In July, I completed 6 months as your Interim Minister.  Does it seem longer to you?  What a lot we have already been through!

            Now comes the time that, if we were working on a normal schedule for ministerial transitions, you would be welcoming your Interim Minister and getting ready for your first interim year together.  In some ways, we’re just getting started.

This coming year our focus will be on work to help the church know who you are (identity), define what’s important to you (purpose), and name the work you want to do (mission).  By the end of the year, when you elect your Search Committee, you will be prepared to charge them with a clear understanding of the kind of minister they should look for:  a minister that best fit the personality and core values of this church and will help you go where you want to go.

Identity, purpose, and mission are also the three central area of personal spiritual work.  I call them the three spiritual questions:  “Who am I?”  “Why does it matter?”  And “What should I do?”  The same questions we will ask about the congregation as a whole we will also pose to each of us personally.

Now that we’ve defined what the work will be, what do we need to do to get ready?

Every year, I think of August as a month of preparation.  The church year still lies ahead.  The question for now is, “What can I do that will help me be ready to do the work that September and the coming year will require?”  Maybe there’s some reading or study to do.  A lot of church committees have been doing the work of making plans and putting dates on the calendar.  Maybe you need to reach out to a friend in the church and share your hopes and wishes.  Take some time for prayer or meditation.  Articulate your intention for the coming year. What do you hope will manifest as the year comes to a close?  Reconnect with what you love about the church so you will feel motivated to give your time, talent and treasure, when required.

Thank you for all you do for the community.  I look forward to the work to come.