Search & Call Goes Receives a Message

One more Tuesday. One more evening of prayerful discernment.

Pastor Jane led us in prayer, and also cited a favorite theological precept:

"You got to know when to hold 'em, you got to know when to fold 'em; you got to know when to walk away, and when to run. You never count your money when you're sitting at the table; there'll be time enough for counting when the dealing's done." (Thanks to Kenny Rogers.)

Another metaphor ... It's the time of year for planting seeds. Some grow, others find their ways elsewhere. And sometimes flowers grow which were unexpected.

Search and Call has met with one candidate and we have appointments with more. We continue to look for the qualities the congregation has identified: preaching ability, strong administration, the ability to communicate well in a larger church, and so on. A few to whom we have been attracted have been called elsewhere by churches which have been searching even longer than we have - a sign which conference minister Michael Denton says shows that we have good judgment.

On the other hand, we continue to hear from pastors who are attracted specifically to our church: the recent growth, the healthy profile, the successful capital campaign, the leadership of our laity.

Bottom line ... the process continues. We still meet weekly. Still listening. Still open to God's guidance. Still searching for that best fit. We are grateful to Kathy Scodeller and Carol Lamb for great dinners. And your prayers are deeply appreciated ... those prayers water the sprouts of our search.

Joyfully written by David Fayram