and/or other prayer times. To facilitate this collaboration, we would purchase or help to purchase a screen and projector for their space.
I would preach at UCC of Fredericksburg once a quarter on Sundays that Darryl is not at Little River. I would make my sermon available as a video for Little River to watch in my absence (or the deacons could secure a suitable preacher). In addition, if UCC of Fredericksburg has special events in their hometown (e.g. Fredericksburg Pride Parade), those who are able to travel (about one hour) could make an effort to be with them.
Finally, separate from the partnership between UCC of Fredericksburg and Little River UCC outlined above, we could offer Rev. Darryl a stipend for the 2024 year to consult on our antiracism ministry. We’re envisioning about $5,000 to consult with myself and the lay leaders of the ministry, to provide training of leaders, help us prioritize activities, and so forth.
Key leaders of the congregation (moderator and moderator-elect, chair of trustees, acting chair of deacons) were aware of this conversation as it was developing. Our entire Church Council will discuss the opportunity this week at our Council meeting (October 11, 7 p.m.).
We will plan to have a congregational listening circle after worship on October 15 to hear from one another about our concerns and excitement.
We will have the opportunity to meet with UCC of Fredericksburg and Rev. Darryl via Zoom on November 1 at 6 p.m. to get to know each other better in a very informal way. After that online meeting, we will determine whether we would like to pursue strengthening our ties with UCC of Fredericksburg. If we should decide to pursue it, we would then need to work out any remaining details of the relationship. We would plan to worship together at Christmas, as UCC of Fredericksburg is able to join us.
I hope you will receive this news as an exciting opportunity. All is still up in the air; nothing has been decided; and we will have many opportunities to discuss. With hope and excitement for this possibility!
Peace,
Pastor Shelli