Photographs of 25th annual International Food Fair February 7, 2009 Click here
The Interim Time
November 17,2009
A Journey of a Thousand Miles............
Rev. Raymond Patch
A SCHEDULE
This is a different kind of season for First Church. For the first time in almost two decades
the congregation is taking time out to look at its identity as a people called into community
to witness to God’s presence in this world. This is not a static matter; congregations
change their focus, their personality and their goals. We are looking for a chance to affirm
what is valuable for us, while at the same time finding new potential and direction
for ministry.
After Christmas we will engage in some vital activities that will allow all members to invest
themselves in our church’s future. As part of a United Church of Christ with a strong
Congregational heritage, your role during the coming months is to join with one another
in a dialogue over how this church can be the community that God wants, and therefore
what kind of ordained leadership can best help us in the journey.
To that end, I would like to offer a schedule of events leading up to our
Annual Meeting in June, 2010.
January- During this month we will meet in small “neighborhood” groups.
The optimal size will be 10-12, allowing members to speak freely about what they
value in the church, where they have been pleased or disappointed, and what direction
best fits the calling to minister in God’s name.
There will be a facilitator present to take notes and pass them on to the leadership.
Members will be receiving notification as to the location, date and time of their meeting.
February- During this time members will be given a copy of the Hartford
Seminary Survey. This is a comprehensive questionnaire designed to gauge
how the members feel about all facets of the church, including, but not limited
to: sermon content, condition of building, education programs, leadership,
music, outreach endeavors,… and much more. Our hope is that members
will fill these out in less than two weeks so we can gather them and pass them on
to Hartford Seminary where they will be collated. The summary of our opinions and
feelings will be returned to us in about six weeks.
April- With this information in hand, our neighborhood groups will meet again to discuss
what will now be the congregation’s view of the church and its hopes for the future.
This information will be essential for the Search Committee as it puts together a church
profile that candidates will read.
June- Having finished these tasks, we will be ready at Annual Meeting to choose members
for the Committee. They can begin their work. (We cannot predict how long it will take for
them to find a good fit for First Church, but we can understand the importance of
taking time and listening to the Spirit.) This is a wonderful and hopeful time for this
congregation, and your full participation is crucial for the future its ministry. By
being part of the meetings, the dialogues, you will help us determine the path
this worshipping body will be taking.
I look forward to this journey with you.