eNews - June 4, 2021

The Summer Choir will sing on June 6, June 20, July 4, July 18, August 1, August 15, and August 29. If you would like to sing as part of the choir on one of these Sundays, please join us for rehearsal at 9am in the choir loft and plan to sing in the 9:30am morning service. Just prior to the sermon, the choir goes to sit in the sanctuary. Please contact Ben Ball with any questions.

Since our last report to Session regarding our progress of the Pastoral Search Committee on 3/23/21, we have received and evaluated sixteen applications for the position of Senior Pastor. Five of those candidates were interviewed via Zoom. The committee is not in agreement to recommend any of the candidates to the congregation. The Chairman will post the Church Information Form on the websites of other sources such as the ECO and Reformed Theological Seminary. We will also consider seeking other pastors and inviting them to submit a Personal Information Form. The committee requests your continued prayers as we faithfully and diligently pursue our work.

Some facts to keep in mind:

• An average Senior Pastor Search takes 18-24 months to complete for a church the size of New Hope in the United States.
• There are currently 35 vacancies for Senior Pastors within the EPC, as well as numerous EPC congregations with pastors nearing retirement age, so many churches are seeking to fill positions.
• Pastor Mike has withdrawn his name as a potential candidate for Senior Pastor but will remain in his present role as Associate Pastor, leading the staff and carrying out the vision for New Hope Church.
• The Pastoral Search Committee is compromised of the following members: Gayle Bundschu, Dan Ceilly, Bill Enslen, Duane Higgins, Kathy Orr, Betsy Sinke & Ken Walker(Chairperson).

Session also voted on the motion below and it was approved:

Upon motion duly made, seconded, and approved unanimously, it was resolved “That Session authorize the employment of a transitional pastor on a part-time, consultant, contract basis and that Session appoint a committee composed of the chairman of the personnel committee, the chairman of the pastor search committee and Pastor Mike Jones to recommend to Session a job description and a hiring process no later than the June Stated Session meeting."
 

This means that the plan is to move forward with the employment of a part time, transitional pastor to assist Pastor Mike with pastoral duties in the season before hiring a future Senior Pastor.

The Director of Student Ministry Search Committee is continuing to meet and has been interviewing candidates in the pursuit of hiring a Director. Steve Boutelle is the Chairperson of the Student Ministry Director Search Committee and can address any questions you may have by contacting him here. Your continued prayers are appreciated as the committee pursues God's will.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR PERSONAL USE
Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29