The Journey: A Year Later

One year ago Fellowship Presbyterian Church was at the beginning of a journey. We had no idea how it would go much less come out. On June 1st will mark the one year anniversary of our Interim Pastor, Joel Long and a little over one year into our journey from one pastor to another.

Joel has been a blessing to our congregation. He has brought in an eye that not only sees our shortcomings, but an eye on how to improve those shortcomings and an eye for our strong points and how to make them stronger. He has pointed out with love and care what we need to do to improve our church and how to do it. With a year gone by, we have seen a reformation of sorts take place in our church.

While we have seen some members drift away during this time, we have seen members who drifted away come back. We have met new friends and are learning how to improve relations with members and friends we have. While life continues to be no bed of roses yet, the potential of our church is becoming clearer and clearer by the day. We are on the ground floor of a new and wonderful church we are now building!!

While our usual congregational size is smaller than it once was, it has stabilized and we are now seeing more visitors than in the past. We are also seeing more members pick up the mantle of responsibility and the church is functioning more like a team without always looking to the minister all the time.

Looking over the last 12 months, it has become obvious that we needed a change but we couldn't see it. While we still do not have an idea who the new minister will be and won't for at least another 6 to 8 months, finances have stabilized as well. Even though money continues to be a problem like every other church in the country with this Recession, we are paying all of our bills with income through the normal channels. This is a great blessing.

While the "Fellowship canvas" is still blank, the paint is out and opened and the brushes are about to be brought out. The artist is formulating is plans. The PNC or Pastor Nominating Committee will be in place by early summer. The remaining work to calling a permanent minister will begin in earnest. At that point, the painting that will be Fellowship Presbyterian Church of the future will start to take shape. The foundation to do the work required for this next phase is in place and appears to be a strong foundation. We are now beginning to put the pieces of the "who are we" puzzle into place. Once that is completed this summer, the PNC can start to interview possible candidates. We have been told to be prepared for an onslaught of applications once the window opens. We have been told by Salem Presbytery that this area and our church is "prime real estate" to ministers looking for a change themselves.

What one year ago looked depressing and problems never ending. Today looks much brighter and even sunny places. The only problem now is, "HURRY UP!"

But then, you can't hurry God. He will place the right person with us, in his own good time.