One of the decisions I made pretty quickly is that, since this may be the last opportunity I have to swaddle a child on a regular basis, I wanted to be a ready-to-go, fulltime grandmother.  I discussed with the Personnel Committee my decision not to extend my contract beyond March 31, 2017.  I feel that we have done good work together and that, even if your new pastor has not packed his moving van, her arrival will be soon after my departure.

 

The good news is that the rest of the staff is very much in place and that the Rev. Tom York, former pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church, has agreed to serve as temporary Head of Staff, Worship Leader, and Moderator of Session for the few months needed.  He has preached at MWPC in the past and received very high marks.  I think the church is extremely fortunate to have his leadership during this season. We have already begun to meet together to create a smooth transition.

 

There is still much to do, and I don't want to focus too much on March.  At the session meeting last night we worked on 2017 priorities-setting out the vision for the church in the year ahead.  We will complete our work in January and ask committees to develop specific goals around these priorities.

 

The Congregational Nominating Committee (CNC) is finishing its work and will have a splendid slate of candidates to present to the congregation at our annual meeting on January 29, following our 10 a.m. worship.  I look forward to working with these new officers in our officer training sessions in January and February.

 

And, of course, the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) is hard at work.  We could hear the excitement in their voices as the co-chairs presented a report to the session last night.  The work of a PNC is never easy, but it does hold its own special exhilaration.

 

The end of March will not only complete my interim, it is the end of 39 years of active ordained ministry.  I have been blessed beyond measure with marvelous opportunities and I am grateful for the privilege of accompanying you on the sacred journey of healing and rediscovery of the mission to which God has called the saints at MWPC.