I made an announcement on Sunday, but since many of you were not there because of Mother’s Day, I wanted to relay the good news to you.
Rev. Gabriele Parks has agreed to stay another year with us to continue her work to help our congregation grow and prepare for the future.
Details of her contract still need to be worked out with the Board and this will get done in the next several weeks. I am delighted to partner with Rev. Gabi for another year.
I know that our congregation has just been through a very difficult process that did not result in calling a settled minister. I think that regardless of how you voted, everyone is feeling a bit troubled as to the events of last week.
I share that feeling, but I was encouraged by the positive tone of the congregational meeting. Many congregants spoke from their heart and everyone was treated with respect. Many who shared their opinions said that they would support the outcome regardless of how they voted. We can build on this strength and compassion towards one another.
Now we have to move forward. Our stewardship campaign is still in progress and we need everyone’s financial support. Our annual meeting will be on June 7 and we will be electing our slate of candidates for the Board and Nominating Committee and approving our 2008/2009 operating budget. I will reflect on the accomplishments which were made over the past year and outline the challenges we still face and need to overcome.
Rev. Gabi, myself and the Board are committed to help the congregation grow both spiritually and in numbers and put in place the processes that will allow us to realize our mission and vision.
Best regards,
Tim Johnson
Board President
