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From the
May LOG...
The Pastor's
Pen
/ Pastor
Dave Templin
"Did you sense it beginning?... the shouldering of the
important task of shepherding the pastoral transition ahead
for WPC? I heard it in the prayers of the congregation and
especially those of the members of the Pastoral Transition
Team (PTT) during the commissioning prayers Sunday, April
21. They are stepping forward to lead you in your next
steps even as they are listening closely for the Spirit’s
presence and leading into your future.
"Our respective paths are
now beginning to diverge as Becky and I envision a new
chapter of our faith journey, one that moves down a road
somewhat different than the one we’ve traveled with you
for the past sixteen years. Nowhere is this more
immediately apparent than in the fact that I am not
participating in the work of the PTT! They are fully
focused on the church’s leadership and ministry for a
time when I will no longer be your pastor. And even
now, they are being guided in their preparation by other
leaders in our presbytery. You are in good hands. And
this is as it should be.
"For a few more weeks I
will certainly serve as your pastor in all respects save
those plans looking beyond my time with you. Then will
come the time of “good-byes” and blessings offered for
our respective journeys. We will be set on our new
direction, as will you on yours..."
"You may notice that
Becky and I will then be disconnecting with you in many
ways. Please don’t be offended. With all the
electronic ways in which people can be enmeshed with one
another, it is not healthy for the church or for us to
be so tightly connected. I/We will be vastly reducing
our contacts with you, clearing the way for and wanting
you to connect well with your new pastor. Rest assured
that we will be praying for you even though we will no
longer be on the prayer chain, the Deacons’ network, or
other WPC messaging in any medium.
"Conversations when we
might then chance to meet you in town will be different
as you will have a new pastor…one also experienced with
particular skills to assist you in giving thanks for the
rich ministry shared in these past years, and in
preparation for many more fruitful years ahead. Your
new (interim) pastor will provide spiritual leadership,
counsel, and care including all baptisms, weddings,
funerals, blessings, worship, mission work, and hospital
and home visits in all the ways of pastoral work you
have come to expect and appreciate. Welcome him/her
with all the joy and thanksgiving with which you
welcomed us when we came to this community. Bless
him/her with your trust and confidence. Look for God’s
powerful presence to guide you all together with fresh
vision, energy and determination to bear witness of
God’s saving grace in Christ Jesus our Lord.
"Your success in
continuing faithful mission and ministry will bring us
immeasurable joy and thanksgiving to God for many years
to come." |
