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Transparency & Leadership Change
To: Unity of Mesa Congregants
From: Unity of Mesa Board of Trustees
RE: Transparency & Leadership Change
Date: September 18, 2026
Dearest Congregation,
In February 2026, Jennifer Magnano was recommended and then, unanimously approved to serve as Unity of Mesa’s Interim Spiritual Leader by the Unity of Mesa Board of Trustees. She presented her application with full support from Co-Ministers Rev. Mindy Tucker and Rev. Nickie Golden, who chose not to renew their contracts, ending March 31, 2026. In agreement with transitional needs, both Ministers agreed to stay until April 12 to assist Jennifer in a seamless transition.
Jennifer signed a one year contract for her role, approved by the Board, effective March 15, 2026. She has expressed an interest in long-term leadership, in collaboration with support from the Board, Ministerial mentors, and Unity World Headquarters. After one year, it will be determined by the Board and Jennifer if the contract will be renewed. One year contracts are typical for all spiritual leaders. The Board’s decision to renew the contract will be based on her performance in Sunday Services, handling the administrative responsibilities of the Church and pastoral care, to include Spiritual Programs, congregant participation, outreach programs and feedback from Unity of Mesa’s congregants.
Jennifer submitted her application to be considered as an Interim Spiritual Leader with notable understanding and knowledge applicable the needs of Unity of Mesa. Jennifer began attending Unity of Mesa in March 2022. She was both the Board of Trustee’s Vice President and subsequently, the President when this transition was considered. Additionally, Jennifer is a Unity-credentialed Spiritual Director, a Unity Prayer Chaplain, and had begun taking classes to pursue ordination as a Unity Minister. She brings to Unity of Mesa her previous experiences in ministry, community-building, full spectrum doula work, and business leadership.
We would like the congregation to know that in June 2026, Jennifer was admitted to the credentialing pathway as created by Unity World Headquarters to support individual spiritual communities with a chosen Spiritual Leader journeying toward ordination. Presently, Jennifer is completing her final courses and expedited application for the next ministerial cohort with Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute beginning Summer 2027.
Presently, Unity of Mesa is thriving. Jennifer has provided continuity to the ongoing Sunday Services and activities. In the short time she has been our Spiritual Leader, Sunday service attendance and financial donations have increased. If the Board had chosen to pursue an alternative path, based on past experience, the endeavor would have been long with a large financial commitment attached to such an exploration. “Homegrown” ministers typically add to the stability of a community and decrease the likelihood for investments such as oversight by a UWM consultant which can cost thousands each month.
As the Board of Trustees has previously conveyed, we will continue to provide the Unity of Mesa congregation with quarterly surveys requesting feedback on the spiritual leader and the Board’s performance. To date, one survey was sent out in July 2026 and the responses from the congregation were overwhelmingly positive. Thank you for your participation.
The Board will continue to be open and receptive to the opinions of the staff and congregants. We invite any questions to be directed to our current Board of Trustees.
With Gratitude,
Your 2025-2026 Board of Trustees
Lorie Weber, Board President
Judy Sutor, Vice President
Denise Haala, Treasurer
Kerri Hellyer, Secretary
Nancy Salk, Member-at-Large
Audrey Burke, Member-at-Large
From: Unity of Mesa Board of Trustees
RE: Transparency & Leadership Change
Date: September 18, 2026
Dearest Congregation,
In February 2026, Jennifer Magnano was recommended and then, unanimously approved to serve as Unity of Mesa’s Interim Spiritual Leader by the Unity of Mesa Board of Trustees. She presented her application with full support from Co-Ministers Rev. Mindy Tucker and Rev. Nickie Golden, who chose not to renew their contracts, ending March 31, 2026. In agreement with transitional needs, both Ministers agreed to stay until April 12 to assist Jennifer in a seamless transition.
Jennifer signed a one year contract for her role, approved by the Board, effective March 15, 2026. She has expressed an interest in long-term leadership, in collaboration with support from the Board, Ministerial mentors, and Unity World Headquarters. After one year, it will be determined by the Board and Jennifer if the contract will be renewed. One year contracts are typical for all spiritual leaders. The Board’s decision to renew the contract will be based on her performance in Sunday Services, handling the administrative responsibilities of the Church and pastoral care, to include Spiritual Programs, congregant participation, outreach programs and feedback from Unity of Mesa’s congregants.
Jennifer submitted her application to be considered as an Interim Spiritual Leader with notable understanding and knowledge applicable the needs of Unity of Mesa. Jennifer began attending Unity of Mesa in March 2022. She was both the Board of Trustee’s Vice President and subsequently, the President when this transition was considered. Additionally, Jennifer is a Unity-credentialed Spiritual Director, a Unity Prayer Chaplain, and had begun taking classes to pursue ordination as a Unity Minister. She brings to Unity of Mesa her previous experiences in ministry, community-building, full spectrum doula work, and business leadership.
We would like the congregation to know that in June 2026, Jennifer was admitted to the credentialing pathway as created by Unity World Headquarters to support individual spiritual communities with a chosen Spiritual Leader journeying toward ordination. Presently, Jennifer is completing her final courses and expedited application for the next ministerial cohort with Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute beginning Summer 2027.
Presently, Unity of Mesa is thriving. Jennifer has provided continuity to the ongoing Sunday Services and activities. In the short time she has been our Spiritual Leader, Sunday service attendance and financial donations have increased. If the Board had chosen to pursue an alternative path, based on past experience, the endeavor would have been long with a large financial commitment attached to such an exploration. “Homegrown” ministers typically add to the stability of a community and decrease the likelihood for investments such as oversight by a UWM consultant which can cost thousands each month.
As the Board of Trustees has previously conveyed, we will continue to provide the Unity of Mesa congregation with quarterly surveys requesting feedback on the spiritual leader and the Board’s performance. To date, one survey was sent out in July 2026 and the responses from the congregation were overwhelmingly positive. Thank you for your participation.
The Board will continue to be open and receptive to the opinions of the staff and congregants. We invite any questions to be directed to our current Board of Trustees.
With Gratitude,
Your 2025-2026 Board of Trustees
Lorie Weber, Board President
Judy Sutor, Vice President
Denise Haala, Treasurer
Kerri Hellyer, Secretary
Nancy Salk, Member-at-Large
Audrey Burke, Member-at-Large
Are you interested in Board Service?
Congregants with one year of membership are welcome and invited to apply to join our 2026-2027 Board of Trustees. The application will be available online and on paper by September 27, 2026. For questions, please email [email protected].
Congregants with one year of membership are welcome and invited to apply to join our 2026-2027 Board of Trustees. The application will be available online and on paper by September 27, 2026. For questions, please email [email protected].
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