Conference Minister Transition Update

Written By Russell Ware

Dear Members of the KO Conference,

I want to give you an update on the Conference Minister transition.  Lorraine's last day with the KO conference is May 31, 2026. The board accepted her request for an early end date due to her being selected to be Interim Conference Minister with the Pacific Northwest Conference. The board and I wish to extend our deepest gratitude for her service, and her willingness to help us make this transition as smooth as possible.  We choose to celebrate all of the wonderful work we have done together during her tenure as our Conference Minister.  We wish her every joy as she continues her ministry.

There will be a special service at Zion UCC in Junction City on May 31 beginning at 10:30 a.m. that will include a blessing and parting liturgy honoring Lorraine and her work with KO.  All are welcome to attend or send a message to be read during the service or shared privately with Lorraine afterward.  Unfortunately, this event will not be live streamed or recorded.

The KO Board has appointed an Interim Search Committee who will be guiding the process of selecting an Interim Conference Minister in conjunction with Rev. Dr. Diane Weible, UCC Search and Call Consultant.  They are already hard at work vetting candidates.

What does that mean for the KO Conference?  For now:

  • Julia (Designated Term Associate Conference Minister) will be the main point of contact for KO Staff and all KO Conference business

  • The phone number will remain the same

  • The mailing address will remain the same

The board and I appreciate your patience and the outpouring of love we have received during this important and uncertain time.  Please know that we are open to questions and concerns.  More information will be coming in the next few weeks, please be on the lookout for those emails.

With warmest regards,

Jackie Kropp

President, KO Board of Directors

Russell Ware
Next

4-week Zoom Book Study led by Rev. Kayla Bonewell