Pastor's Words to Congregation, Sunday, January 20, 2008
This week all of you who are members or friends of the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church received the letter announcing my retirement, to be effective June 1st of this year. This morning I would like to reiterate some of the things shared in my letter, and underscore a few procedural things very briefly.
First, the big transitions in life nearly always come with a large bag of mixed emotions, and Janet and I feel that mix. We are excited - very excited - as we look to enter this new adventure in our life. That excitement is coupled with the awareness of how deeply we will miss the many friendships we have made here over the years - some over many years and some more recent. We will miss them all, long or short term. My retiring comes as a decision freely made after a time of much prayer and discerning; nothing from within the church has prompted the timing of this decision.
Second, I want to assure you that while Janet and I will need to be making preparations for our time ahead, I will be fully engaged as your pastor until June.
Third, things will not be left to chance after I depart. There is a definite process that you will be following and guidance along the way; after all, we are Presbyterians and Presbyterian do things decently and in order!! There won't be chaos.
A special meeting of the congregation will be called in April to act upon my request that the call be dissolved so that I can become honorably retired in June. A Transition Team will be appointed by Session to communicate with you and to seek an interim pastor to begin (hopefully) in the fall. Until an interim is on the scene, there will be pulpit supply and our Associate Pastor will pick up some additional responsibilities in worship and pastoral care. That means she will need to be relieved of some other responsibilities for that time and Session will have some added responsibilities.
In due time, you will undertake a mission study and elect a Pastor Nominating Committee to begin the search for your next pastor; that committee will work in strict confidence, but will communicate with you where things are in the process. The Presbytery Committee on Ministry will work closely with the Session, the Transition Team, the Associate, the Interim Pastor, and later the Pastor Nominating Committee. The interim time for a congregation typically takes about two years, plus or minus.
I know from chairing the Presbytery's Committee on Ministry for three years that this time in the life of the church can be a most exciting time of learning and awareness; it can also be a time when unfounded rumors and assumptions may surface, so take care to seek truth and not be part of anything that would tear the precious fabric of our community. Please feel free to communicate with me directly about anything during the remaining months that I will be your pastor.
And... be assured that you will be in my prayers long beyond June!
Affectionately in Christ,
Pastor Floyd Churn
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