Rev. Rachael Pryor Ready to Lead Wichita UCC through Transitions (with a Capital T!)
Rev. Rachael Pryor, incoming Transitional Minister, Wichita UCC
written by Edith Guffey, Conference Minister
We never know why things work out as they do. Generally, an authorized minister serves in a settled position as a local church pastor, a chaplain, or in a similar role, or they may be seeking a call to serve in such a position. Rev. Rachael Pryor has maintained her covenantal relationship with the Conference in a different way, offering her gifts and leadership in key roles, and the Conference has benefitted greatly from her, and her continuing sense of call. With Rachael’s spouse in a key leadership role at Bethany College in Lindsborg, having three small children, and living in an area with few local UCC churches, Rachael has been able to serve in ways that many authorized ministers just aren’t able to do. Now, as Rev. Phil Hodson moves to serve as Conference Minister in the South-Central Conference, the leadership at Wichita UCC has called Rachael to serve as their Transitional Minister.
While we know Rachael primarily through her roles in the Conference, Rachael has served in local church settings in the UCC and in ELCA congregations through the Formula of Agreement that authorizes UCC and ELCA pastors to serve in partner relationships. She has also served in campus ministry settings, and currently serves as the Chair of KIFA (Kansas Interfaith Action).
The term “Transitional Minister” is a new term for KO and is one that is newly being used across the life of the United Church of Christ. It is slightly different from Interim and I won’t go into detail about that here, but the word itself really fits Wichita UCC. Of course, all our congregations are in transition as they move from COVID-19 into an unknown future, but Wichita UCC is in transition on steroids. Think about it:
Wichita UCC became one congregation from two (merging Fairmount and Pilgrim in 2019).
COVID-19 arrived and most congregations, including Wichita UCC, began virtual worship
The building where Fairmount Church worshiped was already on the market and eventually sold
During the long months of COVID, the leadership of Wichita UCC decided to sell the complex on Harry Street where Pilgrim was located
After being outbid several times, a new building was purchased
The property where Pilgrim was located has sold
Building plans were solidified and approved, renovation is well underway, and Wichita UCC continues to worship virtually… they expect to celebrate and join for worship in their new building this Christmas!
And now, unexpectedly they are preparing to say goodbye this Sunday to the founding pastor of this “new church” even though they have not been together since March 2020.
Rarely is there a person available to step in and serve in such a transitional time as this with the depth and experience Rachael brings to Wichita UCC precisely when they need it. No moving expenses, no explaining the UCC or the Conference. I know that Wichita UCC is relieved, and they aren’t the only one! The Spirit moves in ways we never anticipate. And when that happens, we can all say Thanks be to God.