As the date of Rev. Bill Gupton’s retirement from the role as HUUC senior minister approaches at the end of May, the ministerial transition efforts move forward.
Board President Jaime Castle announced during services on Sunday, March 9, 2025 and in a follow up email announcement that, “we have entered into a contract to work with consultants Rev. Mitra Jafarzadeh and Rabbi Jonathan Cohen (Courage and Covenant LLC.) to professionally guide us through the transition and help our congregation do a meaningful self-assessment.”
Jaime’s announcement continued to describe these consultants’ role and the reasons behind this contract. “Courage and Covenant collaborates with congregations through ongoing consultation and evaluation. They strive to understand both leadership direction and member experiences, ensuring authenticity to the congregation’s mission. Their work evolves as needed, but they remain committed to helping Heritage engage its members, clarify values and priorities, strengthen leadership, and express hopes for its next religious leader. Expect more information to be coming about this as there will be many opportunities for engagement through congregational interviews and discussions! The length of our contract with them is five months and our aim is to have a contract minister in August.”
More information on these consultants and what they do can be found at: https://courageandcovenant.org
A transition team has also been formed to recommend to the Board a contract minister. Members of this team include Garry Wilson and Jaime Castle (both from the Board), Bob Lamb, Louise Lawarre, Les Tacy, Mimi Sinclair, and Katie Kpaeyeh.
Image caption: Rev. Mitra Jafarzadeh and Rabbi Jonathan Cohen (Courage and Covenant LLC.
Image source: https://courageandcovenant.org/