Transition Update – August 14, 2022
The Shepherd of the Mountains Council met at the Vecchi home on Monday August 8th. It was an opportunity for the retiring council members and the new council members to become acquainted with one another and also to reflect on lessons learned from the retiring council members.
The Transition Process is clearly at the top of all of our agendas; so we are tackling the process of planning diligently and strategically.
The next step for Council is to review and update our Constitution and Bylaws as we set the stage to evolve the Transition planning process. Both the Executive and then the Council will have work sessions on August 29th and August 30th to refine those two important foundational documents.
It is important for us to achieve this task 30 days in advance of our Congregational meeting in November. We hope to have draft changes available for congregational review around October 10th. Council will ask the Congregation to review, discuss and approve the amended documents at the upcoming Congregational Meeting in November 2022.
Let’s stay focused on “mission critical” planning through the Transition so we can have the most meaningful outcome.
Shepherd of the Mountains Mission Statement:
God has called us to be in the mountains for good, centered in the story of Jesus for the sake of the world through worship, fellowship and service.
Peace and Patience,
Shepherd of the Mountains Council
Pastoral Transition Update August 7, 2022
The Executive Committee and Council are anxious to keep the congregation informed about the Pastoral Transition process and is also anxious to hear your feedback as we move forward with planning for the transition. We will endeavor to provide a weekly update during Sunday Service and follow-up weekly in the Epistle.
Council has met with Bishop James Gonia of the Rocky Mountain Synod then had a comprehensive planning workshop with Deacon Janice Zimbelman, Transition Ministry Director.
We are grateful to Pastor Gordon Young for his continued service as our “Supply Pastor”. We have extended our agreement with Pastor Gordon to remain at least until October 2nd. And if necessary will renew his agreement on September 4th to continue to November 6th. Deacon Janice advises us to use 30 day increments in the hopes that we can find and secure an Interim Pastor in the next couple of months.
Meanwhile Deacon Janice is hopeful of assigning a Transition Coach by early September who will help us get started on the planning process. This process involves some careful self-analysis of Shepherd of the Mountains regarding mission, vision, goals, values as we prepare a document entitled “Ministry Site Profile”. Council will be recruiting several volunteer leaders to support this important planning work.
The Ministry Site Profile (MSP) will be used by the Bishop in finding a good match between a rostered minister and our congregation.
Peace and Patience ~ Shepherd of the Mountains Church Council