A Joyous Milestone: Welcoming Rev. Kristen Kuriga as Our Settled Associate Minister

​The energy at First UU this past Sunday, February 8th, was nothing short of electric. We gathered with a shared purpose: to decide on the future of our ministry. We are thrilled to announce that by an overwhelming majority, the congregation has voted to call Rev. Kristen Kuriga as our settled Associate Minister!

By the Numbers: A Strong Showing
The meeting was called to order by Board President Karen Lamphere, who confirmed that we hadn't just met our quorum—we blew past it. While we needed 144 eligible voting members to make the decision official, 213 members made their voices heard.

The engagement across our community was inspiring:

• 153 members voted in-person
• 46 members voted online
• 14 members cast absentee ballots

When the final tally was shared, the result was definitive: 211 members (99.1%) voted "Yes" to call Rev. Kristen.

A Spirit of Connection
While the vote was the "business" of the day, the atmosphere felt more like a family reunion. Rev. Justine opened the meeting by lighting our chalice, setting a tone of warmth and reflection.
During the interludes while votes were being counted, the sanctuary was filled with music and storytelling. Rev. Justine led the congregation in song, and members took turns at the mic to share heartfelt reflections on what Rev. Kristen and this church community mean to them. It was a beautiful reminder of the deep roots we’ve already planted together.

The Path to "Yes"
Before the results were announced, the Call Discernment Team gave a brief presentation on the journey that brought us here. They detailed the intentional, six-month process they led to ensure everyone who wanted to share was heard. This successful vote is a testament to that hard work and the clarity of our collective vision.

The Celebration
The moment the vote was announced, the room erupted. Rev. Kristen graciously accepted the call to a resounding standing ovation.
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The festivities didn't end in the sanctuary, though! The congregation moved to Bard Hall to keep the momentum going. We celebrated this new chapter the best way we know how: with plenty of laughter, community spirit, and, of course, cake.

Thank you to everyone who participated, voted, and shared their heart during this process. We are so excited to see what the future holds with Rev. Kristen officially by our side.

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