Interim Ministry
- webmaster12665
- Oct 30
- 2 min read
Message from The Rev. John Dowds
(Your Interim Moderator - a Presbyterian term that simply means to guide and support you through this time as you seek a new Minister)
Hello everyone, this is a year of significant change for all of you at First. After 21 years as your Minister, the Rev. Harry Currie has retired. For some of you Harry is the only Minister you have experienced at First; for others Harry has been one of a number of Ministers you have experienced in this Community of Faith. For all of you, Harry’s retirement means change and, understandably, some level of uncertainty about what happens next and when a new Minister will come and serve among you. So, what happens next?
A Search Committee is being established. The Search Committee will:
Survey the Congregation to ascertain what you think and feel are the current and future needs / aspirations of First Church. This will include seeking your guidance and input regarding what you are looking for in a new Minister.
The results of the Survey will inform and guide the creation of a Congregational Profile. This Profile will be provided to those who may apply to become the Minister of First Church.
The Search Committee will review applications and determine who to interview.
Those are the next steps. All of this will take time - but time well spent! It is really important that, especially after a long Ministry, congregations take time to grieve, reflect and think about what they want and need moving forward. It is not something that should be rushed. With that in mind, we have arranged for the Rev. Laura Kavanagh to serve among you for the next four months.
If you have questions - please ask! You can contact any of your Elders or me. We will keep you informed every step of the way.
First Church is a resilient faithful Congregation. Please seize this time of transition as one of reflection, assessment and opportunity. I will remember all of you in my prayers in the days and months ahead. Blessings,
John Dowds 780-441-1678 jfkdowds@gmail.com