Dear Church Community,
Those of you who were able to attend church with us last Sunday, September 12, 2021, would have heard the enthusiastic “Aye!” when we took the vote to call the Rev. Dr. John A. Nelson to be our Settled Pastor and Teacher. It was an historic and momentous occasion, to be sure. And so we welcome with joy Pastor John as our 17th Settled Pastor.
In their comments when presenting the recommendation, Search Committee Chairpeople Lorna Edmundson and Dave Heck referred us to the letter they had written which had been previously distributed. They also praised the commitment and thoughtfulness of the people who joined them on the designated term search committee: Janet Accardo; Barbara Collins; Emily Elliot; Abby Gackenheimer; Janet Kaufman; Jason Larson; Charlie Noyes; Karin Noyes; and David Rich. We are all grateful for their prayerful consideration of Pastor John’s leadership as he has guided us through turbulent waters and as he envisions our future together.
We are also fortunate that Pastor John brings with him a partner who is equally committed to the church community. Angela Lomanto also gives unceasingly of her time, energy, and considerable talents in ways both large and small that help our church – the people and the building. This duo is well-equipped to help us navigate the coming days, weeks, months and years.
I wish I thought that the challenges brought by the pandemic and by the issues we all face were in our rearview mirrors. Sadly, they seem to continue to loom on the horizon. Speaking personally, I have been sustained over the past few years by the connections and joys, the shared compassion and concern for one another, and the strength of our community. With continued faith, and with the Grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, I am confident that we all can get through these challenges we face in our hearts, in our homes, in our community, and in our world.
Gratefully,
Betsy