In many ways, we are now entering the most challenging period of the interim. By the time you read this article, the Ad Hoc Committee will have presented their recommendations to the Deacons who will have a month to think about and discuss the material before voting on their recommendation at the May Deacons’ meeting. This recommendation will come to the Church Business Meeting on May 23.
This is the time to practice our listening skills as we respectfully “hear each other out” on the issues that must be decided in order to keep us living within our budget. Getting (and keeping) our financial house in order is mandatory, especially in the light of the process of calling a new pastor who certainly will not want to take on a church that is consistently in the red.
Challenges always provide the opportunity for looking at things in a new way, and for coming to decisions that will contribute to more effective and vibrant ministries. The sections in Getting Ready For a New Pastor and a New Future that deal with decision making and listening are most relevant to how well we will negotiate this process of readjustment and realignment.
On April 29, at a luncheon following the worship service, there will be a time for your questions and observations on any of the material in the booklet or any aspects of the intentional interim process. At this luncheon, there will also be a report by Robin Riddle from the Pastor Search Committee.
The Scripture verse on the front of the booklet, Getting Reading For a New Pastor and a New Future, is our watchword for the entire interim. It comes from Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
