The congregational discernment process, which has allowed us to talk about our frustrations and let the Spirit heal our wounds and then encouraged us to stop and look around and see where Jesus Christ is calling us and begin to follow that leading and move forward in excitement, is now coming to a new phase. The clarity we have gained from the last year of work and communication is now calling us to choose our new direction. This is the phase so many of you have wanted – the search for a pastor:

¨ who will share your beliefs and ideals, and build on the traditions of excellence in Christian education and nurture and fine music and worship

¨ who will challenge your faith so that both you, and your relationship with God, can grow and            deepen, and

¨ who will live and work side by side with you helping you sense God’s presence in both the celebrations and the difficult days of life with caring, prayer and grace.   

                                             

We have learned that this person needs to be a nurturing team builder, who can:

*     Encourage members to share their gifts for the good of the community and to serve God in faithful ways,

*     Manage a large and aging church building that is used daily in mission and ministry,

*     Support and grow a congregation through program development and staff encouragement, and

*     Lead a church in a turnaround that welcomes and involves increased media connections and communication usage and new worship opportunities.

PLEASE come and hear more of what we have learned from this transition time. Listen for the Spirit’s work as we learn what a Designated Pastor is and how that particular model of call process might help us at this time. Come and meet the Reverend David Harvey, longtime pastor of the Blairstown church who himself was a Designated pastor when he arrived, and now serves as the Chair of the Committee on Ministry and as the Newton church’s liaison in the search process.

The day will be scheduled like our other discernment days – with the 10:30am worship in the Fellowship Hall/Gym, and a luncheon following and conversation around tables. You will provide this potluck luncheon. Please come and share in fellowship and prayer, in laughter, in conversation and in God’s leading of this congregation. (There will be a 9:15 am service in the chapel for those who simply cannot attend at the later hour, and we will have a dialogue sermon to attempt to gather your thoughts as well…)

 

As we come together on the 16th of October, bring your favorite fall food to share, your hopes and your knowledge, your gifts and your talents, your love and your caring! God will bless our gathering!  Peace and Grace,


Text Box: The congregational discernment process, which has allowed us to talk about our frustrations and let the Spirit heal our wounds and then encouraged us to stop and look around and see where Jesus Christ is calling us and begin to follow that leading and move forward in excitement, is now coming to a new phase. The clarity we have gained from the last year of work and communication is now calling us to choose our new direction. This is the phase so many of you have wanted – the search for a pastor: who will share your beliefs and ideals, and build on the traditions of excellence in Christian education and nurture and fine music and worship who will challenge your faith so that both you, and your relationship with God can grow and deepen, and who will live and work side by side with you helping you sense God’s presence in both the celebrations and the difficult days of life with caring, prayer and grace. We have learned that this person needs to be a nurturing team builder, who can: Encourage members to share their gifts for the good of the community and to serve God in faithful ways, Manage a large and aging church building that is used daily in mission and ministry, Support and grow a congregation through program development and staff encouragement, and Lead a church in a turnaround that welcomes and involves increased media connections and communication usage and new worship opportunities. PLEASE come and hear more of what we have learned from this transition time. Listen for the Spirit’s work as we learn what a Designated Pastor is and how that particular model of call process might help us at this time. Come and meet the Reverend David Harvey, longtime pastor of the Blairstown church who himself was a Designated pastor when he arrived, and now serves as the Chair of the Committee on Ministry and as the Newton church’s liaison in the search process.


The day will be scheduled like our other discernment days – with the 10:30am worship in the Fellowship Hall/Gym, and a luncheon following and conversation around tables. You will provide this potluck luncheon. Please come and share in fellowship and prayer, in laughter, in conversation and in God’s leading of this congregation. (There will be a 9:15 am service in the chapel for those who simply cannot attend at the later hour, and we will have a dialogue sermon to attempt to gather your thoughts as well…)

 

As we come together on the 16th of October, bring your favorite fall food to share, your hopes and your knowledge, your gifts and your talents, your love and your caring! God will bless our gathering!  Peace and Grace,
The Beacon

From the Interim Pastor