Midweek Message February 18, 2026

What does it mean to me to be here doing this role?  -Rev. Jennifer Hackett

I came to this congregation more than a decade ago, already done with seminary, hoping this would be a place I could raise my children in community with people of like-minded values and with sound, harm-free theology.  Sound familiar to what you may have wanted/want for your family or yourself when you first started coming to FUUN?

After a few years of coming weekly and learning to trust the congregation, I got back on the ministry train, this time with all of the UU requirements to fulfill. I learned and grew.  I kept bringing the kids.  I kept attending everything that was offered in the UUniverse about raising children as UUs.

When I started last April 1st (no foolin’!) my contract was intentionally written with the title of “Acting” Minister of Faith Formation for Children, Youth & Families.  In the contract, we wrote that before March of 2026, the new Minister (not yet known to be Rev. Charlotte), the Board and I would all reflect on how we liked me in the role.  

This left space for them (the Board and Rev. Charlotte) and me to reflect on how I like doing this particular ministry at this particular congregation, and how they like me in it.  

It has been an incredible joy to be trusted with the role in this first year.  As a parent in this congregation, I want this ministry to succeed for several reasons:  

-I think Unitarian Universalist Principles and Values are an amazing map for raising good people of any age

-I want my kids to reflect those Principles and Values into the world

-I want all of our kids to reflect those Principles and Values into the world

-I want FUUN to be FUN.  FUN Church makes kids want to be in community WITH their Church

-This community in Middle TN needs us to exist and thrive - with THIS theology, with THIS community, with THIS offering of love for all people.  ‘

While it has been a journey organizing undertended spaces, it has been one that has filled me with joy to reshape with all of my co-collaborators.  We started with 19 registered children on April 1, and we now have 78.  

This past Tuesday, the Board and Rev. Charlotte discussed a new contract for me.  One that drops the word Acting, and has me staying on as FUUN’s Minister of Faith Formation for Children Youth and Families.  It is my privilege and joy to keep serving in this role.  Thank you for journeying with me in raising great UUs who will reflect our values out into the world!