2021- we made it! Like all of you, our Presbytery reacted, adapted, transitioned, and morphed in many ways due to the pandemic and disruptions of 2020. Like you, we made all kinds of changes to the way we operated, worked, and lived - some that we had put off for a long time, some that we are glad we made, and plenty that were forced upon us by the circumstances and situations of 2020.
On my calendar, Tuesdays are the day that I carve out "Presbytery Work" time on my schedule to focus on the business of serving as your Moderator over the last year. As I sat looking at my calendar this morning, I reflected on all that has transpired during 2020 for our Presbytery, as well as, on all that is in the works right now for 2021. Although tired, I feel upbeat and energized by our work ahead.
The Presbytery Council and our workgroups and committees have been working in high gear over the last several months. That is a Presbyterian way of saying, "Many, many, many, many meetings!." In November, we contracted with Corey Schlosser-Hall, Executive Presbyter of Northwest Coast Presbytery to work with us to complete our transition process. He hit the ground sprinting, even through the holidays. Corey has engaged the members of Council individually and Council as a whole several times, the Presbytery staff, and the previous Vision Team (as a whole and many individual conversations with members from that team).
The Presbytery Council, working with Corey, created a Vision Nominating Team in December comprised of Evan Amo, Anne Bond, Kim Graber, and Keith Moore to nominate individuals to serve on a new 7-8 person Vision Construction Team. They have been working with Corey over the last few weeks to select and recommend to Council for approval, members for the Visions Construction Team.
What is a Vision Construction Team? This is the team that will complete our visioning work for the Presbytery, craft a vision and strategy for the road ahead, and create a job description for the next Presbytery Leader (whether Presbytery Pastor or Executive Presbyter or some other title). At least half of the 7-8 person team will come from the previous Vision Team that worked with Rev. Dana Hughes for approximately 18 months. The Vision Construction Nominating Team will present these names to the Presbytery Council for their approval, hopefully by January 20th, so that we can inform you of those Vision Construction Team members at our January 26th Assembly.
To help you understand all that has happened in the last few months and where we hope to go in the months ahead, Council, in conjunction with Corey, will be holding two webinars (prior to January 26) that address the questions – “Where are we now & where are we headed?” This will be an opportunity for you to get updated on the status and details of the transition, steps that have taken place since November 1, provide a January 26 Assembly preview, and outline the next steps in our process. It’s also an opportunity for us to respond to questions, concerns, and your hopes as a Presbytery. The dates for these two webinars will be communicated early next week.
I finish my term as your Moderator very hope-filled for our future as a Presbytery. We have a talented Council who have spent many, many hours with one another. We have an incredible staff who are putting in extra effort, energy, and time in this transition. I am grateful for the leadership that our Stated Clerk, Rev. Olivia Hudson-Smith is providing as Temporary Head of Staff. And Corey Schlosser-Hall is already effectively helping us move into the future. Finally, we have two fantastic leaders in our Moderator-elect Peter Hulac and Vice-Moderator-elect Paula Steinbacher. I have enjoyed getting to know them over this past year and am looking forward to their leadership of this Presbytery.
As I sat down in my office this morning, I recognized that this "Presbytery Work" spot on my calendar literally ends on January 26 - our January Assembly Meeting. February doesn't have that penciled into my calendar. In many ways, I am grateful that I got to serve as Moderator in such an unconventional, disruptive year. Although it was daunting, and, at times, exhausting, I would not have wanted to moderate in any sort of conventional way. Thanks for allowing me to serve as your moderator!
With Grace and Peace,
