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Faith United Presbyterian Church
Focus on Faith |
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Questions, Questions, Questions
When a pastor leaves, questions abound. There are procedural questions related to the call process. There are emotional questions related to saying goodbye. There are ethical questions related to pastoral relationships. In the next few weeks, please feel free to visit with Margie and me, asking any questions you please. In the meantime, I will try to anticipate some of them with this column.
How does a pastor discern a call? While there are a number of factors that come into play, and the process is probably a little different for every pastor, there some general things, I believe, common to most situations - prayer, reading the Bible, attending to the Holy Spirit, listening to one's inner voice, evaluating potential calls, and understanding the current context.
When I became your pastor, I made a commitment to the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), that I would be hear at least 3-5 years. During that time, I had no conversations with other churches. Sometime after year five, I created my Personal Information Form (PIF) and started corresponding with churches looking for pastors, particularly those whose Church Information Form (CIF) matched my PIF through the Church Leadership Connection in Louisville.
Most of these conversations took the form of telephone or Skype interviews. Some progressed to the point of face to face interviews, including some site visits. While a good number of congregations were interested in moving forward, none of these conversations progressed to the next level, which would have been a neutral pulpit. The primary reason for this was my inability to discern a call to leave our congregation.
I don't recall how many churches initiated these conversations, perhaps about five or six a year over the past five years. Some might wonder, if these conversations were a distraction. From my experience, I have found them to be a good source of inspiration. The PNC's were able to provide objective feedback on some of the things that I was doing as your pastor, while they offered some new insights for our ministry by sharing some of the things their congregations were doing. Some of the good things we have done in ministry together, particularly the last few years, came about because of these conversations.
When did I know it was time to leave? Things changed in my discernment process earlier this year. Without going into details, there were a handful of events that helped me to see there may be others better suited to lead our congregation. This is not a criticism of our ministry together in any way, only the recognition that God calls, and gifts, particular people to be together in ministry for a particular time and purpose. Shortly after I came to this awareness, the opportunity arose to enter a conversation with the PNC from The Presbyterian Church in Traverse City. The rest is, as they say, history.
What I hope you hear in this is that much thought, prayer, and trust has gone into this discernment process. While this will be a good move professionally, it is a move that could not be made until I was convinced God was preparing to do "a new thing" in your life together. What that new thing will be remains to be seen. Nevertheless, we may trust that, as God has provided for us in the past, God will continue to provide for your future.
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Can We Speak to Bill and Margie When They Leave?
When a pastor and his or her family leaves a congregation, one of the most confusing issues for people is the new relationship a congregation has with its former pastor. We have already heard questions raised, including, "You mean we can't speak to Bill and Margie after January?" The situation is made a little more confusing, because Margie and Will will be staying in Monmouth until Will graduates from high school, but will not be able to attend this church.
In order to make the transition easier from one pastor to another, the presbytery has a policy entitled "Statement of Ethics for Departing Pastors." When you read it, you will see the intent is to keep the confusion to a minimum.
"When a pastor leaves a charge there are bonds of affection between the minister and members of the church that continue to be cherished. Relations of friendship continue, but the pastoral relationship does not. In order to spare ministers and church members from embarrassment, and to encourage the new pastoral relationship that will be established, the presbytery directs that the church be reminded of these requirements:
When any minister resigns from a pastorate or retires from service, or becomes a pastor emeritus, the minister should cease to perform such functions of a pastor as funerals, baptisms, and weddings, unless invited to officiate in such capacity by the pastor or by the moderator of vacant churches. (G.A. Min. 1948, p. 119, Status of Retired Ministers)
The spirit of this action applies to all ministers of the church, whether retired or not, and whether they have ever served as pastors of particular churches. (G.A. Min. 1959, p. 208, Overture 39)
In short, church members should not request a former pastor to perform pastoral duties. If requested, the pastor should tactfully decline."
So, when you see Margie and Will around town, or at a basketball game, concert or play, greet them, ask them how things are going, tell them news about your family, share some of the good things happening at the church. In other words, feel free to share with them the good things you would share with any of your friends. What you shouldn't share are concerns about the church or criticisms of the interim pastor, the new installed pastor, their families, or members of the presbytery. When Margie and Will leave, you are free to correspond with them, and with Elizabeth, as you would other friends who move away. If you send a Christmas card, Margie will put you on our list. If you have news to share about your family, Margie will return your correspondence. Again, if you have news to share about the church, limit it to the good things that are happening. We are hoping for good things to happen when we leave, because we understand there are seeds we planted that haven't had time to sprout and your new pastor will bring even more new varieties that will produce wonderful fruit.
As for me, because of our pastoral relationship, things will need to be a little different. Yes, if I am in town after January, feel free to greet me and share the things I have mentioned above, ask about my new call, or congratulate me on the Packers winning the Super Bowl. What we can't talk about are church things in Monmouth. With regard to correspondence, it would be best if we had none after January. I will not be returning emails. I will be de-friending members of our congregation from my Facebook page and I would ask that you de-friend me from yours. Please do not ask your new pastor to invite me to do a funeral, baptism or wedding. Know that it has to be this way, not because I don't care, but because I do.
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Why Can't Margie and Will Come to Church?
Given time, most people begin to understand why things have to be the way they are when a pastor leaves. Having similar experiences in their own lives and work, people understand the need to create space for new leadership. Even if it takes time for the heart to catch up, the mind knows that a clean break is best.
But why must this apply to worship? If Margie and Will are going to be around town anyway... If people are going to see them, and visit with them, around town, at school, or the store... Why can they not come to church?
If it were simply the matter of the leadership question, they probably could come to worship. Margie could relinquish her duties as Director of Wednesday Night Live and Christian Education, the session, the staff and the congregation could all commit to refrain from speaking to her about church related matters, and everything would probably be fine, at least until new pastoral leadership was on board. The problem is, it is not just about the question of leadership roles. The larger issue is the need to allow the grieving process to begin, for the congregation and our family.
You have grown accustomed to seeing our family in worship. They have grown accustomed to being here. Their absence will be a source of grief for many, including our family. We experienced a little of this, when Elizabeth went away to college. However, our grief was tempered by the knowledge that she would always be coming home. Things will not be the same this time. When our family leaves in June, it will be a long time before we can come home again. The sooner the grieving process can begin, for all concerned, the sooner healing will be found.
When Margie and I left Princeton for Lancaster, we found a number of reasons to "come home" to Princeton. I had been on staff, but I was not ordained, so the presbytery had no say in whether I returned. There were important events in people's lives we wanted to share. Princeton was not so far away.
After a few of these trips home, the senior pastor said to me, "Myers, your like the poor. You're always with us." I didn't think much about it at the time. He was making a joke and I have borrowed his line more times than I can remember. But what I have realized over the years is that he may also have been giving us a gentle hint.
There was no question, I had relinquished my responsibilities for the ministries I had once had charge over. I had done and said all the right things to make the way easier for the new person coming in, who did a wonderful job. But because Margie and I were always "popping in", it was hard for them to move forward emotionally. They had not had time to heal from their grief. Old wounds were reopened every time we went back. So, we stayed away for a few years and that made all the difference.
See you in church, at least for a little while longer.
Pastor Myers
revhaggis1@hotmail.com
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Christian Education Meeting Today (November 29) at 5:30 p.m.
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Congregational Meeting
On December 2, 2012, we will have another congregational meeting following worship to begin the process of dissolving Pastor Myers' call.
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This Sunday - 1st Advent
"When the World Collapses around You - God Draws Near!""
Jeremiah 33:14-16 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Psalm 25:1-10 Luke 21:25-36
Lay Assistant: Bob Green Communion Servers: George & Liz Nieman, Stephanie & Dominick Reading, Jane & Buster Kellogg, Betty McBride, Peg Figle, Craig Watson, Rob Hale, Armond & Betsy Akey
Beedle/Crucifer: Courtney Fisher & Landen Crosier
Usher: Buff & Dalton Hottle, Mark & Maggie McVey, Brenda Runge Greeters: Dick & Jan Speer and Shirley & Julie Armstrong
Children's Church: Crystal Sargent Nursery: Bonnie Heflin & Chloe Larson Coffee Hour: TBA |
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Sunday School
Sunday school begins at 9:15 a.m. PreK (3+) and Kindergarten - meet in the upstairs theater. Your teachers are Mrs. Lyle and Ms. Simpson. 1, 2, 3th grade - meet in the upstairs theater. Your teacher will be Mrs. Myers and Crystal Sargent. 4, 5, 6th grade - meet in the upstairs theater. Your teachers are Mrs. Heaton, Mrs. Dingman, and Mr. Best. 7 & 8th grade - meet in the junior/senior high room above the nursery. Your teachers will be Dr. Sargent and Jill McClintock. Senior High - will meet for lunch on October 14, at 12:30 p.m., at Dew's Diner. Adult Sunday School Faith & Life: December 2-23 - Christmas Angels (and their cousins).
Did you know...thirty-four of the Bible's sixty-six books talk about angels in detail? Every New Testament writer confirms their existence. Jesus himself referred to angels as real beings who were involved in every realm of human activity.
We will continue our 2012 advent theme by exploring what the Bible really says about angels, including their service to God and their ministry to people.
Bible Study: Will meet in the brides room across from the chapel just outside the social hall.
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Gift of the Heart ♥ Kits
Wow! We were able to assemble 34 hygiene kits and 9 baby kits. Thank you for your tremendous response! We are truly grateful.
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Mitten Tree
Isabel Circle is hosting a Mitten Tree again this year to warm the hands and hearts of children in need. Help decorate the tree (located in the social hall) with hats, scarves, and gloves/mittens by December 9, 2012.
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Angel Display
The Faith & Arts committee would like to open the doors of our church to the community for an Angel display in December. If you would be willing to loan us some of your beautiful or unusual Angel's, please sign up on the office door: If you have an angel to share with us, please bring it to the church by Thursday, November 29. There will be a form to fill out with information about your angel, where you got it, and any story you have about it. Thank you. (We need to know whether we have enough scenes to make this possible.)
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Isabel Circle
Isabel Circle will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at the home of Jonalyn Heaton at 715 North 8th Street. All members and friends are welcome to attend.
Sharon Graham will facilitate Lesson Three, "A Spiritual House and Household Matters" from the
2012-2013 Horizons Bible Study. The Scripture readings will be 1 Peter 2:1-10 and 3 John 1-8. The key idea is that God makes a house a home by forming the children of God into a dwelling fit for the Holy Spirit, with Christ as chief cornerstone. When God's children extend genuine hospitality to others, they set God's household apart from all other earthly structures.
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Buchanan Community Chorus
Friday, December 14, 2012
1st United Methodist in Galesburg, at 7:00 p.m.
Special Guest Artist: 'The Dancers'
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Heritage Presbyterian in Monmouth, at 4:00 p.m.
Special Guest Artist: Monmouth Roseville Choir Chimes
The cost is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for students.
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The Freedom Angel
Be a part of something that captures the meaning of the Holiday Season! Purchase a Freedom Angel to support our troops. 100% of proceeds will support a benefit for local veterans; cost is $10; local, high-quality craftsmanship; exceptional gift idea; unique opportunity to say, "Thank You!" to local veterans; a win-win philanthropy project. The Freedom Angel is available at Innkeeper's Coffee, the Orpheum Theatre, or online at www.theorpheum.org.
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Lights of Love
In the spirit of the Holidays, the OSF Holy Family Medical Center Auxiliary of Monmouth is again sponsoring a "Lights of Love" tree to provide an opportunity to honor or remember those we love and cherish.
Contributions will be represented by our "Lights of Love" tree. You may wish to honor or remember friends or family with a $5.00 per person donation, and/or a larger gift of your choice. Names of those being honored and remembered, along with the names of the donors will be recorded in the "Lights of Love" book, located in the hospital's west lobby. A special section will be included in the book recognizing those individuals or organizations contributing $50.00 or more.
The "Lights of Love" tree will be lit on December 3, 2012, and will remain lit through the month of December representing the donations received for the "Lights of Love".
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College Care Packages
We would like to thank the many Monmouth College students who participate in the life of our congregation by giving them a care package of goodies during their finals. We need your help. Please sign up on the office door if you can donate a homemade baked good, microwave popcorn, candy, hot chocolate, or fresh fruit. Please bring it to the church by 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 9. Care packages will be assembled and delivered on that day.
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Christmas Around the World
Directed by Terry Ruehmer To Benefit Carl Sandburg College Adult Learning Center
The Orpheum Theatre, Galesburg Friday, November 30, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 1, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 2, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets: The Orpheum Box Office, call 309-342-2299 or online at www.theorpheum.org Adults: $15* Youth: $7.50 Children 12 and under free with paid adult For groups discount call The Orpheum Theatre *Price includes all Orpheum fees. This production made possible by a grant from the Galesburg
Community Foundation & the City of Galesburg.
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A Maple City Christmas
Come out to the Armoury on Friday, December 7, from 5 - 9 p.m. and take a stroll down "Maple City Avenue" where you will find your favorite parts of the Christmas displayed for your enjoyment. Be sure to visit each stop along the way for interactive fun, check out what each vendor has to offer at our vendor fair, admire and bid on a Festival of Trees tree to take home and don't forget to warm yourself along the way with a bowl of soup.
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December Birthdays
1 Andrea Spainhour 17 Job Runge
2 Beverly Davis 18 Dorothy Huthisson
5 Rodney Lemon Jarrett Baber
6 Gary Pullen 19 Jason Haynes
Karen Angotti Evelyn Blackford
11 Jo Ellen Dollinger 23 Joyce Allison
12 Stephanie Reading 25 Ralph Whiteman
13 Noah Clark George Nieman
15 Mark McVey 27 Kristin Sorensen
16 John Sorensen 30 Merle Brown
Alexis Crosier Bette Vance
31 Chuck Hallam
Dawn Brown
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Thank You:
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I appreciated the use of the dining room so much for our Thanksgiving get together for my family. We had family from Elgin and Peoria, as well as nearby and I could never have fed them all at my home.
Thank you,
Mary Baker
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Dear Deacons and Members,
Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers, cards, and beautiful rose during my last surgery.
I am so thankful for such a caring church family. God bless you all. Bless you all! Stephanie Reading
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Prayers
For:
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Sally McVey, Gary Youngblood, Ruth Wright, Evelyn Carlson, Dorothy Hutchisson, Vernon Mettler, Don Tomlin, Jane Warfield, Mick Miller, Lindsay Murdock & family, Vern Carr, Janet Themanson, Jim & Janet Paris.
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