The Search for a New Pastor

Transcription

1 First Presbyterian Church of Sun City, Arizona Volume 50, April 2018 The Search for a New Pastor And what is a Designated Pastor, anyway? By now, if you ve been reading the Session recaps in past issues of The SPIRE, you know that our church is searching for a designated pastor but just what does that mean? Here are the answers to some of the questions the church staff has been asked lately: What is a designated pastor? A designated pastor is hired by a church for a set period of two years. At the beginning of the two years, the church and the pastor jointly set goals to be achieved during that time frame. Progress toward the goals is periodically assessed. How is that different than an interim pastor? The time frame for an interim pastor is fluid. He or she leaves whenever the church, the pastor, or the Presbytery thinks the needed work there is done. Also, traditionally an interim could not become the called pastor at a church where he or she served as interim, whereas after the two-year period served by a designated pastor, the pastor and the church jointly decide whether he or she should become the called pastor. So why not just call the pastor to start with? There are some real advantages to hiring a designated pastor rather than a called pastor: 1. The process is faster (more on that later). 2. The guaranteed two-year term provides more stability for the church, with the promise of conversion to a called ministry at the end of that time if both parties are pleased with each other. 3. Normally a called pastor is not expected to work on any specific goals with the church. In our case, the Session wishes to continue working on the growth and financial stability goals set during the interim session. For these reasons, David suggested hiring a designated pastor as his successor, and the Session agreed. So, how is the process of hiring a designated pastor different than the process of hiring a called pastor? 1. The Search Committee is appointed by the Session rather than elected by the congregation. Our diverse search committee consists of Fred Stainbrook (chair), Wanda Morrill, Diane Nestlebush, John Ohm, and Bill Wentling. Wanda and Bill are currently serving on the Session; the others are not. John Ohm is actually a Friend of the Church instead of a member. (continued on page 3) INSIDE THIS ISSUE: A Message from Our Pastor... 2 Reports and Activities This Month s Calendar... insert Celebrations and Updates N. 103rd Avenue, Sun City, AZ Phone: Fax: Dial-A-Prayer: info@firstpressuncity.org Blog: firstpressuncity.blogspot.com YouTube: Website: firstpressuncity.org Facebook:

2 The SPIRE A Message from Our Pastor Doing a New Thing Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 As I write these parting words to you, God is doing a new thing by causing spring to come to our desert landscape, and God is doing a new thing at our church by setting in motion what we all trust will be a beautiful transition in pastoral leadership. The Commission on Ministry has appointed David Glenn Walker to be the moderator of the Session as the church awaits a new designated pastor; and all three of our former pastors will take turns leading worship and responding to pastoral care situations. You see, even with pastors who thought they had retired God is still ready, willing and able to do a new thing! I hope you will all avail yourselves of the opportunity to meet the pastor and his wife at the open house that is being planned for Friday morning, April 6th. Invitations have been held back until Commission on Ministry met this week, and should be arriving soon. Brad Munroe and I will both be at that open house to help our search committee introduce the candidate who has earned their unanimous support. Please remember that I treasure the time we have spent together, and the memories we created together will continue to bless my ministry as I follow God's call to the church that needs whatever healing I can help them to experience. Let us hold each other in our prayers, and trust that God's will unfolds with that peace that passes all understanding. With every blessing, ~David It s only after you ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform. ~ Roy T. Bennett Thermostat Tip Did you know that the thermostats in our buildings have pre-set times during which they automatically turn on and off the heat or air conditioning? That s one of the ways we try to keep the buildings consistently comfortable. Of course not all our events are programmed in, so we have to manually increase the heating or cooling for any special activities. When that happens, please DO NOT turn the thermostat completely off after the event is over, because doing so will deactivate the built-in timer. Just press the button next to the words RUN SCHED, and the timer will take over again! 2

3 The Search for a New Pastor (continued) Vol. 50, April At least some of the candidates are referred by Presbytery, almost as if this were an interim session. 3. The candidate chosen by the search committee is hired or rejected by the Session, not the congregation. For this reason, he or she is not required to preach a trial sermon for the congregation. The Session and the Designated Pastoral Search Committee have found an amazing candidate for the position of our designated pastor, but they have not yet offered him the job. In David s words, we are still in the courting stage. To help both sides make the best decision possible, the committee has invited the candidate and his wife to visit us in early April, and the congregation is invited to meet them at an open house on Friday, April 6, at 10:30 am in Swain Hall. Brunch will be served, and David and our Presbytery Pastor, Brad Munroe, will be special guests. Please plan to come to the open house to meet the Rev. Tom Tripp and his wife Debbie! (Just let us know if you plan to attend so we can be sure to make enough food.) In the meantime, to learn more about Tom and his ministry, check out his blog at wordpress.com/. You won t need to read more than a post or two to share the search committee s excitement! Minute for Mission Music for Children Share the gift of music with students in the Peoria schools! The Peoria Unified School District will be collecting used musical instruments for use by students on Saturday, April 7, at the Peoria Arts & Cultural Festival in Old Town Peoria (intersection of Peoria and Grand Avenues). Their donation table will be on the west side of Osuna Park from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Or, you can leave your instrument on the table on the south side of the Agua Fria room and someone from the church will deliver it for you. Instruments needing repairs are fine the school has its own repair shop. More on Wells and Water World Vision Water Project works with communities around the world to build wells for clean water to improve peoples health and lives. Palm West Community Church in Sun City West is one of the churches that will host on their behalf a 6K Global Walk for Water on May 19. The walk is designed to show what children and their families go through daily, and sometimes multiple times a day, to have water for cooking and cleaning. 85% of the funds raised through the walk will go directly to the water project; 33% of that goes directly to a well project in a needy community. The remaining money goes toward World Vision s overhead costs. PWCC has invited us to participate in the walk. If you would like more information, to sign up as a participant, or just to donate to this worthy cause, call Claudia Burr, Palm West Community Church Outreach Ministry, at , or stop by our church office for a copy of the information flyer. 3

4 The SPIRE Presbyterian Women Bible Study Circle: We continue to study the Book of Hebrews. Mary Jo Conwell will lead Lesson 7 when we meet on Tuesday, April 10 th, at 1:30 pm. Gatherings: Wednesday, April 25 th, we ll have our Annual Salad Luncheon at 11:30 am. Plan to come, bringing your special recipe to share. Dessert will be provided. A special treat will be an entertaining/inspirational talk by Christian authoress Sue Faris Raatjes. She has published several books and been a high school English teacher and leader of a Bible Study Sunday School class. Sue lives in Phoenix; she has four children and ten grandchildren. Presbytery PW leadership has planned a Spring Gathering to be held on April 28, 2018, at Orangewood Presbyterian Church in Phoenix. Featured keynote speaker will be Nancy Thomas from Albuquerque, a Global Exchange participant to Indonesia. Registration is $10.00 per person; the deadline is April 6, Check-in is at 8:30 am. Diane Nestlebush has registration forms available at the church. Those of you who drive, please consider carpooling! It s about an hour s drive from Sun City. Remember, all women of the church belong to Presbyterian Women. If you haven t already considered being a part of these activities, please join. You ll be glad you did! Blessings to all! ~Marge Hagerman Session Recap Meeting of March 15,2018. The Session meeting opened with prayer given by Carolyn Lopez. Pastor s Report Pastor David read a letter he wrote to the COM for consideration at the March 20 th meeting of Presbytery. (1) To appoint David Glenn Walker to be interim moderator of Session of FPC. (2) To consider clearing the way for the search committee appointed by Session to present their candidate before the congregation for the position of called pastor for FPC. Wanda Morrill moved to approve this letter and send it to Presbytery. Motion carried. Administration Commission Jerry Heuett announced that the contract with the Baptist Church has expired. The letter of intent with the Solar company has also expired. Jerry will take care of both situations. 4 Plans are moving forward for the pergola in the Memorial Garden that Tim and Pam Meidinger have donated to in memory of Betty Hanneld. Session must approve the plans for the construction. Beth has asked for a specific date for erecting the electronic sign and is waiting for a response. Bill Wentling is going to push for a date for the sealing of the parking lot. The lot will need to be closed for at least two days, so timing is important.

5 Congregational Care and Mission Robert Felix is coming this Sunday, March 18, 2018 to finish filming for our video. Vol. 50, April 2018 The Good Friday Fish Fry will be held on March 30, 2018 beginning at 3:30. The Good Friday worship service begins at 5:00pm. A request was made for time during the service on March 18, 2018, for Minute for Mission. The subject will be World Water Day. Carolyn attended the Peoria Faith Based Council on March 13, The Peoria schools are having an instrument drive for students who can t afford to buy or rent an instrument. Worship and Christian Education Commission Gene Klatte announced there are two more sessions in the Life of Jesus series. Mary McMartin suggested a trip to the Goodyear Museum, which is a Bible museum. She will see if there is any interest in going as a group. Deacons Report Brunch with your Deacon was held on March 9, It was successful with Irish food and an Irish video. Martha made a formal request from the Deacons for $ from the non-designated Memorial Fund to be used to purchase flower arrangements for the sanctuary. A motion was made, seconded and approved. Treasurers Report Norma Mack was absent. The Treasurers Report was perused and approved as distributed. Old Business There was no old business. New Business B Ann Reese has agreed to be a Deacon as a replacement for Sherry Gearhart. John Szantho has agreed to be an Elder. The committee is still looking for one Elder. A Congregational Meeting will be held on April 1, 2018 to elect and install the replacement officers. A notice will be in the bulletin this Sunday, March 18,2018. The meeting was closed with prayer by Wanda Morrill. Discover Biosphere 2 with the C & N Travelers on Wednesday, April 18, 2018! Departure is 7:15 am from the Lutheran Thrift Parking lot in Sun City, returning at 5:30 pm. The $89 cost includes the bus, entrance fee, and lunch at the Biosphere. Payment and lunch choice due on Wednesday, April 4. For more info, contact Connie at Biosphere Lunch Menu (all choices include bottled water, deli chips, and a cookie): Turkey Club Sandwich Sicilian (cold meat, salami) Sandwich Berry Good Salad* Nutty Chicken Salad Sandwich Chicken Caesar Salad Veggie Hummus Sandwich* Southwest Turkey Salad *vegetarian choices Caprese Sandwich* Garden Salad* 5

6 The SPIRE Deacon Minutes The meeting was called to order by Martha Porter. Those present: Floyd Beyer, Mary Jo Conwell, Judy Goss, Rhea Nelson, Gitta Opatz, Claribel Parker, Martha Porter, B Ann Reese. Excused: Billie Lewis. Devotion and prayer were given by Martha Porter. The minutes of February 6, 2018, were accepted as printed. The treasurer s report, with a balance of $73.82, was accepted. The statistical report was read and discussed. Session Report Martha Porter/Mary Jo Conwell The Session will approach the Foundation for funds to repair the parking lot. Norma Mack and Beth Mabee were commended by Rev. Hodgson for the lunch they prepared for the Officers meeting on February 14, In his presentation, Rev. Hodgson inspired the officers to prepare to move into the future. There was a consensus that it would be good if the new sign was up before the designated pastor arrives. Committee Reports Communion Gitta Opatz Communion was served to 115 on March 4. Receptions Martha Porter No receptions in February. Old Business Final plans for Brunch with Your Deacon, to be held on Friday, March 9, were made and assignments were given out. New Business Motion was made, seconded, and carried to provide 12 Easter lilies for the chancel on Easter Sunday. Motion was made, seconded, and carried to approach the Session with a request for $ from the Undesignated Fund of the Memorial Fund for the purchase of artificial chancel flowers. Discussion about having a deacon assigned to regular attenders and Friends of the Church was held. The Deacon representative to the next Session meeting will check to see if the situation should go to the Session. The meeting was closed with the Deacon Prayer. The next meeting will be April 3, 2018, at 2:00 pm in Annex 2. Opening devotion and prayer will be given by Floyd Beyer. The next Session meeting will be March 15, 2018, at 10:00 am in the Office Conference Room. Gitta Opatz will be the Deacon representative. April Fellowship Dinner Don t forget to join us at 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 19, for fun and fellowship! This month s Fellowship Dinner will feature homemade turkey pot pie and a show by the Sun City Reader s Theater. Sign up today you won t want to miss it! The food and entertainment for our fellowship dinners are 100% paid for by your freewill offering. Thank you! 6

7 Celebrations and Updates CHANGES FOR YOUR CHURCH DIRECTORY Address Changes: Change: Vol. 50, April 2018 Gerry Shaw W Palmeras Dr, Apt 341 Sun City, AZ Parish 01 Remove from Directory: Edna (Dolly) Berndt Unable to forward mail No answer at phone number Harry & Nancy Wilson 545 N Garden Plaza Ct Post Falls, ID Carl Johnson No known address Telephone not in service Bill Wentling wm.wentling@icloud.com THIS MONTH S BIRTHDAYS 7 Grace Wright 17 Ted Rotenberger 12 IvaDelle Filipi 20 John White 13 Wanda Morrill 21 Charlotte Pooley 13 Marilee Marshall 23 Max Littlejohn 13 Fred Stainbrook 27 Trish Blom 15 Bill Wentling 28 Muffy Keen 16 David Glenn Walker 28 Craig McCoy We are celebrating you! Please join the Birthday Celebration on Sunday, April 8, in Swain Hall following the worship service. (Note that we celebrated Max s 100th birthday a little early see him, below, admiring his cake with his daughter and son-in-law. Photos courtesy of Stewart Porter.) The SPIRE is published monthly by First Presbyterian Church of Sun City, AZ. Please call the church office at to be added to our mailing list, or see our website at to access current and back issues in PDF format. Items to be included in the next edition of The SPIRE should be submitted to Beth Mabee at the church office or by at bethm@firstpressuncity.org by Monday, April 16. (We go to press first thing Tuesday morning.) 7

8 The SPIRE First Presbyterian Church N 103rd Ave Sun City AZ Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Youngtown AZ Permit No. 55 OR CURRENT RESIDENT Sunday Schedule: 9:00 am Worship Services in the Sanctuary 10:00 am Coffee and Fellowship in Swain Hall Worship Services This Month: April 1, Easter Sunday the Rev. Dr. Douglas Wright preaching April 8 the Rev. Richard Zabriskie preaching April 15 the Rev. Dr. David Glenn Walker preaching April 22 the Rev. Dr. Douglas Wright preaching April 29 guest preacher to be announced Winter Office Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 8:00 am-4:00 pm Thursday: 8:00 am-1:00 pm