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Jul 24
2008
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Summer Thoughts on Leaving GPCPosted by Steve Jacobsen in Untagged |
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Tidings – summer
From the Pastor
As I assume most of you know by now, I will be completing my 16 years of ministry at GPC August 31. The next day I will be begin serving as Executive Director of Hospice of Santa Barbara. In the week since I announced this change, people have asked me some questions. Here are some of the most common ones, along with my answers:
1. What will happen to GPC? GPC will go through a transitional time that might last a year. The session will appoint a committee to select an interim pastor. The Presbytery of Santa Barbara will submit names of pastors who are available and a good fit. The GPC committee will choose one they feel is right. That person will come in, often with a 12-month contract, to provide stability, support, and wisdom for that period. During this time, a Pastoral Nominating Committee will be elected from the congregation who will do a major study analyzing the needs of the congregation and community and, eventually, review applications, interview applicants, and recommend a candidate to become the next pastor. It will be up to the congregation to accept the committee’s recommendation.
2. When is your last Sunday? August 31.
3. Is anything being done to mark this transition? Something is being planned for that date to celebrate our last time together…not sure yet what it will entail.
4. What will your relationship be with the congregation after August 31? After that date I will need to separate myself from the ministries of GPC. I will not be present at worship, be involved in teaching or pastoral care, offer any counsel or opinions, or perform weddings, baptisms or memorial services. This is to help the congregation adjust to the future without the lingering influence of the past pastor. Some time down the road, when a new pastor is present and settled in, I can be invited back at the discretion of the new pastor and session (as we have done with Don Hawthorne.) Despite these limitations, I will be able to continue to join all of you in supporting the Dodgers, Lady Gauchos and the cause of worm composting.
5. What happens to the staff? All staff (Jeannie, Jo, Suzanne, Tony, Anna) will be, as always, responsible to the session of GPC.
6. Are you going to be the chaplain at Hospice? No, I will be the Executive Director. In that role I will be leading an organization that includes a staff of 25 therapists, administrative personnel and coordinators, a board of 15, and a large group of volunteers. Within the organization there are people involved in spiritual aspects of care, including a chaplain.
7. Isn’t Hospice work depressing? It is hard work to come alongside someone facing the end of life or the loss of a loved one. But it is holy and meaningful work, often inspiring, instructive and life affirming.
8. Will you still be a minister or will they take your robe away? The presbytery will decide if my work at Hospice will be considered a ”validated ministry,” which means it is doing God’s work outside a church. The early signs are they will approve this. If they do, I will be expected to be involved in the other local churches for occasional preaching and teaching and to be active in the Presbytery affairs.
9. Will you be around before August 31? Ann and I will be on vacation in Seattle July 31 – August 16. Suzanne will be preaching August 3, 10 and 17. I will be present the last two weeks in August, and preaching on August 24 and 31.
10. What happens to George, Disciple Dog, Mrs. Sophia and Norbert, and all the animals with strange voices? I have told them all what is happening and asked them to think about their future. At a later date I will listen to their thoughts – it will be a group decision.
11. As someone who is a part of GPC, what can you do? You can begin praying for God’s guidance, knowing that God has a great future in store for GPC -- now as always.
From the Pastor
As I assume most of you know by now, I will be completing my 16 years of ministry at GPC August 31. The next day I will be begin serving as Executive Director of Hospice of Santa Barbara. In the week since I announced this change, people have asked me some questions. Here are some of the most common ones, along with my answers:
1. What will happen to GPC? GPC will go through a transitional time that might last a year. The session will appoint a committee to select an interim pastor. The Presbytery of Santa Barbara will submit names of pastors who are available and a good fit. The GPC committee will choose one they feel is right. That person will come in, often with a 12-month contract, to provide stability, support, and wisdom for that period. During this time, a Pastoral Nominating Committee will be elected from the congregation who will do a major study analyzing the needs of the congregation and community and, eventually, review applications, interview applicants, and recommend a candidate to become the next pastor. It will be up to the congregation to accept the committee’s recommendation.
2. When is your last Sunday? August 31.
3. Is anything being done to mark this transition? Something is being planned for that date to celebrate our last time together…not sure yet what it will entail.
4. What will your relationship be with the congregation after August 31? After that date I will need to separate myself from the ministries of GPC. I will not be present at worship, be involved in teaching or pastoral care, offer any counsel or opinions, or perform weddings, baptisms or memorial services. This is to help the congregation adjust to the future without the lingering influence of the past pastor. Some time down the road, when a new pastor is present and settled in, I can be invited back at the discretion of the new pastor and session (as we have done with Don Hawthorne.) Despite these limitations, I will be able to continue to join all of you in supporting the Dodgers, Lady Gauchos and the cause of worm composting.
5. What happens to the staff? All staff (Jeannie, Jo, Suzanne, Tony, Anna) will be, as always, responsible to the session of GPC.
6. Are you going to be the chaplain at Hospice? No, I will be the Executive Director. In that role I will be leading an organization that includes a staff of 25 therapists, administrative personnel and coordinators, a board of 15, and a large group of volunteers. Within the organization there are people involved in spiritual aspects of care, including a chaplain.
7. Isn’t Hospice work depressing? It is hard work to come alongside someone facing the end of life or the loss of a loved one. But it is holy and meaningful work, often inspiring, instructive and life affirming.
8. Will you still be a minister or will they take your robe away? The presbytery will decide if my work at Hospice will be considered a ”validated ministry,” which means it is doing God’s work outside a church. The early signs are they will approve this. If they do, I will be expected to be involved in the other local churches for occasional preaching and teaching and to be active in the Presbytery affairs.
9. Will you be around before August 31? Ann and I will be on vacation in Seattle July 31 – August 16. Suzanne will be preaching August 3, 10 and 17. I will be present the last two weeks in August, and preaching on August 24 and 31.
10. What happens to George, Disciple Dog, Mrs. Sophia and Norbert, and all the animals with strange voices? I have told them all what is happening and asked them to think about their future. At a later date I will listen to their thoughts – it will be a group decision.
11. As someone who is a part of GPC, what can you do? You can begin praying for God’s guidance, knowing that God has a great future in store for GPC -- now as always.
