Many of you have been asking about the ongoing Interim Search this summer.  We are pleased to share the following update with you:

The Interim Pastor Search Committee reported to the session on July 25, 2012 as follows:

"The candidate unanimously selected and presented to the Session for consideration and negotiation to be the Interim Pastor is Ken Macken .... With Ken's leadership and preaching, the Committee believes he will be able to help increase attendance in our Sunday services ...."

Since the July recommendation and committee report, the Session has communicated, discussed and worked with the Presbytery of Great Rivers regarding the selection.  The CPC Session met August 30 with representatives from the Presbytery's Committee on Ministry (COM). The COM came to the Session with a reasonable process proposal that has been tentatively agreed to by a unanimous vote of the Session and Ken.  Based on this meeting and agreement, the Session is moving forward and working with the COM to conduct the necessary review and vetting of Ken Macken to serve as Interim Pastor at CPC.  After that review process concludes, a contract between the Session, the Presbytery and Ken will be negotiated. 

Look for more information in the September 15th Session Update about God's provision for Chatham Presbyterian Church. While the review process moves forward, we welcome Ken, his wife Malia and son Sam to our congregation during this Pulpit Supply period (through September 30).   

Meanwhile, there are several exciting events coming up this month -- Back-to-School Bash, The Launch -- and we hope you will mark your calendar and make plans to bring your friends and family to worship on Sunday mornings. 

Enjoy this issue of the newsletter.  

Crossroads Counseling Center Prepares to Launch: H2O

(Hope, Healing and Overcoming)

Support Groups to Begin Sept. 6

Help us spread the word to your friends and acquaintances in the community. A new outreach support group, Divorce Recovery: A Time for Healing AND the returning GriefShare: Grief Recovery Group will both begin Thursday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and continue for 9 and 13 weeks respectively at CPC.  

Our Crossroads Counseling Center therapists, Donna Thurston and Margie Wheelhouse, as well as lay leaders with firsthand experience of divorce and bereavement, will walk along side participants through the emotions and struggles, leading toward healing and renewed life.  

Registration remains open for Divorce Recovery and GriefShare. Free child care is available with advance registration. A $15 fee includes workbook cost for each program. To register, call Crossroads at 483-1224.

COMING IN March 2013: Purity W/Out Apology  

Retreat for high school girls. 

Jack Nika, continued recovery.
Jeff Jackson, continued recovery.
Betty Creasey, eye challenges.
Susan McCann, cancer treatment.
Jean Lane, eye problem from cancer treatment.

Boosters: For those with ongoing needs for prayer
Taylor Cooley, Dwight Elliott, Mary Jane Elliott, Keith Gentry, Irma Gobleman, Pastor Bob Hanson, Wendy Housel, Tina Knollenberg, Mae Marie Koster, Todd Marvel, Shirley McGrew, Lois Siemer, Paul Spindler, Bill and Carolyn Templeton, Cynthia Wilson.

Military Members
Eric Anderson, Margaret Siemer, Brad Miller, Seth Baker, Gary Kirchner, Clay Kuetemeyer, Josh Yakle, Denver Ford.

Shut-Ins
Mary Aidich, Villa East, Sherman
Sandy Eades' mother, Maye McMechan
Twila Juraska, Illinois Presbyterian Home
Ann Kirk, Christian Garden Villa, Springfield

Maxine McCoy,  Lewis Memorial

 Please email us your praises and prayer requests.