Calling a new pastor is often
joyful; we seldom talk about how we say good-bye. But whether church
and pastor part in a flash of conflict or a more orderly transition, how we
say good-bye can have immense impact on the
congregation's development.
First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa, is getting
ready to say goodbye to a pastor who is beloved not only at home
but throughout our fellowship. Next fall, Rev. Gregory
Ellcey will retire after decades of service, 17 of them
at First Church.
Greg says of his ministry at Marshalltown that he has
enjoyed leading kids from the silly to the sacred; his fundamental message to
the congregation is, "Lord we have heard the Word...now send us
out." He faces the thought of retirement with "...a mixture of fear and
joy," noting that retirement does not mean the end of his vocation.
The church is a model for facing the future with thoughtful intention,
a key to development. Greg's retirement plans were presented
three years ago. "This gave us a comfort zone to talk about
regret," Greg says. When an effort to hire an associate
pastor who would gradually take over failed, the
church chose a characteristically Congregational
solution: lay leaders began taking on more responsibility
for leadership. Tasks that had been seen as the minister's job came to
be viewed as ministries that were shared.
The end of a long, fruitful
pastorate can stop a congregation in their tracks. But at First Church
in Marshalltown, planning and prayer seem to be creating a climate for
facing a new future together.
GREAT IDEAS
At FCC, Terre Haute they have
what is called a "change for change"
jar. The idea is whatever you have in pocket change, you deposit in
the jar on your way to or from a church service or event. Soup kitchens
and charities got $260 collected in the jar in three months.
The Parish Nurse (Evie Proseus)
of our sister Congregational Church in Mt. Dora, FL is helping
members understand the interactions of herbs and drugs. She publishes an
article on the natural substance, its possible positive and negative reactions,
especially when mixed with prescription drugs. An excellent idea!
Want to learn from a sister Church's
how-to expansion/renovation planning? Contact FCC, in Ann
Arbor. Their ministers and a committee are doing an outstanding job!
Email: rlivingston@fccannarbor.org |
