FROM THE VISION TEAM:
There continues to be a lot happening behind the scenes at Spirit Of Joy. The Vision team, along with Pastor Jim, has developed a timeline for the call process. The first thing to be addressed will be to assemble a Congregation Profile Committee (CPC as we refer to it). This committee will be a six member team that is NOT the call committee. The CPC will help create a Congregational Profile using resources in and out of Spirit of Joy and work with the Personnel Committee to develop job descriptions for call committee members and the new pastor. The CPC will have several tasks: It will develop and guide a process which helps SOJ determine and describe its "preferred future, name its strengths and identify its growth areas". The information gathered will then be passed on to the Call Committee once it is appointed.
We will continue to share with you the steps and where we are in the process. Please feel free to ask questions or give us input, anytime!
Lastly, we want to thank the Personnel Committee for all of your extra time during this process. Also, the staff for being there and showing Jim the ropes while he learns about SOJ. And of course all of the other committees and individuals who continue to volunteer so much of your time to keep things running smoothly.
"May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this." Samuel 2:6
------------------- 12/6/11 It was announced in Church this past Sunday that we have hired an Interim Pastor. His name is Jim Nelson. He comes to us with over 30 years of Pastoral experience. He has served as an Interim Pastor at 14 congregations.
We feel along with his knowledge and experience, he brings a sense of calmness, guidance and humor. Personally, Jim has a soft spot for children and has some musical talents, such as playing guitar and being part of a folk band for many years. We are confident he will be a great fit during this time of transition for Spirit of Joy. Remember his first services with us will be Christmas Eve 4:00 and 5:30, Christmas Day 9:30 and New Years Day 9:30.
Planning and preparation are well underway for Pastor Josh and family's farewell party. Please remember to turn in your RSVP card for the party on Friday the 16th at 6:30. You may also RSVP by going to the SOJ website under sign up or sojsignup@gmail.com. Don't forget to get your scrapbook page turned in to Ann Elton by Sunday the 11th. If you are not a scrapbooker and want to join Ann on Thursday the 8th from 6-8, she will be at the church with lots of materials. You will just need to bring a couple photo's or cards and notes, etc.
Have a Joyful week!
11/29/11
The Vision Team has made an offer to one of our Interim Pastor candidates. The Interim Pastor has verbally, enthusiastically, accepted the position. The “formal” agreement paperwork has been sent and we will announce the name as soon as that is complete.
Please remember the first services for the Interim Pastor will be Christmas Eve (4:00 and 5:30pm) and Christmas Day (9:30am).
The Vision Team thanks all of our enthusiastic members who have asked about the “Call Committee”. Please look for updates (e-mail, website, bulletin, newsletter) on all a Call Committee will entail and how to go about formally putting a request into the Vision Team for selection after the holidays.
This week we would like to ask that you please pray for open minds and positive thoughts for our Spirit of Joy family as we get closer to saying goodbye to Pastor Josh and welcoming our Interim Pastor.
11/22/11
The Vision Team, Staff Members and other Vital Committee’s at Spirit of Joy have been working hard to ensure SOJ continues to run as smooth as possible during this time of transition. This transition process is new to all of us and we continue to do the best we know how, joyfully in the spirit of our church.
The Vision Team along with a member of the Personnel Committee interviewed Interim Pastor’s and we are ready to move forward with the selection. We are confident that the Interim Pastor will be able to encourage and guide us through this time of transition.
What is an Interim Pastor?
He/she is a pastor who has had special training for the unique ministry of serving churches during the transition between the time an installed pastor leaves a church and the time a new installed pastor is called to the church.
What can an Interim Pastor do for us?
The interim pastor carries on the ministry of the church until we are ready to call a new installed pastor. He/she may be with us for a period of 12-24 months (time approximate). In addition to the regular work of the pastor, the interim will help us deal with all the feelings that accompany Pastor Josh's departure. The interim (along with some congregational study tools) will help us think about our church and its ministry in the past, present, and future. In short, the interim we call will help us break gently away from Pastor Josh and prepare us to receive a new installed pastor.
The Vision Team thanks all of our enthusiastic members who have asked about the “Call Committee”. Please look for updates (e-mail, website, bulletin, newsletter) on what a Call Committee would entail and how to go about formally putting a request in to the Vision Team for selection after the holidays.
This week we would like to ask that you please pray for the strength and continued unity for the Vision Team, staff, key leaders, and members of our congregation through this time of change.
“Everything, every place & everybody changes but God--He is always with you!”
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11/15/11
WORK BEGINS TO SECURE AN INTERIM PASTOR
Dear Spirit of Joy Congregation,
On November 8th, the Vision Team met to begin work towards seeking an interim pastor. It is our goal to interview candidates and select an interim Pastor prior to Pastor Josh’s departure. That pastor will serve our church until a Call Committee is created, searches for and presents a candidate for installed pastor to our congregation. The congregation does not vote to approve an interim pastor, but it does vote to call an installed pastor.
What is an interim pastor?
He/she is a pastor who has had special training for the unique ministry of serving churches during the transition between the time an installed pastor leaves a church and the time a new installed pastor is called to the church. Some interim pastors serve full-time while others serve part-time depending upon the needs of the church.
What can an interim pastor do for us?
The interim pastor carries on the ministry of the church until we are ready to call a new installed pastor. He/she may be with us for a period of 12-24 months (time approximate).
In addition to the regular work of the pastor, the interim will help us deal with all the feelings that accompany Pastor Josh's departure--shock, grief, anger, confusion, anxiety, relief, etc. The interim (along with some congregational study tools) will help us think about our church and its ministry in the past, present, and future. If a church has problems, the interim helps the church deal with those before a new installed pastor is called. In short, the interim we call will help us break gently away from Pastor Josh and prepare us to receive a new installed pastor.
Please pray for the Vision Team, asking the Lord to give us guidance, wisdom, and direction in all of our decision-making and interview process. Pray that we and the congregation will be open to the Holy Spirit's leading. Pray often and throughout the transition period. Pray gratefully because Christ is at work in all of us.
"You can tell the size of your God by looking at the size of your worry list. The longer your list, the smaller your God." Author Unkown
SAVE THE DATE!!! The evening of Friday Dec 16th will be the farewell party for Pastor Josh and his Family. We will continue to keep you informed as to details. If you would like to be part of this planning please contact, Ann Elton, Tonia Evans or Greta Roberts.
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Your Vision Team,
Eric Pope- Pres., Erica Fiske- VP, Sarah Carothers- Treas., Susan North- Sec., Chuck Bainey,
Karen Cordt, Ann Elton, Tate Moser, Paul Thurn
Eric # 651-788-1574 or Erica # 763-639-5360
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