We are excited to embark on our pastoral search.
Our search is led by a team that reflects the diversity of our congregation, is committed to the work and time the pastoral search entails, and feels called to identify a new Lead Pastor for our church.
We have received excellent guidance from the UCC Southern New England Conference, and from our own Strategic Planning Team and Personnel Team. The PST is ready to represent our church, clearly convey its purpose, and present the Lead Pastor of Worship and Community Life role to the excellent candidates we will meet over the course of this search.
We have received excellent guidance from the UCC Southern New England Conference, and from our own Strategic Planning Team and Personnel Team. The PST is ready to represent our church, clearly convey its purpose, and present the Lead Pastor of Worship and Community Life role to the excellent candidates we will meet over the course of this search.
MEET THE TEAM
you might be wondering...
WHY ARE WE FORMING A Pst?
In January 2020 Pastor Phil announced his retirement and indicated that he would stay on through September 1, 2021 while we search for a new pastor. The Church Board appointed Minta Hissong and Bill Sobo as co-leads of the Pastoral Search Team (PST).
HOW WAS THE PST FORMED?
Our team reflects the diversity of our congregation, is committed to the work and time the pastoral search entails, and feels called to identify a new Lead Pastor for our church.
WHEN WILL THE PST HAVE ITS KICKOFF MEETING?
We hope to have our team in place and begin meeting by the end of December.
HOW OFTEN DOES THE PST MEET?
The team meets weekly. Our search for a new pastor demands that we act with a sense of urgency. As the process progresses, the team may need to meet more frequently.
HOW LONG WILL THE SEARCH FOR A NEW PASTOR TAKE?
A normal timeframe to post the job opening and to select and hire a new pastor is usually 6 to 9 months.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A PST MEMBER?
A pastoral search is a God driven event that includes prayer, meditation, and discernment. PST members are expected to make time for these spiritual disciplines. PST members are expected to interact with each other with love, respect, and humility. PST members are expected to keep all conversations and candidate related information confidential.
IS THE PST USING ANY OUTSIDE RESOURCES TO FACILITATE THE SEARCH PROCESS?
The Southern New England UCC Conference provides us with a point person to work with during our search process. We have been in regular contact with the SNEUCC during 2020.
HOW WILL YOU KEEP OUR CONGREGATION INFORMED OF THE PST ACTIVITIES?
We will provide the congregation with monthly updates as to our activity and progress.