This coming Sunday will see the installation and ordination of new Elders and Deacons to help lead the church through the coming several years. This time promises to be crucial for the life, health, and direction of First church, as we continue in the interim journey and a time of clarifying the church’s direction for ministry and mission. These Elders and Deacons will also lead the church into the coming time of transition, when later this year, a Pastoral Nominating (or search) committee will be elected to begin the search for a new installed pastor and head of staff. Please keep the new church officers in your prayers, and share with them your thoughts, hopes and dreams for our church’s life.
Our church is a broad church, with people at various points in their life journeys and embracing a range of theological perspectives. We are dedicated to nurturing young people in the faith, as well as to providing care and comfort to those in later years.
The Congregational Life and Christian Education committees of Session are presently looking for a new half-time staff person to fill the Youth/ Congregational Life Assistant Position. This will be quarter time in the area of youth, to assist Jarrod Judge, in deepening the support that we provide for youth, and quarter-time in the area of congregational life to coordinate a creative range of programs of fellowship and service. While the church’s stewardship giving has been strengthening in recent weeks, these new positions will involve stepping out in faith to help build up the life of the church and what it can offer people in our congregation and our region. Please be in touch with one of our staff if you have people to recommend for this position, or if you might be interested in applying.
As Pastor Karen has indicated in recent weeks, we are also undertaking another new initiative in the crucial area of pastoral care for the congregation, especially those who may find themselves unable to attend worship due to illness, and those who are grieving a loss or finding life a bit lonely. Karen will join R. Gaskins and Candace Ludtke this coming week to be trained as Stephens Ministry trainers. The Stephens Ministry program will be a chance for lay members of the church to receive substantial training in pastoral care and visitation, to strengthen the support network within our church.
We have yet to see fully what the life and witness of First Presbyterian will look like in the years ahead. One thing is certain, we will need each member to find a place of dedicated service, whether in singing an anthem, teaching a child, holding the church’s life in prayer, volunteering at the church, or reaching out to the community with Christ’s love. Together we will find the future and the hope God is preparing even now for our church.
Yours in faith and friendship,
Audrey Schindler
A Letter from the Interim Pastor 