Message from Rev. Roger Bertschausen, Lead Developmental Minister

When I came to Unity Temple to be the Developmental Lead Minister, we had a four to seven year timeframe in mind. As I end my third year with you, I have concluded that I have given what I can. It is time to pass on the baton to someone else. 

I am therefore resigning my position. The plan is for me to conclude my time with the congregation at the end of August. I’m planning to take the last few weeks of August as vacation (and moving time), so my last Sunday will be August 9. My last day in the office will be August 12. 

We have accomplished a great deal together on the developmental goals at the center of our shared work. The membership number has stabilized at a little more than 600 and feels sustainable. A lay leadership pipeline is being developed through the annual leadership development program which recently completed its third year. The staff environment is more sustainable and healthy. The bylaws and governance revision is well underway with the Board reviewing a first draft of updated bylaws earlier this month. The relational health of the congregation has been improved through revising the relational covenant and developing the Relational Health Team. The Board is engaging in promising work to stabilize the congregation’s finances through a thorough review of the costs and income potential of each of UT’s three buildings. The Board continues to look for partners in bearing the heavy burden of maintaining Unity Temple. There is much from these three years that we can all feel good about, and hard developmental work remains to complete.

Unexpectedly, a congregation forty-five minutes from my beloved home in Michigan needs an interim minister. The UU Church of Greater Lansing is the one viable place for me to do ministry and live full-time at home. I have accepted their offer. After six years of transitional ministry and four different rental homes, it will be good to be settled in my wife’s and my own home.

I thank everyone who pitched in and helped stabilize Unity Temple after a difficult patch. I am particularly grateful to my ministerial colleague Rev. Emily Gage, the rest of our incredibly talented and dedicated staff, and my wonderful partners in leadership from the Board: Amanda Kaleta-Kott, Aimee Conrad, Matt Bruce, Adam Gill, Charlie Hoch, and Leisa Brown Aiken. We have done good work together.

If the developmental work keeps moving forward, Unity Temple is well on its way to a brilliant next chapter. I am so excited about the work we’ve done and the direction you’re heading. I look forward to watching the next chapter unfold from afar. 

With love and gratitude,

Rev. Roger Bertschausen (rbertschausen@unitytemple.org)

Message from Board of Trustees

The board was taken by surprise when Roger announced his intention to leave. We would have preferred completion of the four-year term but agree with Roger that the congregation has made significant progress on the developmental goals. The board has accepted Roger’s request for a 90-day departure window closing August 31, 2026.

The Board expects to work with Roger to prepare a final evaluation and to find ways to invite and support opportunities for congregational farewells. Board members have agreed to offer listening teams after the 9am service on May 31, June 7 and June 14. Board members volunteer to stay after and listen to congregant questions and concerns. Zoom conversation meetings are scheduled for May 31 at 7pm (zoom link) and June 14 at 7pm (zoom link) with board members hosting. You may also email the Board at Board@unitytemple.org.

The Board will recruit and appoint a ministerial search team with an early June launch. They will be charged with preparing materials about the congregation, soliciting and selecting candidates, conducting interviews, deliberating and recommending a finalist to the Board. We request that they complete this work within the 90-day window making contingency plans for the possibility that they may not.

The board and search team will work with the UUA staff each step of the way to assure the integrity, fairness and efficiency of a challenging process.

Charlie Hoch and Leisa Brown Aiken

Board of Trustees President | Board of Trustees Vice President