Most of us grew up with the rhyme “Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and see all the people.” In our church, the people include our congregation, our guests, and our staff.
Our church continues to undergo a transition with staff. Many of us, including those who serve on the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), have experienced sadness regarding the recent staffing reductions. Last week we announced the Rev. Diane Presley volunteering as the staff liaison for Mission and Outreach. SPRC will soon announce more part-time pastoral positions, and in the upcoming weeks we hope to announce where Pastor Ed Volfe, soon to be Dr. Ed Volfe, will be appointed. While the United Methodist Church practices itinerancy, it is not easy when someone so loved is reappointed and must move.
The bible tells us in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.” My hope is that as we continue to improve our financial situation, next year our church will be able to fund full-time pastors and bring on additional staff to help us Connect God and Grace to Self and Community even further.
Please continue to pray for our church and church family, especially our staff and their families, over the next few months during a time of transition in our church. John Wesley reminds us, “Best of all, God is with us.”
Yours in Christ,
Michael Smith
SPRC Chair