1st Voice: [Introduction of community minister by staff member, then:] Community Ministry is a way of bringing Unitarian Universalist ministry to the world beyond our walls in a number of ways—through chaplaincy, hospice care, or working in nonprofit organizations, for example.

2nd Voice: Being affiliated with this congregation means Rev. Name is connected to us. It helps to ground their/her/his ministry and to remain in good standing and in relationship with our larger Unitarian Universalist Association. Through [their] connection with [congregation], Rev. Name will maintain [their] connection with the UUA, and we get to benefit from some of [their] ministry gifts. [They] will [describe the focus of the community minister’s involvement here].

It is a joy to welcome Rev. Name [if applicable: and [their] family] and commission [them] to this role now.
Voice 1, 2, or 3: Our congregational family is constantly changing. People come and go. Babies are born. Children grow up. People commit themselves to one another. Loved ones and friends among us come to the end of their lives. Individuals move into our community. Others leave us, moving away to new places, new experiences, and new opportunities. It is important and right that we recognize these times of passage, of endings and beginnings. Today, we welcome Rev. Name into shared ministry with our congregation.

Community Minister: I thank [name of congregation] for welcoming me to this community. I look forward to experiencing the connection, care, and kindness I experienced as [mention previous connections to this community]. I look forward to being engaged with your faith formation programming and your pastoral care needs. I anticipate that I will make mistakes and that you will provide kindness and education to me as a result. I am grateful for the learning moments that will be possible.

[As appropriate: I want to especially introduce my family...]

Parish Minister: Welcome. As we live into our mission and shared values, I look forward to our collegial conversations and support of each other’s ministry at [name of congregation]. [Give community minister items such as: name tag, keys…]

Community Minister’s response: I look forward to celebrating with you, holding sorrows with you, and taking part in meaning-making with the congregation. I appreciate that we have a shared covenant of ministry together.

Voice 1, 2, or 3: I ask the [name of congregation] members present in person and online: Do you offer your encouragement for Rev. Name’s ministry with our congregation, knowing that our congregation’s ministry needs may evolve over time?

Congregation Members: We do.

Voice 1, 2, or 3: Do you, all the members, friends, visitors, and staff of [name of congregation], welcome Rev. Name as an Affiliated Community Minister?

All (including on screen): We do. We welcome you in gratitude for your offered ministry. We offer kindness and care as you learn about us and we get to know you, and look forward to growing in shared ministry.