Our Pastor of 10 years is gone. We are unable to worship, sing, visit and eat Jerry’s maple bars in person. We haven’t heard Brian, Alison, and Sarah, accompanied by Gina in person for 11 months. We have not heard Kathy and the choir perform in person. We haven’t been greeted at the door by Don H. senior and Sid since last spring. We don’t get to admire one of Jim’s restored automobiles. No birthday cake and celebrations in the fellowship hall. The sanctuary and fellowship hall are empty. And the plan session had for transferring ownership of our property to Presbytery and becoming a tenant is no more. What now? Do you feel like we are alone with no-one in charge?
GOOD NEWS – God is still in charge! I will never leave you or forsake you! Joshua 1:5. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27. Working closely with Presbytery, session has crafted a job description (on our website) describing the pastor we are seeking. There is an approved budget for 2021 that provides for our church in a financially responsible manner. By the time this article is published, session anticipates being in the process of reviewing applications and conducting interviews. By mid-March (of this year) we should have our new pastor! How exciting for us and for that individual, whomever he or she maybe?
Why exciting? Because of you. Yes, you. You may be expecting this pastor will do a lot for us, but I don’t think that will be the case. I think we will be the ones that will bless them. Why? You love so well! Over the last several months I have had the privilege of, working with the other members of session, attending the weekly bible study (a study of Christian Virtues – the current virtue we are studying is LOVE – what a coincidence?), participating in the 21-day racial justice challenge (we are now in day 200+ with no sign of stopping) and attend the regular Sunday afternoon check in. In all of these activities, I am so overwhelmed with the acts of love I see on your part. If you do not currently participate in one or more of these groups, join us! In addition, there are other groups in the church, women’s association, men’s group, and the session always have needs for volunteers for committees in administration, finance, missions, education, and congregational life. Don’t hesitate to call Kim in the office and together we will find a group that you will “love.” There is room for you and you will be BLESSED, guaranteed.
The same love that so easily flows from you, will be needed for our new pastor. Imagine them wanting to meet and talk with you, but they aren’t able to do it in person. Many of you are amazing cooks and would host the new pastor for a visit. They would be engulfed by your hospitality, care for one another, and your delicious goodies! How are you going to share that love that so easily flows from your nature with our new pastor without meeting in person?
Yes, we have work to do. We have to get ready to LOVE our new pastor. We need to make their transition to our congregation a joyful time for them. A time when they will reflect back and realize what great disciples of Jesus the congregation of Edmonds Presbyterian Church is. They truly reflect John 13:34-35, A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Maybe, we should not just do this for our new pastor, but for all of the people we meet. The stockers at the grocery store, the parking enforcement officer (Brian E.), the receptionist at the dental office, the mail carrier who comes to your door, the young couple down the block, the flight attendant on Alaska Airlines (Allison), or the teenager that walks by your place. Love one another.
Get ready for our new pastor. Be yourself and love well. God will take of you, me and Edmonds Presbyterian Church. 1 Peter 5:7 cast all your care upon God for HE cares for you!
…love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39
Submitted by the least member of Session,
Don I
GOOD NEWS – God is still in charge! I will never leave you or forsake you! Joshua 1:5. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27. Working closely with Presbytery, session has crafted a job description (on our website) describing the pastor we are seeking. There is an approved budget for 2021 that provides for our church in a financially responsible manner. By the time this article is published, session anticipates being in the process of reviewing applications and conducting interviews. By mid-March (of this year) we should have our new pastor! How exciting for us and for that individual, whomever he or she maybe?
Why exciting? Because of you. Yes, you. You may be expecting this pastor will do a lot for us, but I don’t think that will be the case. I think we will be the ones that will bless them. Why? You love so well! Over the last several months I have had the privilege of, working with the other members of session, attending the weekly bible study (a study of Christian Virtues – the current virtue we are studying is LOVE – what a coincidence?), participating in the 21-day racial justice challenge (we are now in day 200+ with no sign of stopping) and attend the regular Sunday afternoon check in. In all of these activities, I am so overwhelmed with the acts of love I see on your part. If you do not currently participate in one or more of these groups, join us! In addition, there are other groups in the church, women’s association, men’s group, and the session always have needs for volunteers for committees in administration, finance, missions, education, and congregational life. Don’t hesitate to call Kim in the office and together we will find a group that you will “love.” There is room for you and you will be BLESSED, guaranteed.
The same love that so easily flows from you, will be needed for our new pastor. Imagine them wanting to meet and talk with you, but they aren’t able to do it in person. Many of you are amazing cooks and would host the new pastor for a visit. They would be engulfed by your hospitality, care for one another, and your delicious goodies! How are you going to share that love that so easily flows from your nature with our new pastor without meeting in person?
Yes, we have work to do. We have to get ready to LOVE our new pastor. We need to make their transition to our congregation a joyful time for them. A time when they will reflect back and realize what great disciples of Jesus the congregation of Edmonds Presbyterian Church is. They truly reflect John 13:34-35, A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Maybe, we should not just do this for our new pastor, but for all of the people we meet. The stockers at the grocery store, the parking enforcement officer (Brian E.), the receptionist at the dental office, the mail carrier who comes to your door, the young couple down the block, the flight attendant on Alaska Airlines (Allison), or the teenager that walks by your place. Love one another.
Get ready for our new pastor. Be yourself and love well. God will take of you, me and Edmonds Presbyterian Church. 1 Peter 5:7 cast all your care upon God for HE cares for you!
…love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39
Submitted by the least member of Session,
Don I
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