The outcome from the first transition session is posted on newprint around the fellowship hall. Take time to read remembrances and add your own to the time line.
Welcome Pastor Nik
On Sunday, 27 November 2011 the congregation welcomed and commissioned Pastor George Donges as our new intentional interim minister. He prefers to be called Pastor Nik! He has been charged with helping us with whatever it is God is calling us to do, wherever it is God is calling us to go, and whoever it is God is calling us to serve, as well as being who God wants us to be. Please welcome Pastor Nik. Pastor Nik retired from Anderson Hills Christian Church near Cincinnati, and most recently served a Disciples church in Wilmington, Ohio as its interim minister. Pastor Nik is an accomplished oboist and plays regularly with the Cincinnati Civic Orchestra. His wife Eunice is not able to join him as she serves the Anderson Hills congregation as organist.
Pastor Nik will be staying in the parsonage, arriving mid-day each Saturday, and staying through Tuesday afternoon. The office in the parsonage has been re-established, and soon Pastor Nik will develop and announce a regular office hours. He will be doing home visits to our shut-ins once he gets “settled in”. Pastor Nik will be available for hospital calls while here, however, in the event of a family emergency on days he is not here, please contact one of the elders. We will provide assistance as necessary, and assist in contacting Pastor Nik if needed.
The elders interviewed a number of candidates to serve as our intentional interim minister. We felt comfortable with Pastor Nik; he has shared with us an aggressive schedule to assist us during this time of transition. We have a lot of work to do. As elders, we pray that we all get on board with what it is God is asking us to do as we begin the process to find a settled pastor to serve our congregation. The work of the search committee will be put on hold at this time while we work with Pastor Nik to better identify ourselves and complete the tasks set forth.
Pastor Nik is receiving a salary comparable to that of our previous full-time minister. As a congregation, we must continue to give to the church so we can provide the compensation due our new interim minister.
Serving Christ,
Clifford L. Mason
Chair of the Elders
Pastor's Office Hours
Pastor Nik will be in his office in the parsonage on Mondays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Call ahead at 928-4066.
Latest News
Our search committee processed the first packet of profiles. From this group three people were interviewed by telephone and one was slated for an interview in person. Before the interview could be scheduled this person accepted a call from another church. The committee will meet on October 24 with Rev. Steve Bentley, our regional resourse person, who will bring a new packet of profiles for our search committee to evaluate. Please keep our committee, Rev. Bentley and potential pastors in your prayers that all might hear and listen to God's guidance.
Old News
Dr. Bill Edwards, regional pastor, met with the search committee on Monday, August 15, bringing profiles of potential candidates for our consideration. We will be reviewing the profiles and contacting candidates over the next several weeks. We ask for your prayers as we attempt to discern which person might be the one God is sending to be our pastor.
The data from the congregational survey was used to compile our congregational profile. The profile was reviewed and approved by the board on July 11th and has been submitted to the regional office. Our regional staff will send our committee resumes of pastors who best line up with our profile. Thanks again to everyone who participated in the survey.
The board accepted Betty Spurgeon's resignation for health reasons from the search committee at the May 9th board meeting and named Marilyn Norris as her replacement.
Our Pastor Search Committee was appointed at the March 14, 2011 board meeting.
Patty Fisher, chairman; Tom Bradley, David Dernberger, Holly Mason, Tom McNichols, Betty Spurgeon. Regional Pastor Steve Bentley will be our liaison with the region. Dave Dernberger II, board chaiman, nominated committee members who represent a cross section of age and gender and people who bring various life and career experiences to the committee. Over the next several months, the committee will solicit input from the congregation to help them match our needs with the capabilities of candidates. Please keep this committee in your prayers that they might hear God's guidance throughout the process.
The link below will take you to the web site of The Christian Church in Ohio and detailed information about the search process. This information may be printed and shared with everyone in the congregation.
http://www.ccinoh.org/forministers/searchandcallprogram.aspx
