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Immanuel’s Transition Update
IMMANUEL — "GOD WITH US"
Updated 11/2009
Interim Pastor's Note:
Dear Members and Friends of
Immanuel Church,
It has come to my attention that a
few words regarding the way clergy transition from one church to another
would be helpful for Immanuel Church at this time. Times of transition
have the potential for hurt and misunderstanding. The Presbyterian
denomination has sought to learn from past experience, and set policies
that help congregations and pastors as they make these types of
transitions. Attached to this message is a full copy of The Presbytery
of San Jose’s policy. At the end of this letter, part of that policy
has been copied into this email, for your convenience.
In plain language, the
presbytery’s policy is for a pastor to pull back from the life of a
congregation when they leave the church as pastor. This could mean not
attending life events of the congregation, such as celebrations,
fellowship events, or worship services. There is no set time, but the
idea is that the period of time should be sufficient for the
congregation to (1) effectively move through an interim period, (2) hire
a new pastor, and (3) bond with that new pastor for a future of fruitful
ministry together. This would usually take 2-3 years. The intention is
to graciously give the congregation space to grieve, move on, and
joyfully bond with a new pastor. It is thought of as a gift to the new
pastor (permanent or interim), so that he/she is able to serve the new
congregation without previous pastors “on the radar screen,” so to
speak.
On the side of the clergy who have
taken a call with a new congregation, this policy also frees them to
have the time and energy for serving another congregation, without the
confusion of continuously wondering about how involved they should be in
the ongoing life of the congregation they previously served. The spirit
behind the policy is for both the pastor and the congregation to close
this chapter of their life together, and free each other for bonding
with a new congregation (in the case of the pastor) or with a new pastor
(in the case of a congregation). There is probably no perfect way to
handle these transitions, for we are all human, and the church is a
human institution seeking God’s help and guidance. This policy of our
presbytery is well intended, and is designed to help both church and
pastor transition well.
Let me say at this point that it
has been three and a half months since I have come to serve as your
interim pastor. I have been received with enthusiasm and grace. I’m
deeply touched by your responsiveness to me, both as a congregation and
as individuals. My time spent with you in worship, adult class,
one-on-one coffees/lunches have been enjoyable times of deep
connection. I thank you for being open to bonding with a new pastor.
Part of my role as interim is helping this congregation transition
well. Please let me know of any way I can help bring clarity and
healing to this part of Immanuel’s transition. Another part of my role
as interim will be to receive phone calls from potential candidates for
the permanent position, asking me what it has been like to work here. I
will say with all honesty, that this congregation is a joy to serve.
Thank you for the opportunity to be in ministry with you for the cause
of the gospel.
Pastor Stephanie
San Jose Presbytery Policy
Policy No. 3
Effective Date: 6/19/93
Page 2 of 2
Revised 1/11/93
Originally Approved 12/7/85
Policy: Relationships Between
Congregations and Former Pastors
Presbytery of San Jose
Minister Responsibilities
1. When a minister leaves a
church, the minister shall announce, both in writing and by public
announcement, to the officers and the congregation that, after leaving
the church, he or she is no longer their pastor, and is not available
for pastoral services. Exceptions shall be only at the invitation of the
current or interim pastor, after consultation with the parties
concerned.
2. The departing minister should
not attempt in any way to influence the church in the selection of a
successor, or to influence the policies of the successor(s).
3. Visits to and within the former church community should be at a
minimum, and the current or interim pastor should be called and apprised
beforehand of the visit.
4. If the former minister is in contact with members of the
congregation, there should be no criticism of the activities of the
present pastor or other staff members.
If
upon leaving the church, the minister continues to reside in the
immediate area, he or she shall notify the local morticians that he/she
is not to be contacted for funeral services connected with the church,
but that such requests are to be directed through the current or interim
pastor.
New Interim Pastor: August 1,
2009 Announcement
We are entering a time of
transition where we will be seeking God’s guidance for the next steps and future
of Immanuel Church.
Interim Pastor
It is with joy
in our hearts that session wishes to announce that we have an interim pastor
at Immanuel! Over the past few months, a number of talented and
well-qualified pastors expressed an interest in coming to Immanuel. After
diligently reviewing résumés, scheduling interviews, and discerning God’s
vision, the Interim Search Committee unanimously nominated the
Rev. Stephanie Lutz Allen. Approval from
session and San Jose Presbytery quickly followed, and Stephanie will begin
her ministry as Interim Pastor of Immanuel Church on August 1, 2009.
This is a time for patience! Trust
your session! Trust your PNC! Trust the Presbytery of San Jose. Get involved in
the process. Ask a session member how you might assist. Before a PNC can be
elected there must be a thorough Mission Study discovering where Immanuel has
been, where it is presently, and where the congregation sees God leading in the
future.
Once this is completed and
approved by the Committee on Ministry the Nominating Committee will then
place names before the congregation to consider to serve on the PNC representing
all areas of ministry and organizations at Immanuel—youth through senior
adults—usually a committee of five to nine members.
Mission Study Team
Update
Who:
Jo Apel (Secretary), Paulette Dudley, Sharon Knox, Donna Perry (Spiritual
Leader), Ken Pickard, Cindy Ritchie (Communicator), and Bob Stolz (Chair)
What:
Coveting your prayers as we begin our work.
When:
First meeting on Tuesday, October 6; second meeting on Tuesday, October 13
Where:
Starting with the Mission Study Team and involving all of the Immanuel
family—that means you!
Why:
To assess the congregation’s situation and community context and to aid the
session and congregation in discerning God’s call for the congregation
A big part of our process is "Marinating in Scripture" in five passages:
We invite you to join
us on a journey of reading and marinating in them with the team. If you want to
know more about "Marinating in Scripture," you can read more about it in the
attachment. Copies of "Marinating in Scripture" are also available in the
office and the narthex.
"Read About "Town Hall Meeting 1.0.”
This committee will determine the
best way to gather information from the congregation on where we are and where
we want to be in the future. You will all have an opportunity to give input to
this important committee. If you are interested in serving on the Mission Study
Committee please contact any one of your elders.
Pray!
Please continue praying for Immanuel, the Interim Search Committee, session,
deacons, the congregation, and the people that God is preparing even now to lead
us in the interim period and the future. We covet your prayers and know that
God hears our prayers. Let’s all go to God in prayer asking what role he wants
us to play in the future of his church, Immanuel.
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