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In an earlier letter to our leaders and Churches, I shared the news that Rev. Phil Jackson, our Associate Executive
Secretary for over 8 years, has been called as the Senior Minister of First Congregational Church in Yarmouthport, MA. He
has received numerous congratulatory emails and phone calls. Be reminded that any greetings you send will be included in
an album that Karen Frazzell is compiling for Phil. In addition, if you wish to make a contribution to a cash gift which will
be presented to him at the Annual Meeting, simply send it to the NA and designate it for "Phil's gift."
During a conference call on December
19th (including representatives from the divisions), the Executive Committee
voted to change the job description of the two Associate Executives and move Dr. Donald Olsen into a new position
which includes three main components - Associate Executive Secretary for Ministerial Development and Services, Dean of
CFTS, and Technology Supervisor.
The second Associate Executive Secretary's position includes Missions, Church Development, and a new area upon
which we have just embarked this past year - Association Partnerships. Both job descriptions are available for your perusal.
Thirdly, a search committee was elected including Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Mauro (ME), Rev. Patti Dando-Haaheim (MN),
Mr. Donald Sturgis (CA), Rev. Neil Hunt (MI), and Mrs. Joelle Somers (WI), and alternate Joanne Simpson (MA). The
Committee is a wonderful cross-section of men, women, laity and clergy and regions of the country. The Committee has met
and elected Dr. Hunt as their chairperson.
This is a time of critical challenges to our Association and to member Churches. We hope and pray that among the
things that these changes will foster, there will be a heightened visibility of our Association in our Churches and a new era
of communication with our state and regional associations and fellowships, and a stronger tie with Churches and clergy
in transition and/or conflict.
In the last few years we hope you have caught a spirit and resolve to do our work differently, and more effectively, so
that local Churches benefit as much as possible from their associations with sister Churches regionally and nationally. In
the next several years we're sure there will be more forums and discussions on how best to accomplish these connections.
The intent behind all of these efforts is to more effectively share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Congregational ways.
If you know laity or clergy seeking a challenging opportunity to serve Christ through ministry on a national level,
we encourage you to contact Dr. Hunt by e-mail at nhunt@A1access.net.
In the meantime, please pray for our work. Pray that our work in mission outreach, clergy support, Church renewal,
and enhancing fellowship among our Churches are more effectively delivered through these two new models of leadership.
God bless you,
(Rev. Dr.) Thomas M. Richard, Executive Secretary
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