Rev. Shawn Newton, our Senior Minister since 2007, announced on January 13, 2023 that his time as our minister will come to an end on June 11.
On April 30, it was announced that Shawn has been called to be the settled minister at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver.
“While I could not be more excited about where First is headed, after considerable reflection over a long period of discernment, I have come to believe the congregation will be better served by having a new minister in place as you begin this next chapter. I believe in my heart of hearts that you need someone with new energy, fresh perspectives, and a different set of skills to help you live as fully as possible into your potential. To make room for this next chapter of ministry at First, my time as your minister—one of the greatest honours of my life!—will come to an end this summer.”
At the same time, Rev. Lynn Harrison, our Minister of Spiritual Care, announced that she will be retiring from parish ministry in the fall.
“Recognizing the necessity of a clear and smooth transition to new ministry, and after considerable soul-searching and prayer, I too have decided to conclude my service at First in 2023–but after a period of continuing part-time service (including the summer months) to assist the congregation and the arriving Interim Minister during this time of transition. With the support of First’s leadership team, I have decided that my last Sunday at First Unitarian will be October 1st.”
Tanya Cothran, President of the Board of Trustees, reassured the congregation that there will be time for grief and celebration and that there are well-defined processes for our next steps.
“By now, reading about all this coming change, you’re likely feeling an array of emotions. Since learning about this news, I’ve felt sadness, apprehension, and gratitude. Allow yourself time to feel each feeling and know they will likely change in the coming days, weeks, months, and years. Our upcoming interim period is a time of reflection, preparation, and dreaming for our future. An interim minister can help us transition to new ministry and our new space at 473 Oakwood. Our faith is one of shared ministry. We learn from a minister and have the opportunity to inspire, support, teach, and listen to one another as members and friends.”
Read the full letters from Rev. Shawn, Rev. Lynn and Tanya
Rev. Shawn’s words about his transition (15 January, 2023): Watch the video or read his words
Rev. Lynn’s words about her transition (15 January, 2023): Watch the video or read her words
In 2005, one of our previous ministers, Mark Morrison-Reed explained the process of ministerial transitions in Unitarian congregations: “Why We Can’t Be Friends Forever”
