Support Jim Nelson

Signatures 141 total

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1. 51
   Name: Chip Lubsen on May 13, 2003

   Comments: It would be tragic to let Jim go!

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2. 52
   Name: Mike Casey on May 13, 2003

   Comments: I urge those with grievances to seek face-to-face communications with Jim, with or without a facilitator, before any major decision is made to force Jim to resign. I suspect that, like myself, many of the new members have joined because of Jim and Bill, first and foremost. Though we have not made the large contributions of time and money yet that so many of the long-serving board members have, I think that it's worth noting that new members are a very important part of the church - they are the future of the congregation. Please, let's try resolving this problem before we decide that it's not resolvable and extreme action must be taken.

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3. 53
   Name: Gretchen Casey on May 13, 2003

   Comments: My husband and I would really like to see a concerted effort to resolve these personal conflicts before we take the drastic step of forcing Jim to leave as our minister. We think Jim is great.

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4. 54
   Name: Audrey Kelaher on May 13, 2003

   Comments: I am utterly astounded. My family and I have been attending for nearly a year, and planning to officially join this coming fall. Jim Nelson--his sermons, his gentle presence, his intellegence---was, without question, the primary draw for us. This will certainly, greatly, impact our decision.

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5. 55
   Name: Ashlyn Casey on May 13, 2003

   Comments: I like Jim. Work it out so we can move on - together.

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6. 56
   Name: Douglas Ross on May 13, 2003

   Comments: I support Jim Nelson wholeheartedly. I am outraged that 47 people would unilaterally seek a change in minister.

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7. 57
   Name: Pauline Kelly on May 13, 2003

   Comments: I, as a visitor from the U.K. in October 2002, attended the church service conducted by the Reverend Jim and as a Roman Catholic was most impressed by his manner both socially and pastorally. He had a very open personality and this came over very well in his sermon which I thoroughly enjoyed. I do hope he and his family come through this and I send him my best wishes for the future.

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8. 58
   Name: Patty Williams on May 14, 2003

   Comments:

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9. 59
   Name: John Figlear on May 14, 2003

   Comments: Both my wife and I are members of UUCF and I will refrain from using the word "we" in the following comments so that she may speak for herself. I think Jim is a wonderful leader. He has fostered an environment at UUCF which makes it my spiritual home. Up until two years ago, I had not attended any church since 1976. Upon a friend's recommendation, I attended a service in May of 2001 and was moved deeply by Jim. I don't think I've missed more than 5 services since then. Yes, I love the music. Yes, I love Bill. And, yes, I've met some really great people and formed close relationships. But, Jim has become MY minister and for him to be forced out will cause me to question whether I will continue to belong to this congregation.

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10. 60
    Name: Susan Moutoux on May 14, 2003

    Comments: When my mother-in-law, Katherine Moutoux, died in April, Jim was most helpful and comforing to us. He performed a wonderful funeral service, one we know she would have enjoyed. I really am quite appalled by this squabbing and show of politics in a church.

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11. 61
    Name: Marty & Dia Pullen on May 14, 2003

    Comments:

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12. 62
    Name: Lisa Bradley on May 14, 2003

    Comments: I am not sure what all this is about, but I do know this - I strongly support Jim Nelson staying on as the minister of our congregation. Jim is great and I can not understand why anyone would not feel he is doing a fantastic job.

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13. 63
    Name: Vivien Silber on May 14, 2003

    Comments: I have been a member of the church for 7 years now, have taught Sunday school for two of those years, and plan to teach next year. Jim Nelson is the reason that I joined this church, and the reason I continue to attend UUCF. As a Unitarian since the age of 9, I have been a member of, or attended services in many different Unitarian Churches. Jim is one of two Unitarian ministers that I strongly respect, believe in, and is the reason I continue to attend this church. If Jim leaves this church, I will also leave.

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14. 64
    Name: Tony Walker on May 14, 2003

    Comments: Jim is a good guy, thats what matters.

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15. 65
    Name: Tim Sweeney on May 14, 2003

    Comments:

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16. 66
    Name: Kendall Barrett on May 14, 2003

    Comments: It has been over a year since I have been at church. I have a job that makes Sunday work necessary. Jim Nelson's absence in my weekly life is the only true void I have. He has been an inspiration to me spiritually. One of the things that helps me through this busy and difficult time in my family and work life is the knowledge that I will soon be able to reconnect with the rich thoughtful community that was brought to me by Jim Nelson. It would be a travesty to lose such a man.

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17. 67
    Name: Alan Green on May 14, 2003

    Comments:

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18. 68
    Name: Ruth And Andrew Jackson on May 15, 2003

    Comments:

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19. 69
    Name: Lou Kelaher on May 15, 2003

    Comments: Jim Nelson is THE reason why my family and I attend UUCF. If Jim is not Minister of UUCF then we will not continue to be members.

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20. 70
    Name: Suzanne Herzberg on May 15, 2003

    Comments: UUCF is the ONLY church I have ever joined. My reasons for joining were because of Jim Nelson's sermons and the positive way I felt after hearing them! I have attended many different churches but have only felt moved to give my energy/time to UUCF.

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21. 71
    Name: Perry Mataya on May 15, 2003

    Comments: I can not believe that this is happening. Are all of the parties children and not able to work through their differences. This whole episode has been handled poorly. In his report, Ed White was concerned that matters such as these could split the congregation and I think this scenario is beginning to happen. It is up to both the Board and Jim to work together and find a better means of communicating.

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22. 72
    Name: Katie Gayle on May 15, 2003

    Comments: I'm 4th generation UU raising 5th generation UU children. We chose to come to UUCF instead of Arlington because of Jim Nelson. Even when I disagree with the content and/or premise of his sermon, I always retain respect for him as a minister and a man, as well as the coherent, thought provoking way he presents his ideas. What makes UU's special is our respect for the inherent dignity and worth of all people - regardless of their positions. Even if some members disagree with him, let us treat this situation with dignity. This email was the first I heard of any internal strife, thank you for providing a public forum for this issue.

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23. 73
    Name: Juan Brown on May 15, 2003

    Comments: Member of UUCF since 2001

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24. 74
    Name: Leah Cutler on May 15, 2003

    Comments: I am an 18 year old in the youth group and Jim has been a great source of support and caring to the teens in this congregation. I am very upset to think there are people who want to get rid of him. I plan on coming back from college next year to visit UUCF & I sure hope Jim is there.

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25. 75
    Name: Mariah Cutler on May 15, 2003

    Comments: I am 11 years old and have been coming to UUCF since I was a baby. I like Jim. He knows my name. He cares about me. He was nice to my mom when she was sick. I don't want people to kick him out. I would miss him.

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26. 76
    Name: John Adams on May 15, 2003

    Comments: Let's start behaving like grown-ups.

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27. 77
    Name: Thomas Larson on May 15, 2003

    Comments: The Board has failed in its responsibility to the Congregation by attempting to take this covert action against Jim. Having had the experience of serving on the board of a UU Congregation (Montclair, NJ ), I believe the Board must share responsibility for the current hostilities between it and Jim. Both Jim and the Board serve at the pleasure of the Congregation. For the Board to take this action while intentionally hiding from the Congregation is a breach in the trust placed in the Board Members when they were elected by the Congregation. The situation is only made worse by the Board irresponsibly choosing to take this divisive action when we need it least--during a building campaign. If the Board's intention to dismiss Jim is successful, we will still be left with a Board that fails to recognize its responsibilities to the Congregation and to our Minister. Therefore, unless the Board changes its approach and attitude in its relation to the Minister and in its service to the Congregation, we will experience the same problem with our next Minister. Unless the Board changes its attitude, simply replacing Jim with someone else will not solve the problem. Therefore, it is my belief that it is the Board, not Jim that needs to be replaced.

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28. 78
    Name: Kenny Reff on May 15, 2003

    Comments: The consideration to remove a Minister requires participation from the ENTIRE congregation.

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29. 79
    Name: Atoosa Reaser on May 15, 2003

    Comments:

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30. 80
    Name: Atticus Reaser on May 15, 2003

    Comments:

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31. 81
    Name: Deborah Parks on May 15, 2003

    Comments:

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32. 82
    Name: Liga Lidums on May 15, 2003

    Comments: Jim is the main reason I joined the church (after many, many years of searching for a serious connection with a spiritural leader) -- if he goes, I don't think I'll stay with UUCF for very long either...

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33. 83
    Name: Wendy Rudolph on May 15, 2003

    Comments: My family joined the church because of our strong feelings of leadership provided by Jim.

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34. 84
    Name: Kenneth Herbert on May 15, 2003

    Comments:

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35. 85
    Name: Sally Herbert on May 15, 2003

    Comments: Unequivocal support from my family!

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36. 86
    Name: Dawn Sweeney on May 15, 2003

    Comments:

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37. 87
    Name: Martha Kennedy on May 15, 2003

    Comments: I agree with the statements in the petition and hope that Jim and his family can be treated fairly in this situation.

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38. 88
    Name: Laurie Lubsen on May 15, 2003

    Comments: Jim Nelson is the #1 reason I came to this particular church. Jim's sermons are always thought provoking. I also appreciate Jim's humanity and his willingness to share his own spiritual journey.

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39. 89
    Name: Alicia Baker Tulloch on May 15, 2003

    Comments: Jim was the person who kept me coming back to the sanctuary, Sunday after Sunday. Through his extensive knowledge and wisdom, I learned the true meaning of the Unitarian faith. During our interactions, he was always encouraging, inviting, and genuine. If Jim Nelson leaves UUCF, I will too.

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40. 90
    Name: Sally Taylor on May 15, 2003

    Comments: Jim is a fine minister. The Congregation deserves a chance to work on its differences of opinion.

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41. 91
    Name: Paul Sullivan on May 16, 2003

    Comments:

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42. 92
    Name: Vernette Molloy on May 16, 2003

    Comments: I have not been to UUCF services in a while due to significant family issues; however,Jim Nelson was the primary reason I joined UUCF in the first place and is the primary reason why I maintain membership.

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43. 93
    Name: Janet Albright on May 16, 2003

    Comments: Thank-you for this initiative. I wholeheartedly support keeping Jim Nelson as our pastor. He has been for me all of the things you describe. Being able to read his sermons here in Hamburg has been a great inspiration. We as a congregation must search our souls as to how so many misunderstandings and such lack of communication led us to this point. About face, get to work, mend the relationship, go forward with new vision together with Jim. I will be thinking of you all May 20th and wishing you good UU understanding and wisdom. Jan (Member since 1982)

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44. 94
    Name: Douglas Parrish on May 16, 2003

    Comments:

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45. 95
    Name: Cami St.Germain on May 17, 2003

    Comments:

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46. 96
    Name: Emery Lazar on May 17, 2003

    Comments: If the Board of Trustees declined to renew Jim's contract, I would strongly disagree with that action, but confronting him with a surprise letter demanding his resignation is a draconian measure that lacks basic fairness and compassion, in my judgment.

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47. 97
    Name: Rita Lazar on May 17, 2003

    Comments:

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48. 98
    Name: Jennifer Duncan on May 19, 2003

    Comments: I am so surprised this is happening. I am not a very regular attendee, but I was raised in the Arlington UU Church and feel that Jim Nelson is such an interesting speaker and a good leader of this congregation. What did I miss Has something happened that would require such drastic action I feel that Jim's services have improved over the past 4 years that I have attended. Please send me the packet sent to the congregation by the board. I didn't get it, and I need a better explination of what is going on. Thank you, Jennifer Duncan

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49. 99
    Name: Susan Helig on May 19, 2003

    Comments:

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50. 100
    Name: Gregory Perrier on May 19, 2003

    Comments: I have been attending the UUCF church for about three years and greatly appreaciate the ministery of Jim Nelson, his spirtuality and his insights.

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