The Rev. Jennie Ann Barrington

4465 Burbank Road, #2K

Wooster, OH 44691

Cell Phone: 312-438-9863

EMPLOYMENT

Interim Minister, UU Fellowship of Wayne County, Wooster, Ohio

August 1, 2019 to Present

UUFWC is a program size congregation of 198 members and approximately 75 children or youth. I provide the usual parish ministry services, and also interim ministry, including “assisting with claiming and honoring their past and healing their griefs and conflicts; illuminating their identity, strengths, needs, and challenges; clarifying the multiple dimensions of leadership, both ordained and lay; navigating the shifts in leadership that accompany times of transition; renewing connections with resources within and beyond the UUA; and renewing their vision, strengthening their stewardship, preparing for new professional leadership, and engaging their future with anticipation and zest.” [from the UUA Transition Ministry manual]. An interim minister “holds a mirror up” to a congregation. I have helped them name aspects of their past, present, and vision for the future. I have provided extra assistance with their capital campaign, pledge drives, the project to expand their building, meeting pastoral care needs collaboratively with the pastoral care team, and worship needs collaboratively the Worship Associates and the Commissioned Lay Ministers (CLMs), leadership development, and their search for new ministerial leadership. Once the pandemic hit our area, we had to re-envision and adapt how we “do church,” from on-line worship to meetings, pastoral care, and social events. I am proud that we have done so in a cohesive, caring, and high-quality way.

Interim Minister, Second Unitarian Church of Chicago, Illinois

August 1, 2017 to July 31, 2019

“Second Unitarian” is a program size congregation of 198 members and 58 children or youth. I provided the usual parish ministry services, and also the intentional interim ministry services noted above [from the UUA Transitions Ministry manual]. I provided extra assistance with pledge drives, special fundraisers, strategic planning, building issues, meeting pastoral care needs collaboratively with the Pastoral Care Team, leadership development, conflict management, and their search for new ministerial leadership. I mentored student ministers, and met regularly with Chicago-area UU ministers and seminarians.

Interim Minister, UU Congregation of Columbia, South Carolina

August 1, 2015 to July 31, 2017

UUCC is a program size congregation of 200 members and 75 children or youth. I provide the usual parish ministry services, and also the intentional interim ministry services, noted above. I provided extra assistance with a Capital Campaign (we exceeded our goal), pledge drives, building issues, pastoral-to-program transitions, engaging outside facilitators and consultants, conflict management, and their search for new ministerial leadership. I also provided emergency assistance during the historic floods in October of 2015, created and trained the Pastoral Care Associates Team, mentored a student minister, taught a sermon-writing class and a theologies class, and posted sermons on the website.

Interim Minister, UU Church of Little Rock, Arkansas

August 1, 2013 to July 31, 2015

UUCLR is a program size congregation of 170 members; Little Rock is a city of approximately 260,000. I provided the usual parish ministry services, and also the intentional interim ministry noted above. I provided extra assistance with pledge drives and supplemental funds drives, building issues, pastoral-to-program transitions, conflict management, and their search for new ministerial leadership. We also developed interfaith connections with Little Rock congregations through the community organizing effort called "IAF." We strengthened denominational relationships with UUs in Arkansas, the Southern Region, and the UUA. Our support of Gay Marriages in May of 2014 received recognition from the UUA and nationally.

Interim Minister, First UU Congregation, Terre Haute, Indiana

August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013

In addition to the Intentional Interim Ministry services noted above, I provided special assistance with financial management, long-range planning, Covenant Groups, Public Advocacy and Social Action, filling staff openings, and theological exploration and faith development.

Interim Minster, UU Congregation of Fort Wayne, Indiana

August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2012

UUCFW is on the cusp between a pastoral church and a program church, and Fort Wayne is a city of approximately 260,000. In addition to the Intentional Interim Ministry services noted above, I also initiated “All Ages RE” at 10 a.m. and “All Ages Worship” (or Second Hour Church) at 11 a.m., collaboratively with the RE Team. We began “Faith and Politics” series with symposiums on immigration and workers’ rights, in collaboration with the Jewish temple and many congregations, non-profits, and educational institutions. Co-led $175,000 fundraiser to fix the roof. Increased members’ contributions to and understanding of the operating budget. Our social justice efforts received positive recognition by the community and media. Initiated “Pathways to Membership” classes and New Members Ceremonies with Membership Committee. Assisted Board, Search Committee, and members in successful search for a settled minister. Clarified membership rolls and bylaws, and integrated children, youth, and RE programming into the life of the whole church. Strengthened committees. Supported staff and committee chairs. Officiated several funerals and other rite-of-passage ceremonies. Posted sermons on church website. Worked with several UUA consultants.

Interim Minister, UU Fellowship of Fredericksburg, Virginia

August 1, 2009 to July 2010

In addition to the above intentional interim ministry, additional ministry included: developed new programs in Lifespan R.E. including Coming Of Age Programming; support group for caregivers called, “Life Preservers;” focus on end-of-life issues and planning memorial services; and intergenerational worship services. Assisted the Board with the New Building project and Listening Circles. Supported Covenant Groups; supported Pastoral Care Associates and trained new Associates. Taught class sessions on UUism and diverse theologies at Germanna College. Strengthened committees and supported staff and committee chairs. Co-led New Members classes. Officiated weddings and other rite-of-passage ceremonies. Posted sermons on UUFF website. Supported stewardship and fundraising.

Interim Minister, First Unitarian Church, South Bend, Indiana

August 1, 2008 July 2009

In addition to the above intentional interim ministry, the leadership and I worked together on many areas of church development, including: healthy communication and conflict management; developing a budget in a more open and timely way; exploring options for improving building and parking; beginning a capital campaign; clarifying and increasing social justice work; increasing visibility and marketing; clarifying membership rolls; and integrating children, youth, and RE programming into the life of the whole church. I also advocated for the building to be equal-access accessible. I assisted the search committee, board, and congregation with their search for a settled minister. The DRE and I co-created several multi-generational worship services. The leadership and I worked with UUA consultant, the late David Rickard.

Minister, The U.U. Church of Winchendon, Mass.

August 2001 to July 2008

Provided ministry services for all aspects of church life for a “Family Type” congregation, including preaching, rites-of-passage, visitation, pastoral counseling, bereavement care, religious education, committee meetings, fundraisers, and social justice projects. On-call at all times for emergencies and consultation. Collaboratively developed a flourishing R.E. program, and several new committees. Wrote and published meditations, prayers, and essays. Increased membership and attendance. Instituted Safe Congregations practices. Instituted intergenerational worship services and social events. Developed members’ ability in preaching and leading worship. Improved relations with neighboring churches, district, and the UUA. Professional relationship with local residents and community leaders. Member of Kiwanis. Increased members’ understanding of church finances and improved church’s fiscal health. Educator & Advocate,

Residential Resources, Inc. (Keene, NH)

July 2005 to July 2008

Staff for three senior women. Assisted with daily activities, social time, and community involvement. Ongoing professional development and team-work. Practiced client-centered care, ministry of presence, and teaching by modeling.

Interim Minister, First Universalist Church Pittsfield, Maine

March 2000 to August 2001

On-call at all times for questions, concerns, rites-of-passage, pastoral care, visitation, and counseling; preached three times per month; supported Governing Board, Ladies Aid Society, committees, and activities; facilitated development of a visioning survey and analysis of results; increased membership participation and community visibility; wrote monthly newsletter piece; represented church at denominational events and in the wider community. Assisted with their successful search for a new minister.

Chaplain Intern, Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, Maine

September 2000 to February 2001

Training and experience in visitation, pastoral counseling, prayer, and crisis support in all units of Central Maine’s major medical center; emergency rites-of-passage and counseling when on-call as the only chaplain for the medical center.

Intern Minister, First Univ. Churches of Sangerville and Dexter, Maine

June 1999 to December 1999

Provided ministry services for two 50-member yoked parishes, including preaching, rites-of-passage, religious education, visitation, counseling, bereavement care, committee meetings, and social justice projects. On-call for emergencies. Collegial relationship with the community’s clergy and leaders.

Educator & Advocate, Residential Resources of Maine, Inc. (Portland)

February 1996 to September 1997

Original staff of home for three adults with disabilities. Facilitated residents’ transition from an institution to their own home. Professional development and team-work. Client-centered service, ministry of presence, teaching by modeling.

Paralegal and Legal Secretary, Various Portland Area Law Firms

May 1989 to February 1996

Provided para-professional legal services for a wide variety of clients and lawyers in litigation, probate, bankruptcy, criminal, and divorce matters.

DISTRICT AND DENOMINATIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Central East Region Chapter, UUMA, and Central East Region, UUA, August 2019 to present

Attend UUMA chapter meetings and cluster meetings. Member of Ohio River Group. Took part in several colleagues’ ordinations or installations.

MidAmerica Chapter, UUMA and MidAmerica Region, UUA August 2017 to July, 2019

Attended UUMA chapter and cluster meetings, including mentoring and leading worship for ministers and seminarians. Member and essayist in Ohio River Group.

Southern Chapter, UUMA and Southern Region, UUA August 2013 to July 2017

Attended UUMA cluster and chapter meetings. Strengthened relationships with UUs in Little Rock, Arkansas, and the Region through providing supply preaching, consultation, the Buffalo River trip, and hosting Cluster meeting of Arkansas UUs. Wrote and led memorial service for the Rev. Alec Craig. Attended Regional meetings and GA when possible.

Heartland Chapter, UUMA August 2010 to July 2013

Active participant; Member and essayist in Ohio River Group; Attendance at District Meetings and Trainings; mentoring UU student ministers and new ministers. Led worship for UUMA meeting.

Virginia Cluster of U.U. Ministers and DREs [VACUUM] August 2009 to July 2010

Active participant; presented a paper on forgiveness.

Central Midwest District, UUA August 2008 to July 2009

Active participant; attended chapter meetings and trainings; delivered sermon for colleague’s installation.

Clara Barton District, UUA August 2001 to July 2008

Secretary, UUMA Chapter; Member, Committee to Search for a District R.E. Consultant; Active Member and Presenter, Berkshire Study Group; Worship Leader, District Rally, April 2007; Attendance at District Rallies and Trainings; Worship Leader in UU Churches in the District and at UUMA meetings.

Northeast District, UUA 1988 to August 2001

Participant and host for NED and UUMA meetings and gatherings; guest preacher throughout the District; delegate at three GAs.

First Parish Portland (UU), Portland, Maine September 1991-August 2001

Member for ten years; coordinator of volunteers for Wayside Evening Soup Kitchen; Lay Preacher; Standing Committee; Delegate to General Assemblies; Adult Religious Education; Membership Chair; Newsletter contributions.

First Church and Parish (UU) of Dedham, Massachusetts: Home Church

I am a life-long, third-generation Unitarian Universalist. My UU extended family includes Unitarian, Universalist, Humanist, Theist, and Pagan theologies.

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS:

Completed Interim Ministry training “Fundamentals of Transition Ministry” co-sponsored by the UUA Dept of Ministry and the Interim Ministry Network – Boston, Massachusetts: July 2008. Final Fellowship in the UUA in Professional Ministry: October 2006 Bangor Theological Seminary – Bangor, Maine: Master of Divinity May 2001 Casco Bay College – Portland, Maine: Paralegal Certificate August 1991 LIU, C.W. Post Campus – Greenvale, NY: BA in Theatre and English Literature January 1984 Attended Workshops on Creative Writing on Star Island and at UUMA Chapter Retreats.

AWARDS, HONORS, AND PUBLISHED WRITING:

On a weekend in May of 2014, Gay Marriage became legal in Arkansas. I joined several hundred people in the Pulaski County Courthouse who gathered in support of gay marriage. I officiated twelve. Recalling that day, I still feel the atmosphere of awe, honor, and graciousness. That evening I wrote a guest blog post which my Michigan colleague, the Rev. Cindy Landrum posted. That blog post, and photos from that day, received national coverage in on-line publications, social media, and liberal editorials. The staff of UU World magazine reprinted my blog essay and interviewed me, for both the on-line and print editions. I remained thrilled that UUCLR, Little Rock, and Arkansas, and especially the gay couples and their loved-ones, received such wide and affirming press coverage. This is the link to my guest blog post:

Kairos, Engagement, and Marriage in Little Rock

This is the article from the UU World: In Arkansas, UU minister marries 12 gay couples

This is the edited version of my blog post from UUWorld.org: Kairos, engagement, and marriage in Little Rock

This editorial and photo were in Slate Magazine: Gay Couples in Arkansas Are Flocking to the Altar. Justice Kennedy Should Be Watching.

In November of 2017, I presented a paper for my UU Ministers Study Group, Ohio River Group, on Resistance and Resilience, some models in faith traditions that have worked, and ways UUs might learn and improve.

In November of 2014, the topic of Ohio River Group was race. Since that meeting was during the Ferguson trial, our group collectively developed a Worship Resources Guide that can be used for vigils, sermons, worship services, and discussions. I contributed some of the resources, and one of my sermons is excerpted. The collection is posted on the Standing On the Side of Love website. This is the link: Ferguson Worship Collection

In 2010, I presented a paper on forgiveness for the Virginia Area Cluster of UU Ministers and DREs [VACUUM] called, "Passenger Pigeons and Black Swans." Also that year I presented a paper to Ohio River Group, on Liberal Utopian Communities. I was on the Program Committee of Ohio River Group for 3 years, and in the third year I chair it. I was also a member of "Berkshire Group" and presented two papers for them: “To Be Present and Not Turn Away” and “From Fear to Right-Relationship.” I have also led worship several times for my colleagues. I once wrote for "First Days Record." FDR was a collection of meditations written by UU ministers on the same new theme on the first day of each month. I have delivered the sermon or other parts of colleagues' ordination or installation ceremonies. I have attended workshops on creative writing and on using humor in worship services and ministry.

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

Going to museums and the theatre; walking several times a week; hearing all types of music; watching college football; reading mystery stories and poetry; bird-watching; collecting Vera Bradley bags and trinkets; spending time with friends, family, and colleagues; listening to the amazing things children say.