December 5, 2018
Members and Friends:
The Session has asked me to provide you with an update as to where you are in the process of moving to call a new pastor. The first step of the process was to bring on board an interim pastor something that has happened numerous times in the long history of Old South Haven. An interim pastor's job is two-fold. First, to guide the congregation through the process of transition and the issues that arise when a pastor leaves. Here at OSH, as we all know, Pastor Tom died while in service here. It is a different kind of transition than most churches face when a pastor leaves. There is an element of grieving but not enshrining Pastor Tom so that the congregation is prepared to make a healthy transition for the future of the church. Grief is a process that takes time and it is important to allow that time in the life of the congregation. The next step of the interim process is to begin, what the Presbytery of Long Island calls a Plumb Line Study (other terms are Mission or Self-Study). This is an intentional process of assessment that will engage the entire congregation of OSH. While the questions may appear simple and easily addressed they are intended to encourage serious intellectual and spiritual reflection on OSH today and going forward. This process will begin at the New Year as the Session first designs the process and then seeks your input. Beyond this step will be approvals from Committee on Ministry (remember that any pastor's call is tripartite –pastor, congregation and presbytery), preparation of a Mission Information Form (think resume for a church), and finding a new pastor.
As your interim pastor my goal is to work with you through this process so that at its end you are able to bring to OSH the pastor with the best gifts for leading you into the future. In essence my job is to, when that day comes, to leave you.
One other update: Recently the Session endorsed Kirsty Dickson-Maret to the Committee on Preparation to become an Inquirer (the first step in the ordination process). The Committee concurred and enrolled Kirsty as an Inquirer. As a way of supporting Kirsty in this process the Session approved her serving OSH as a Pre-Seminary Intern under my supervision. In addition they approved her living in the manse while so serving.
Questions? Concerns? Talk to me.
In Christ,
Pastor Karen
This Week
It is time to Trim the Church Tree. Please join us December 9th at 6:30 pm as we decorate the Sanctuary. Pizza will be provided.
This Afternoon (4 -6 pm): Deborah Mayo and Steven McCloskey, with music by cellist Laurinel Owen, will present a fire-side performance of two American Holiday classics; The Gift of the Magi and A Christmas Memory, at the Brookhaven Free Library. Donation- 2 lbs of non-perishable food. Refreshments following.
Community Caroling: Bring some holiday cheer to patients at Bellhaven center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care. Tuesday, December 11, 6:30 -8 pm All are welcome. Please register with Brookhaven Free Library
Stewardship Reminder: Please remember that the Session needs your input as they prepare for 2019. Please return your pledge card by December 16th. Every pledge regardless of size matters.
Poinsettias: If you wish to have a poinsettia in memory or in honor of someone in this season of Advent and Christmas please speak to or contact a Deacon.
Sunday, December 9 10:00 am Worship
Sunday School
Fellowship after Worship
Thursday, December 13 8:30 am Pastor Meets with Presbytery Clergy Cluster
Saturday, December 15 9:30 am Property and Finance
Sunday, December 16 10:00 am Worship
Sunday School
Fellowship after Service
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