From MSC: May 29, 2020

From the Ministerial Search Committee… 

Over this past year, the Ministerial Search Committee took a step back from the search process in order to present a candidate for settled minister to the congregation in the spring of 2021. By doing so, our goal was to allow space for the congregation to engage in the interim tasks, which are critical to preparing for a new settled ministry. In 2019–2020, we focused on supporting the interim work; someone from the Search Committee attended every activity planned by Rev. Karen G. We will be using the information obtained from these workshops and discussions to inform our discernment process during this coming church year.  

Beginning in August 2020, the Ministerial Search Committee will engage you in a series of activities to better understand what the congregation needs to fully live our mission during the next settled ministry. These activities include a congregational survey, which will be distributed in late August; cottage meetings, which will be held in late September and October; and focus groups with church leadership. Based on these events, we will then write what is called the “Congregational Record,” a document that lays out who the congregation is, our goals, and what we need from a minister going forward. 

We urge you to participate in this discernment process at the start of the church year. Complete the congregational survey when you receive it; attend a cottage meeting; participate in a focus group, if applicable; and reach out to the Search Committee to share your thoughts and ask questions. This is your opportunity to make your views known and to share what you think the congregation needs in its next settled ministry—what will best help us realize our hopes and dreams.