Our Congregational Life Coordinator, Yvette McDonnell, was recently named MLUC’s ministerial intern. She’s taking part in a new approach that makes UU ministry more accessible and inclusive. In this update, she explains how she’ll be serving both MLUC and WellSprings Congregation while also being supported by a team of mentors and advisors.
Curious about my internship journey? I’m excited to share an update with the MLUC community! The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) are working together to expand the path to UU ministry. Their mission is to embody UU values by removing barriers and increasing equity in ministerial formation and credibility.
I am grateful to be experiencing these UUA and MFC efforts firsthand. I have received permission to complete my internship at MLUC, allowing me to continue growing as your Congregational Life Coordinator while fulfilling my internship requirements. To broaden my experience, I am also partnering with WellSprings Congregation and Rev. Lee Paczulla. There, I’ll be delivering one or two sermons each month, providing backup pastoral care, and serving as the main pastoral contact when the Lead Minister is away.
My plan is to complete a one-year internship with both MLUC and WellSprings, deepening my connections with both congregations.
I am fortunate to have an amazing internship team supporting me on this journey: Dr. Tracey Simpson (MLUC Board Member), Rev. Diane Teichert (Minister Emerita of Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church in Prince George’s County, MD), and three members from the broader UU BIPOC community. Rev. Lee from WellSprings is my primary supervisor, with support from Rev. John. I am also guided by a vocational advisor from the Ministerial Fellowship Network and Rev. Jacqueline Duhart as my Spiritual Director.
I feel truly supported as I work toward becoming a UU minister, and I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you!