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AN UPDATE TO THE CONGREGATION
ON PASTOR CINDY CEARLEY'S TRANSITION
AND THE INTERIM PASTOR SEARCH PROCESS
The Session wants to update the congregation on a number of developments related to Pastor Cindy's departure from Montview on June 30th.
A key goal of Cindy's announcement last year was to have an interim pastor in place as quickly as possible so that we don't lose the tremendous energy and momentum that has been built over the past two years. Under traditional Presbytery rules, however, absent a special waiver from the Committee on Ministry ("COM"), a church is not permitted to begin a search for an interim pastor until the transitioning pastor has left. We have been working with the Denver Presbytery for the past few months to modify that rule given the size and complexity of Montview and our need to have a full complement of talent at the senior leadership level.
We are pleased to report that we received permission last week from the COM to begin a search for an Interim Pastor immediately, with the goal of having someone in place on July 1, or as soon thereafter as possible. After the Interim Pastor begins work, we can form a Pastor Nominating Committee ("PNC") to begin the formal search for a permanent replacement for Cindy.
Having received permission to begin the interim search, we are finalizing our Church Information Form, or "CIF", which describes our mission, goals and needs, and the position requirements for publication on the Presbytery's website so that candidates can formally express interest in the position. Given the time frame in which we are working, we plan to conduct an expedited but focused search which will result in a number of candidates from among whom we can choose an interim pastor who fits our current needs and the culture and theology at Montview. Several candidates have already expressed an interest in the interim position and they can now formally apply, as can others who may truly meet our needs.
Session decided to take advantage of a provision in the Book of Order that allows Session itself to act as the interim pastor search committee. A subcommittee consisting of current elders Michele Horn, Mary Buckley and Craig Maginness is directing the interim search process.
While the purpose of this note is principally to update the congregation on the interim search process, we are of course also keenly aware of the other aspects triggered by Cindy's departure, including both the need and the opportunity to celebrate the incredible gift that Cindy has been to Montview over the past 30 years. In that regard, there is a separate committee working on plans to honor and celebrate Pastor Cindy, and more will be forthcoming on those plans as well.
We will keep the congregation updated as things continue to move along, but if you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to ask any of these three elders. You may reach them via email at cmaginness@msn.com (Craig), marygbuckley@mac.com (Mary), or hornmic@aol.com (Michele). | 
