Pastoral Transition - Our Shared Path Forward
A Message from the Moderator
22 May 2010
Dear Fellow Westmorelanders,
It has now been several weeks since Rev. Rich Smith announced that he will be leaving Westmoreland on June 6 to accept a call at First Congregational Church, Reno, Nevada. It has been a time of reflection and great activity as our congregation prepares for a future of new leadership while maintaining the vibrant continuation of our worship services, spiritual support and church programs. I wanted to take a moment to update you on the efforts of your fellow Westmorelanders and staff that have been hard at work preparing for our coming transition. Several efforts are ongoing to celebrate Rev. Smith's ministry and prepare for our future.
Under the able stewardship of Ann Morales and Will Irwin, an ever expanding group of Westmorelanders are working on a series of activities to show our appreciation of Rev. Smith's ministry. Events include an evening gala, with refreshments, remembrances and music provided by Gospel Grass on Friday, June 4, 7:30 - 9:30 pm in the Social Hall. I do hope that you will be able to attend! Please respond to your mailed invitation or contact Pete Davis at (pete at daviscap.com) for additional details. The team is also working with Rev. Smith and Deacons on a final celebratory worship service, coordinating solicitation of a departure purse, and providing support for Rich and Pam as they prepare for their coming cross-country move.
Several groups of church leaders and staff are working to plan for the continuation of our church services and activities after June 6. Our excellent professional staff, in coordination with Deacons, have prepared an exciting summer of services and lessons, similar to the highly successful summer sessions of past years. More information on our "Summer on the Circle" will be available soon. A dedicated group of church leaders, coordinated by Moderator Elect Pierre Toureille, is researching options for recommendations to the Executive Committee on preparing for the search for our new Senior Minister and operations of our church starting in the fall, typically referred to as our interimcy period. Members of this effort include George Christo (Trustees), Robert Benton (Deacons), MaryAnn Bernald (Membership & Fellowship), Gary McDavid (Outreach Ministries), Doug Hallward-Driemeier, and Pete Davis. This team is reaching out to a wide range of individuals in other churches experienced with interimcy period operations, the Potomac Association, and staff and members of Westmoreland to obtain information and insights. If you would like to share your thoughts on the coming interimcy period, please contact Pierre at (prtoureille at spring.blackberry.net). In addition, the Trustees are taking the lead on working with Rev. Smith and the Potomac Association to appropriately handle personnel, legal and financial matters to provide Rev. Smith with a smooth transition to his new call.
On May 16, I was please to see almost 80 of my fellow Westmorelanders join in our Church Council to discuss, share views and obtain insights on the coming transition and desires for our church's future. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore several topics, including plans for honoring Rev. Smith's ministry, designing an attractive summer program, continuing membership growth & congregational energy, establishing effective interimcy period operations and creating a future search committee. Rev. John Deckenback, Central Atlantic Conference Minister and Rev. Kwame Osei Reed, Potomac Association Minister, educated us about the activities that a congregation should undertake to ensure an effective interimcy period. I greatly appreciate everyone who shared views and suggestions during the meeting. The discussion and insights from the meeting will be very valuable to our church leaders as they consider the best path forward for Westmoreland.
In addition to immediate transition efforts, we are beginning the process of establishing a Search Committee to seek and recommend a new Senior Minister for our congregation. I could use your assistance in seeking members for a committee that can fully represent the breath and spirit of our congregation. Please send me the names of individuals who you believe should be considered for our Search Committee. You can reach me at david_batson at verizon.net or 202-494-8702. I will be working with church leaders and former Moderators to recommend members of a Search Committee for approval of the congregation in early September.
Please look for continuing regular articles in the Westmorelander providing updates on our transition and interimcy period. In the near future, we will also be establishing a page on our website for easy access to information and updates. Please join me in thanking all of our members, staff, and lay leaders who are working to ensure a bright congregational future. Please keep them, Rev. Smith, and our congregation in your prayers.
David Batson, Moderator
Page last updated 10 April 2011.