June'26 Words from the Pastor

 Often when we are in a period of transition, it can feel as though no significant progress is being made. And yet, progress is still made. This is the case here at First Presbyterian Church. For months, a number of you have met faithfully to do the work of the interim process. You have met over a meal at the monthly Dinner & Discernment and carried the momentum gathered there into small groups to further refine what was done in the larger group. There is new momentum and people are working together with renewed energy.

How we communicate has been a focus. Committees have begun revising their portion of the Manual of Operations which was last updated 10 years ago. Communication between committees has improved. A new prayer request system has been implemented and working well. 

Our new Committee on Ministry (COM) representative, Cathy Foerster, attended April’s Session meeting detailing the steps that would be required to be approved by the Presbytery to form a PNC. Many gathered were surprised to learn that a congregational Self-Study would be required. 

At May’s Session meeting I presented a Self-Study outline to Session members for consideration. While the list of areas to be covered is significant – the good news is that a considerable percentage of the information has been gathered through the monthly Dinner & Discernment and Small Group meetings. With that said – there remains work to be done. June’s Session meeting will be spent designing the framework for how the remaining information will be gathered and how the Self-Study will be written. 

So – what can you expect as we continue to move forward? In the coming weeks – you can expect another update outlining the Session approved process for gathering the remaining data for the Self-Study. Leadership’s focus – with the support of the pastor – will be to collect and compile the necessary data. Following each Dinner & Discernment an elder will present in worship a summary of the evening’s activities/progress. 

 This process works best when we all participate. There will be additional opportunities to participate as we move through the summer months. It’s not too late to contribute to the sustainable future of this congregation.

Blessings, Pastor Lynda