The Rev. Mary Gear will be taking a sabbatical from June 16 to October 31, 2024. Sabbaticals are a vital and necessary element of healthy long-term ministries. Rev. Mary’s employment contract with OUUC clearly defines the frequency, length and purpose of sabbaticals as part of her overall compensation package, however, it is much more than a contractual matter. Due to the unique nature of ministry, those who have ‘accepted the call’ benefit from time away for deep reflection, study, rest and discernment. The Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association guidelines call for ministers to accrue one month of sabbatical for each year of service, with sabbaticals being taken every five to seven years. This sabbatical will take place in Rev. Mary’s fifth year of service to OUUC and discussions with the OUUC board began in August 2022.
A ministerial sabbatical isn’t solely for the benefit of the person taking time away. It’s also an opportunity for the congregation to live into our mission and vision, as well as examine our processes, separately from our minister’s direct participation. It’s a chance to strengthen our shared ministry and can be a time of reflection and transformation for all. Ministerial sabbaticals ground both minister and congregation, allowing us to look ahead together with a renewed sense of shared purpose and responsibility.
The Sabbatical Committee is pleased to announce that the OUUC Board has hired Rev. Monica Jacobson-Tennessen as our half-time sabbatical minister, to serve during Rev. Mary’s sabbatical.
Rev. Monica is delighted to join OUUC as the half-time sabbatical minister while Rev. Mary Gear is away. She has been serving as the consulting minister, focusing on offering support in the areas of governance and stewardship, along with preaching every other month. During Rev. Mary’s sabbatical, Rev. Monica will continue to work with the board, will lead worship once per month and otherwise generally support the Worship Arts Team, and will provide support to OUUC’s staff.
Rev. Monica’s Unitarian Universalist roots are deeply entwined with Pacific Northwestern UUism, spiced with experiences of UUism in other regions. She became a UU in the Corvallis, Oregon, congregation, and has interned, guest preached, and served in a variety of congregations in Oregon and Washington. Following her ordination, she served a 300-year-old congregation in Massachusetts for three years before returning to the northwest to serve part-time at Community UU Church in Pasco, Washington. Recently she offered sabbatical ministry for her home congregation in Corvallis during their minister’s time away.
Rev. Monica and her family lived in the Olympia area for two years, from 2021-2023, and became connected with OUUC during that time. They relocated last year to the Vancouver, Washington, area to raise their daughter near her grandparents but are still fond of Olympia and OUUC and enjoy visiting.
On behalf of the OUUC Board, Sabbatical Committee and congregation, Welcome, Rev. Monica.
Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Website: https://www.ouuc.org
Email: office@ouuc.org
Location: 2306 East End St NW, Olympia, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 634-2005
Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sunday, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Staff Contacts
Rev. Mary Gear, Minister
Rev. Sara Lewis, Director of Community & Faith Development
Troy Fisher, Music Director
Isaac Jennings, Business Manager
Rosie Koppelman, Office Assistant
Teresa Madsen, Communications & Tech Coordinator
Marie Arensmeyer, Facilities Manager
Anissa Bentlemsani, Religious Education Assistant
Carbon Marshall, Tech Specialist