As we enter the height of the warm and humid southern Illinois summer, it may seem hard to believe that it’s only a few more weeks until school begins. As we struggle in the midst of the heat of summer, each day brings us closer to a new cycle of Fellowship activity. This year’s cycle should be especially interesting – for the first time in our history, we will serve as a “teaching congregation,” serving as a field site for Paul Kent Oakley, who is studying for the Unitarian Universalist ministry.

Beginning in September, and for much of the next two school years, Paul will be our Student Minister on a half-time basis, devoting approximately 20 hours per week to his role here in Carbondale. Sometimes, his main task will be observing, watching us – me as minister, and you as congregation – to understand more about congregational relationships and dynamics. Sometimes, his task will be more active, taking part in meetings, programs, and Sunday services. Sometimes he will be a participant, and sometimes a leader. He will get to try out the experience of ministry with us, and our task is to give him the space and opportunity to be – and to become – a Unitarian Universalist minister.

While Paul is serving with us half-time, he will also carry a significant course load at Meadville/Lombard Theological School. Much of his academic work will be done via distance learning technology, with telephone, computer, and internet support for long-distance interactions with his faculty and student colleagues. Nevertheless, there will be several times each year when Paul is expected to travel to Chicago to attend convocations and other programs. We can expect to see him here in Carbondale on most Sundays, and sometimes at meetings during the week, but we shouldn’t worry if he occasionally disappears for a week or two.

Over the next two years, I will meet weekly with Paul, and he will meet monthly with our Student Ministry Committee, consisting of Samir Aouadi, Miriam Link-Mullison, Kathy O’Laughlin, Susie Phillips, Ken Starbuck, and Carrie Vine.

Speaking both personally and professionally, I look forward to having Paul with us over the next two years, and I hope that you do, too! I have known Paul for several years, and think very highly of his commitment to our faith and his leadership in the Mt. Vernon UU Fellowship. From a professional perspective, I know that I will be stimulated by the experience of working with a gifted student like Paul.

As a congregation, Paul’s presence will give us a valuable gift in presenting a concrete example of another Unitarian Universalist ministry – one that is distinct from the way I do ministry. While Paul may be influenced by my ministry here, we must help him discover his own ministry. As we open our eyes and our minds, I’m confident that we will find gifts that we value in Paul and in his ministry with us.

In the meantime, mark your calendars! We’ll hold a special reception to recognize his arrival and welcome him on Sunday, September 12th!

With you in community,Bill S.