Stewardship
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Thank you for your support of our Bradford UU family! It takes a village to raise a child or run a church, and at Bradford UU, we do both. Committed to truth, reason, justice and love, our congregation provides safety and comfort for the afflicted and holds the privileged accountable to use their power for the benefit of us all
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Imagine Being a Work in Progress
Sunday, May 25th at 10:00 AM
Transitions at Bradford
Read Rev. Erik's Statement
April 17th, 2025
Dear Friends,
Serving as a minister of Bradford UU these past nine years has been an immense privilege, filled with the joys and elations of life as well as the trials and grief of that very same life. It seems that our world has changed dramatically since I was called in the waning months of Obama’s second term, as have many of us, myself included.
In our time together, we have weathered the losses of beloved members, witnessed the sacred unions of others, experienced ministries lay and professional that have touched our lives, survived both pandemic and protests, and have come back together in community and fellowship.
As in life, there is always unfinished business when an individual ministry ends: the work is ongoing but the workers must sometimes change. This is one of those times.
As I informed the Board of Trustees yesterday, I will not be renewing my contract with Bradford UU for this coming fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2025. Instead, I will be focusing on my graduate studies, spending more time with my family and discerning what comes next for me in the work I am called to do.
I am filled with gratitude for this community and everyone with whom I have worked these past nine years, be it planning budgets and stewardship drives, performing Halloween plays, gathering at protests or on the church’s front steps for socially-distanced, masked worship. Since those early days in 2016 until now, I am proud of the ministry we have done together and thankful for the opportunity to do it with all of you.
Though I am incredibly sad to be leaving Bradford UU, I am excited by the newfound energy amongst the membership and on Sunday mornings that is focused on relationship and covenant. This is the first step to rebuildinging a beloved community and it means the church is ready to engage in the work of transformation necessary to grow into whatever this next phase of Bradford’s long, important history will be.
I will be holding open listening sessions after select worship services and hope to have one-on-one conversations with everyone who wants to before I depart. Finally, I am committed to doing everything I can to help Bradford grow and thrive through this transition.
With much gratitude for these past nine years and great hope for the future,
Erik
Rev. Erik David Carlson
Dear Friends,
Serving as a minister of Bradford UU these past nine years has been an immense privilege, filled with the joys and elations of life as well as the trials and grief of that very same life. It seems that our world has changed dramatically since I was called in the waning months of Obama’s second term, as have many of us, myself included.
In our time together, we have weathered the losses of beloved members, witnessed the sacred unions of others, experienced ministries lay and professional that have touched our lives, survived both pandemic and protests, and have come back together in community and fellowship.
As in life, there is always unfinished business when an individual ministry ends: the work is ongoing but the workers must sometimes change. This is one of those times.
As I informed the Board of Trustees yesterday, I will not be renewing my contract with Bradford UU for this coming fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2025. Instead, I will be focusing on my graduate studies, spending more time with my family and discerning what comes next for me in the work I am called to do.
I am filled with gratitude for this community and everyone with whom I have worked these past nine years, be it planning budgets and stewardship drives, performing Halloween plays, gathering at protests or on the church’s front steps for socially-distanced, masked worship. Since those early days in 2016 until now, I am proud of the ministry we have done together and thankful for the opportunity to do it with all of you.
Though I am incredibly sad to be leaving Bradford UU, I am excited by the newfound energy amongst the membership and on Sunday mornings that is focused on relationship and covenant. This is the first step to rebuildinging a beloved community and it means the church is ready to engage in the work of transformation necessary to grow into whatever this next phase of Bradford’s long, important history will be.
I will be holding open listening sessions after select worship services and hope to have one-on-one conversations with everyone who wants to before I depart. Finally, I am committed to doing everything I can to help Bradford grow and thrive through this transition.
With much gratitude for these past nine years and great hope for the future,
Erik
Rev. Erik David Carlson
Read Board of Trustees Statement
April 17, 2025
Dear Bradford Community,
At last night’s Board meeting, Rev. Erik informed us he would not renew his contract ending June 30, 2025. This is big for all of us. Despite emotions surrounding uncertainty and change, we have immense, deep gratitude for the time we’ve shared together. In the past nine years, we have grown, laughed, loved and stretched ourselves more than we thought possible. Though smaller since Covid, Bradford is stronger and more resilient.
We are indebted to Rev. Erik for shepherding Bradford from the grieving congregation we were after Rev. Georgette’s death, to the empowered organization we are now. Transitioning ministers is a normal process, but saying goodbye is never easy.
After service this Sunday, Rev Erik will hold a listening session downstairs. Board members will be present to support and field questions about next steps.
The UUA-recommended, best practice is to secure an Interim Minister for at least a year while the congregation prepares and searches for its next called minister. Our timing is good to find an Interim to start in the fall. The board will appoint a three-person Interim Search Committee shortly, please contact Mary Jonker if interested. This summer, the congregation will affirm the formal Search Committee for our next called minister.
In the meantime, please join us in expressing our appreciation for Rev. Erik in his next life chapter as he completes his doctoral studies and supports his spouse, Kimberlee, in her ministry. We welcome your ideas on how we can best manage this transition. Endings done well, create powerful beginnings. Thank you, Rev. Erik!
Your Board of Trustees,
Mary Jonker, Jack Dudley, Carolyn Feldt, Sarah Kirby, Wren Larsen, Liz Ryan
Dear Bradford Community,
At last night’s Board meeting, Rev. Erik informed us he would not renew his contract ending June 30, 2025. This is big for all of us. Despite emotions surrounding uncertainty and change, we have immense, deep gratitude for the time we’ve shared together. In the past nine years, we have grown, laughed, loved and stretched ourselves more than we thought possible. Though smaller since Covid, Bradford is stronger and more resilient.
We are indebted to Rev. Erik for shepherding Bradford from the grieving congregation we were after Rev. Georgette’s death, to the empowered organization we are now. Transitioning ministers is a normal process, but saying goodbye is never easy.
After service this Sunday, Rev Erik will hold a listening session downstairs. Board members will be present to support and field questions about next steps.
The UUA-recommended, best practice is to secure an Interim Minister for at least a year while the congregation prepares and searches for its next called minister. Our timing is good to find an Interim to start in the fall. The board will appoint a three-person Interim Search Committee shortly, please contact Mary Jonker if interested. This summer, the congregation will affirm the formal Search Committee for our next called minister.
In the meantime, please join us in expressing our appreciation for Rev. Erik in his next life chapter as he completes his doctoral studies and supports his spouse, Kimberlee, in her ministry. We welcome your ideas on how we can best manage this transition. Endings done well, create powerful beginnings. Thank you, Rev. Erik!
Your Board of Trustees,
Mary Jonker, Jack Dudley, Carolyn Feldt, Sarah Kirby, Wren Larsen, Liz Ryan
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Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist...
is a place where we know that we need not think alike to love alike, and that if only we might agree in love, no disagreements can harm us. Whoever you are, from wherever you come, you are welcome here. Whomever you love, however you define family, you are welcome. The identities you hold, how you wish to be addressed and your pronouns are respected and welcome here. Whatever you believe, whatever you hold as sacred, you are welcome. We would love to hear your story. Won't you join us for a service?
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Upcoming Events
All services are in person and broadcast online and begin at 10:00 AM on Sundays unless otherwise noted:
Saturday, May 10th - 9:00am - 1:00pm - Mother Earth Plant Sale!
Sunday, May 11th - Mothers Day
Sunday, May 18th - Moral Imagination & RE
Sunday, May 25th - Imagining Justice
Sunday, June 1st - Special Worship with UU Musician Jim Scott!
Coffee Hour: In-person coffee hour has returned!
Join us for coffee and conversation in the sanctuary immediately following Sunday service.
Sign up for our email list here >>
Saturday, May 10th - 9:00am - 1:00pm - Mother Earth Plant Sale!
Sunday, May 11th - Mothers Day
Sunday, May 18th - Moral Imagination & RE
Sunday, May 25th - Imagining Justice
Sunday, June 1st - Special Worship with UU Musician Jim Scott!
Coffee Hour: In-person coffee hour has returned!
Join us for coffee and conversation in the sanctuary immediately following Sunday service.
Sign up for our email list here >>
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Visit Us5810 8th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140.
Located conveniently off Sheridan Road in Kenosha, Bradford UU is just minutes from the interstate and most of the Kenosha area. Come visit us! Services and children's programming weekly Sundays at 10am. (262) 656-0544 |
