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Dear SMPC Family,
It is quite fitting for the end of the liturgical year, which is celebrated on Christ the King Sunday, to coincide with the end of an era for SMPC, as Matt has shared that his last Sunday with us before his retirement from full-time ministry will be on November 23.
One might say SMPC and Matt Brown are almost synonymous, as he is only the second pastor to lead this congregation since SMPC was formed in 1991. Matt has shared words of wisdom and his profound knowledge of the scriptures from the pulpit, through countless Bible studies and his weekly devotionals that we are blessed to receive in our inboxes. He’s offered words of hope and comfort during times of fear and uncertainty in our world, nation and community. He has baptized our children, officiated their weddings and provided countless words of peace to families who have struggled with health issues and said ‘goodbye’ to loved ones. With Matt’s vision, commitment and leadership, we have completed six capital campaigns to build a chapel/administrative building and a beautiful sanctuary, and our debt will be paid off later this year! We also have a new columbarium to remember those who have gone before us. SMPC has truly been blessed by Matt’s servant leadership for almost 21 years, and oh, what a joy it has been!
Little did we know that when we called Matt to be our pastor on August 1, 2004, we would be getting a ‘two-fer’. It’s hard to say Matt without including Donna – Matt and Donna. Their witness of love and compassion for each other and for the members of SMPC is nothing short of extraordinary! We have watched their sons, Noah and Seth, grow from small children to become a surgeon (Noah) and an associate with the U.S. Department of Commerce (Seth), and we have mourned with them in the loss of their parents. Donna also has been a steadfast presence in our faith community. She and her mother started the tradition of making Chrismons for the tree during Advent, and she remains a driving force behind our Alternative Gift Market, which provides the opportunity to support local and worldwide missions through our gifts. We will certainly miss Matt and Donna’s presence with us every week; however, Matt once told me that he and Donna wanted to enjoy their ‘go-go’ years before they get to their ‘no-go’ years. Not only do they both deserve this new chapter, they have earned it!
The Presbyterian Church (USA) has a process for us to follow in this transition. We have formed a Transition Committee to work in conjunction with the Session to provide leadership until a new senior pastor is called. The Transition Committee will be chaired by Nancy Metzler, and includes Michael Choren, Terry Gaines, Frank Graham, Crystal Myers, Joel Winchip and Gayle Ireland as Clerk of Session. This committee will identify and work to fill immediate staffing needs of the church and will work directly with the Presbytery to identify an interim pastor. They will also begin preparation work for the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC), which will be formed after Matt’s departure in December.
As with all things that come to an end, there is always a new beginning. With Matt’s leadership, guidance and vision for what this church can be for the world around us, SMPC is set up for extraordinary success in the future. We will plan an appropriate send-off for Matt and Donna later in the year, so watch for more details to come over the next several months. Together, Matt and Donna have had a profound impact on the vibrancy and culture of hospitality we all share at SMPC – and for that, we will forever be grateful!
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. Ephesians 3:20
Janet Morgan, Chair, Personnel Committee
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