Getting to Know our Minister Finalist, Margo Rinehart
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should we go through with hiring a minister during this time of COVID-19 uncertainty?
A. In many ways, this might be the perfect time to bring in a minister. As we work to adapt to a new reality, Margo could be the ideas, time, energy, and training needed to keep our community active, energized, and meeting people’s needs. When we reached out to Margo recently to make sure she was still comfortable moving forward with the possibility of becoming our minister, this was her response:
“I’m fine with continuing to move forward with becoming UUFM’s minister during these virtual and uncertain times. I’ve been involved in worship planning and speaking at three different smaller congregations over the past two months and feel strongly we need each other more than ever. And I’m already coming up with ideas for virtual connections beyond just Sunday (e g. weekday spiritual practice group, family UU storytime, spiritual book groups, morning prayer, Yin restorative yoga with UU influence, etc.). My mind is really active about making and keeping connections, and how to grow a church even in this stressful time. Lastly, UUA isn’t saying we will need to stay virtual until May of 2021, just that we need to plan for that. I’m trying to be a realist, but also hoping this passes by sooner than later. In faith, Margo”
Q. How many Sundays per month will Margo be preaching?
A. This has not been determined yet. One possibility is that she would preach at one regular Sunday service a month, and be present during our second regular Sunday service.
Q. Since this is a half time position, will she continue her social work in WA state?
A. Her current plan is to continue her social work in WA on a half time basis.
Q. If she continues her social work position, would there be a conflict of interest?
A. No. Her social work would not be a conflict of interest.
Q. Is she planning on moving here?
A. For the time being she is planning on renting here but keeping her home in WA.
Q. What process did the search committee use to arrive at the decision to have Margo be the finalist candidate?
A. We followed the UUA recommended process, which included:
- Review of ministerial record (very extensive information submitted by the candidates available to congregation search committees online)
- One hour interview via video conference (Zoom)
- Reference checks (Margo submitted 13 references. We called them all. Every one of them spoke very highly of Margo and would hire her if they had an opportunity.)
- 3-day “pre-candidating” weekend. This included three meals with Margo, a 1.5 hour guided tour of McMinnville, a 2.5 hour interview, and attending a UU service where Margo was in the pulpit
- Margo was our first choice!
Q. What strengths do you see that Margo can bring to UUFM?
A. Margo has many strengths and experience which your minister search committee believe will be very helpful as a minister for UUFM. Examples of areas in which Margo excels include:
- Pastoral care
- Conflict resolution
- Facilitation skills
- Collaboration
- Ability to adjust as needed
- Building relationships
- Teaching classes
- Interfaith work
- Maturity in her work and attitude
- Adult religious exploration
Q. What education does Margo have?
A. Master of Divinity, Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry;
Masters of Social Work, University of Washington
Bachelors in Social Welfare, University of Washington.
Q. What other noteworthy work does Margo have outside of UU ministry?
A. Margo has over twenty years of experience as a licensed therapist, as well as over twenty years experience with mediation and conflict resolution.
Q. How will the congregational meeting and voting process work on May 31?
A. A congregational meeting will take place 10 minutes after the end of the service on May 31. The format will look like this:
- Welcome (Ken Moore will moderate)
- Establish quorum (Quorum = 32 members)
- Explanation of the process for this meeting
- Q & A for a maximum of 10 minutes. At this time, members can ask the Search Committee and Board members any last questions they have about the process
- Go around the virtual “circle” one time to let each person speak (if they wish) for a maximum of one minute. This is an opportunity for them to share their thoughts about moving forward with hiring Margo or not.
- Go around the virtual “circle” one more time to see if anyone has one last comment
- Explain how to vote (see below)
- Members vote via link sent by email (see below)
- Report on the results of the vote
- Adjourn the meeting
Voting Process: UUFM bylaws state that there are no proxy votes allowed for voting on a minister, so only those attending the meeting will be allowed to vote. During the congregational meeting, Rob Tanner will send ballots by email only to members who are attending the meeting. Using the Electionbuddy app, Rob will gather the results of the vote and send them to the board for confirmation of the count. Results will be announced as soon as the count is confirmed.
Q: What is the schedule for the candidating weekend with Margo?
A: The following meetings are being held:
Wednesday – May 27
6:00-6:45 – UUFM Board
7:00-7:45 – Membership Committee
Thursday – May 28
Afternoon – Meet with Brynn Hurdus, UUFM’s Music Director
6:00-6:45 – RE Committee
7:00-7:45 – Social and Earth Justice Committee
Friday – May 29
2:00-2:45 – Council of Past Chairs
3:00-3:45 – Cottage Meeting #1
7:00-7:45 – Worship Committee
Saturday – May 30
10:00-10:45 – Finance Committee
11:00-11:45 – Cottage Meeting #2
2:00-2:45 – Cottage Meeting #3
3:00-3:45 – Minister Search Committee
Sunday – May 31
10:30 – UUFM Service
Ten minutes following the end of service, we will begin the congregational meeting