Psalm 127:1
Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
Dearest Meadowview,
Greetings in the Lord!
As a Session we are committed to keeping you informed on our plans for the Pastoral Search. To that end, this is the 4th communication regarding these matters (2/2, 3/2, 3/27) in the 3 months since we’ve learned of Pastor George’s departure. Here is a summary of where we’ve been, what is next, and where we are going.
Pre-Work: February – May
The Session spent February and March in internal meetings as well as in conversations with congregants seeking to understand and clarify where we’ve been as a church, where we are going, what our needs are, and what our church identity and “personality” is. April was spent drafting a “Church Profile” document applying those learnings which will highlight our Mission, Vision, Values, History, Philosophy of Ministry, and desired Sr. Pastor characteristics and qualifications.
That draft document will be further honed into a final document in the next two weeks. Concurrently, we’ve been working with a graphic designer on the layout, graphics, and presentation of this “Church Profile Document.” Once the final draft of the text is approved, it will be given to the designer to format and lay it into the graphic file. We anticipate this being completed by the end of May.
24 Hour Pastoral Search Prayer Vigil – May 1st
As you know we have called for a prayer vigil for Meadowview, the Pastoral Search, and all of the related concerns. Many have asked what each of you can be doing in this time of waiting and not knowing. The best thing for us all to do is to be in fervent prayer and here’s one opportunity for you to join you prayers with your brothers and sisters in Christ at Meadowview. Just choose a 1 hour time slot to pray either in your home or with others. May the Lord be gracious to lead us in seeking Him as we bring our petitions to Him through this time!
The Pastoral Search Committee: June
We will be accepting nominations from the congregation for names to be on the Pastoral Search Team (Session, Diaconate, Men & Women) during the month of June. So as to accommodate your summer plans, you will have 3 Sundays to Nominate people to the Committee: June 1, 8, 15. The names who will be on the ballot will be published in the Friday, June 20th email blast and in the bulletin on Sunday, June 22nd. The Congregational Meeting to vote on the Pastoral Search Committee names will be held after worship on June 29th.
If you would like to nominate a member to the committee, please check with them that they believe they will be able to be committed to the work of the Committee which will conceivably be meeting initially at least weekly from July – September, as well as reviewing resumes, letters and sermons from multiple candidates at home. After that there will be many interviews to be available for and candidate visits to setup which will require flexibility. There will be orientation, guidance on the process, and training for the committee in the month of July.
Concluding Remarks
Meadowview, this is not a time to shrink back in fear or anxiety or frustration, but it is a time to call upon the Lord to do what he has always done in and for Meadowview! He loves us. He has a man chosen for us. May our deliberate, thoughtful, prayerful process help us to seek Him and understand what He is doing here at 1 Graceway Drive for His Glory, our good, and the furtherance of the Kingdom!
15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. – Romans 8:15-17
Yours in Christ,
The Session of Meadowview
ps. If you have questions regarding the pastoral search, please ask the three pastors or any of your Elders.
Categories: Elders | Uncategorized