Greetings from Pastor Wain
The Blessing of Transition
Hello First Presbyterian family. What a gift of God’s grace the month of October is. With it comes cooler weather, a transition of the seasons, and many wonderful ministries at church. We kick-off the month with World Wide Communion Sunday on October 7
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that will include a “Communion Blitz” by church officers throughout the day to take the Sacrament of our Lord’s Supper to homebound members. On October 14
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we host a fall Inquirers’ Class for visitors from 9:45-10:45 am in the fellowship hall. October 21
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is Children’s Sabbath, and the children’s choir will be singing at 11 am. October 28
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is Reformation Sunday. The Presbybells will play in worship, and we will install a new class of Presbyterian Women Officers.
We are in the midst of staff transition at church in the wake of Doris Davis’ retirement. Thanks be to God for all who helped give her a wonderful send-off! Ours is such a loving and caring community of Christ. It is with great joy that I share with you the news that the Personnel Committee unanimously recommended to the Session, and the Session unanimously approved the idea to hire as our new Interim Director of Christian Education and Community Life, Jerie Lukefahr!
Jerie knows our church so well, has a deep well of Christian Education experience and wisdom, and brings so many gifts of the Spirit to our community. She is a Ruling Elder on Session and has completed training in our denomination as a Commissioned Lay Pastor/Ruling Elder. Please join me in welcoming her on board during this season of transition. She will work thirty-two hours a week and keep the many aspects of our children’s ministry running smoothly as she works with the all the teachers, parents, and volunteers who make excellent ministry happen. Having Jerie both provides immediate continuity and allows us time to discern our needs for the permanent position over the coming months. Jerie will work closely with staff and with the Personnel Committee as we assess our needs and move forward.
Some people say that the only people who like change are babies with wet bottoms! Seasons of transition in the church can be the wonderful places where we as God’s people encounter the blessings and wonders of God’s Spirit. My hope is that you will choose to welcome this season in our common life as one of those times. As surely as God brought us Doris Davis who served so faithfully and joyfully these past twelve years, God brings us to the very talented Jerie Lukefahr! We trust that God will continue to provide and will lead us to the right people to serve at the right time. Thanks be to God for Jerie Lukefahr who will begin her Interim role Sunday, October 7th. Pray for her. Lend her your help. Trust God. Let’s make this season of transition that blessing it can be.
Remember these timeless words that the Lord speaks through the prophet: “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).
Sincerely,
Pastor Wain
