Tri-Faith Initiative Transitions

Dear Countryside Members and Friends,

I am writing to share news about upcoming changes on the Tri-Faith Commons. Wendy Goldberg, Executive Director of Tri-Faith Initiative and Member of Temple Israel, shared with the TFI Board of Directors that she plans to step down in the coming weeks. You can read the announcement from the Board of Directors for Tri-Faith Initiative (TFI) here.

We are incredibly grateful for Wendy’s work and commitment over the last several years as she has navigated the challenges of growing a start-up organization to its current position as a leading voice in this country regarding interfaith relations, all while navigating significant difficulties, including clergy transitions, a global pandemic and the events of Oct. 7.

Read the announcement from Tr-Faith Board of Directors Chair Rick McInness here.

While leadership transitions are bittersweet, we see this moment as an opportunity to strengthen our relationships on the Tri-Faith Commons, renew our commitments to our shared faith and look ahead to a future bright with possibilities.

In the weeks and months ahead, The Board of Directors will work and listen together with the leadership bodies of our three faith communities and TFI legacy stakeholders to support a transition process that will prepare TFI and our interfaith campus for continual growth and success.

As this transition approaches, please do not hesitate to contact me or TFI Board Chair, Rick MacInnes with questions. If you would like to volunteer or get more involved on the Tri-Faith Commons and have the time and energy to volunteer, please reach out to me, Rick, or one of Countryside’s Tri-Faith representatives: Trish Hoffman-Ahrens, Nancy Behringer, or Mark Stursma.

We at Countryside are thankful for Wendy’s leadership and wish her well in her future endeavors. If you would like to express your gratitude to Wendy, please get in touch with her directly at wgoldberg@trifaith.org.

Spirit is leading the way,

Rev. Dr. Jenny Shultz-Thomas

Sr. Minister, Countryside Community Church