December update

The following was delivered by PNC member Karen Rissman at all three services on Sunday, December 16.

Good morning.

My name is Karen Rissmann, and I am a member of the Pastor Nominating Committee.  When the committee first began to meet it was a bit daunting for me. I am the baby of the group in terms of length of membership, having only been a member here a few years, while many have been here 20 years or more.  I wondered what my contribution would look like.

Of course, God had a plan, He always has a plan. Our committee is representative of all aspects of our congregation. We are stronger for the variety of perspectives each of us brings to the process. I love Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I have a strong sense that the Lord’s plan to give Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church a hope and a future is being revealed to us. I know in my heart that the Holy Spirit is with us daily as we discern who our new pastor will be through the process we are pursuing,whether it be guiding us through prioritizing important characteristics and strengths or being with us through prayer.

Currently we are in the midst of interviews which have produced significant and inspiring conversations with a number of wonderful candidates.

All of us would like to personally thank you for your continued patience and prayer support. As we are now in the season of Advent, a period of time designated in the church calendar for waiting, it seems even more appropriate to guide our thoughts and prayers to the work of the PNC and the discernment process.

Please continue to look at the PNC blog for the latest news as you are able, check the Chimes, or visit the bulletin board outside Pastor Steve’s office.

Finally, I would like to remind you of what the apostle Paul wrote as a prayer in his letter to the Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 20.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”