Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap County is welcoming a new interim minister, Rev. Thomas Perchlik.

Revs. Barbara and Jaco ten Hove retired this past January, giving the church several months to find an interim minister. After eight years at the Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church on the island, they have moved to Bellingham.

Until the church finds a new settled (multi-year) minister, Rev. Perchlik will step in as interim minister starting Tuesday, Aug. 1.

Perchlik has served congregations in Wyoming, Texas, Indiana, Missouri, and, most recently, in his hometown of Olympia.

“One of his primary missions will be to assist the congregation in its search for a future settled minister,” said John Wiens, president of the Cedars Board of Trustees.

As interim minister, Perchlik will be with the church for about a year, helping ease the transition process.

When he arrives at the end of the summer, he will assist the church as they start searching for a new settled minister. This extensive undertaking involves several search committees, as well.

“That process is a kind of organized dating between congregations and minister candidates looking for a mutually good fit,” said Richard Wilson of Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church, “and the timing allows everything to come together.”