Dear UCM community,
Most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the future of “the church,” or ask themselves “will churches be around in another 25, 50, or 100 years?” These big questions, however, are of interest to religious leaders and academics who are noticing trends – mostly of decline – in church life. One of the people looking closely at this is Unitarian Universalist minister, the Rev. Jordinn Nelson Long, who preached at UCM at the end of November.
In order to get at these questions, Jordinn is studying thriving congregations across North America, particularly those who understand themselves to be adapting to a range of challenges including their use of the physical space they occupy, or who identify as places where people gather to learn and engage in practices important for community building and democracy strengthening. Through her collegial relationship with Rev. Joan, Jordinn knows about the vibrant ministry of our congregation. UCM is one of five congregations that Jordinn is planning to work with for her research in the next year.
The UCM Governing Board has invited Jordinn to work with UCM mid-March to mid-May of 2026. Her research efforts will support our visioning and strategic planning work by deepening our collective understanding of the roles of our congregation and our building in relationship to the larger community fabric we are a part of – now and going forward. This will include Jordinn’s participation in Board meetings and congregational events and perhaps some one-on-one time with church members.
Jordinn’s research approach is rooted in collaboration and consent. The congregation will shape the research questions and outcomes. In addition, data and reports will be shared with the congregation.
We are fortunate to have someone with Jordinn’s academic background and resources as well as knowledge of Unitarian Universalism working with us during this important time of planning our future together. We hope that you will offer Jordinn your welcome and hospitality while also knowing that your participation in any research activities is completely voluntary.
Here’s a little more about Jordinn: Jordinn lives with her family in Rutland County, Vermont, and on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland. She is a PhD candidate in cultural and economic geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, which is a comprehensive research university that mostly goes by its nickname “MUN” (rhymes with “fun”). As Jordinn shares, “At MUN, I work on a grant funded by the Canadian Government’s Social Science and Humanities Research Council about church closure and the role of church buildings in community infrastructure. I am also an ordained UU minister and most recently served seven years in a seaside parish that used its big building to make a big impact. My husband and I are delighted to be raising two curious and reflective young Vermonters and UUs, and it’s been a gift this year to get to know your community better.”
Please contact the UCM Governing Board or Rev. Joan with any questions you might have.
Sincerely,
The UCM Governing Board
Jeremy Beaudry, President
Emily Seiffert, Vice-President
Jen Matthews, Secretary
Ansel Ploog, Financial Officer
Steve Gold, Member At-Large
Susan Koch, Member At-Large
Katie Spring, Member At-Large
Rev. Joan Javier-Duval, Minister (Ex-Officio Board Member)