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Board of Trustees Announcements

Updated: Dec 19


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Joyful News: GMUUC Welcomes Rev. David Morgen as Our Contract-to-Call Minister


Dear GMUUC Members and Friends,We are pleased to share important and joyful news about the future of our congregation. Following a thoughtful and thorough discernment process, the Board of Trustees has extended an offer for the Full-Time Contract-to-Call Minister position to Rev. David Morgen, and he has accepted.This decision was made after the Ministerial Search Team (MST) unanimously passed a motion to recommend Rev. David for the position. This recommendation followed a comprehensive evaluation of Rev. David’s qualifications in direct comparison to the updated job description. That job description itself was shaped by the wisdom, hopes, and concerns gathered from you through our recent Listening Circles.


You can read a summary of the Listening Circles here.

You can find the finalized job description here:


In addition to this evaluation process, the decision was informed by:Extensive feedback from the congregation regarding Rev. David’s leadership, presence, and pastoral careHis strong standing within the wider Unitarian Universalist community and the Emory communityAnd the meaningful consistency in Sunday attendance during his interim ministry, with numbers comparable to those during Rev. Charlotte’s tenureRev. David’s official start date in this role will be August 1, 2026


We are also excited to warmly welcome his partner, Anie, to our GMUUC and North Georgia community. They will be making North Georgia their home in the coming months.


Clarifying the “Contract to Call” Process


As a reminder, a Contract-to-Call position provides time for mutual discernment between the minister and the congregation before any long-term call is considered.

  • A Contract Minister is not automatically a Called Minister.

  • The Board hires a minister under a contract (typically up to three years). Either the minister or the congregation can end the relationship at the end of each year.

  • Only the Congregation can “call” a minister.

  • A “called” minister is chosen through a vote of the congregation, requiring an 80% majority, as stated in our bylaws.

  • This process allows for careful, faithful discernment over time.


During the first two years, the congregation and minister assess whether a longer-term relationship feels right.If both agree, a congregational vote to “call” the minister occurs near the end of Year 2.If not, the minister serves the third year while the congregation begins a new search.


Simplified Timeline for a 3-Year Contract to Call

Year 1: Minister serves under contractMST recommends, Board issues contract

Year 2: Congregation and minister discern whether to continueMutual discernment

End of Year 2: Congregation votes whether to “call” the minister (80% required)Congregation decides

  • If Yes: Minister becomes a Called Minister

  • If No: Minister completes Year 3 while a new search beginsBoard initiates new search


We extend our deep gratitude to the Ministerial Search Team for their dedicated, faithful, and tireless work over these past several months. Their discernment, care, and commitment to GMUUC have guided us well.


Please join us in celebrating this next chapter in the life of our congregation as we move forward together in shared ministry with Rev. David.


With gratitude and hope,

Lori Wilson

Board President

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