"Change at the speed of church" usually suggests that congregations can be ... well ... slow to adapt to emerging issues and challenges. Our Association's broader work turns that around: we are moving very rapidly to new ways of conducting our many ministries. Remote live-streaming is just one illustration. Nearly everything our UUA publishes these days is on-line for free use by our congregations. Audio & video conferencing have become as commonplace as the telephone and e-mail.
The good news is that emerging technologies free us up to do our work in ways never before dreamed of, with increasing accessibility and less expensive delivery of services. As some of you may be aware, our Florida District is now part of the Southern Region, a new strategy for uniting the delivery of services across four districts. The practical meaning of that is instead of one District Executive and a very partial time Lifespan Program Consultant, the Florida District has six (with a seventh to be added in the next year) talented people upon which to draw for all kinds of consultation.
In the coming months, you will learn more the direct applications. For now, anticipate seeing our district e-mails and Connections e-news taking on a broader focus. Before summer's end, we hope to have a regional website in addition to the Florida District's. We are in the midst of merging administrative offices for the four districts. And the field staff each will be the direct contact for a similar number of congregations, more equitably and responsively providing direct support to our over 230 congregations and 30,000 Unitarian Universalists.
I am honored to have been chosen to the the Regional Lead Executive, working across District boundaries. My colleagues will serve generally and specifically portfolios for faith & leadership development, evangelism & strategic planning, administration & stewardship. I will coordinate professional religious leaders transitions work. This fall, we will hire our first regionally based staff person, a emerging faith communities director to give us concentrated staffing for new congregational work. We'll introduce you to all these good people in a future dedicated communication.
These developments are a direct outgrowth of The Orlando Platform (2010). In the next year or two, we will more fully develop our "Smart Church" consultants and the newly conceived Elders Leadership program. So, more changes are yet a'coming.
All this is exciting if often baffling. Rest assured, you can always call me or the District Office directly to obtain the assistance you seek.
Meanwhile, one immediate change is the Reverend Randy Becker's service as the FLD acting Program Consultant comes to an end this month. He has provided wonderful service to our congregations and has been an exceptional colleague to work with. We thank Randy profoundly for his gracious and wise service these past two years.
Randy will honor all commitments that go into the next year; he also will continue to be available as one of our consultants as we move ahead with these many changes. For any future engagements, please call me directly.
Feel free to write or call as you have questions or comments. I look forward to our new ways of serving you, our leaders and our congregations.
Kenn Hurto
Concluding Ministries:
