Completion of the "Transition Period"
The PRUMC has completed an exciting and difficult
period know as the “transition period.” Since Pastor
Jun’s last Sunday on June 22nd and the first Sunday
that Pastor Frederick steps into the pulpit on September
14th, our congregation will have experienced a number
of different Christian men and women who have brought
their life experience and their witness to lead our
worship of the risen Christ with us in our lovely
garden.
I was privileged to share with you some thoughts
on the first Sunday when we began “transitioning”
for our new pastor. There were key points that I asked
you to keep in your thoughts and prayers. I have listed
these below for your easy reference. Please use it
as a personal check list - and as many are heading
back to school - to write your own personal grade
for this summer experience. The goals for each were
to -
1. Be faithful to attend services.
2. Be a person of prayer.
3. Be extra patient and understanding.
4. Continue to contribute financially.
5. Volunteer more than usual.
6. Help contribute to unity.
7. Avoid church politics.
8. Don’t waste the opportunity between the pastor’s
departure and the new pastor’s arrival. God still
intends for every service, guest speaker and then
the ministry of a new pastor to have vital purpose…
and it is important for the congregation to remain
faithful and engaged, so that God’s intended work
can be accomplished.
Among other things, when a church is
between pastors, it can help people become more responsible…
for their own spiritual growth, as well as the several
duties and tasks of the church. And often, it helps
a church to more fully appreciate and value the role
of a minister
To each of you, in our congregation, I thank
you personally. I feel you have passed this rough
and tough “class.” Some of you passed with high honors.
All of you contributed to the whole experience. Now
that the summer session is over, you will have new
leaders, new challenges and will have to enjoy more
and even harder work during the months ahead.
This will be a new and exciting church. Your
participation, your prayers and your service is needed
to make it a successful church and ministry.
Bless you,
Bill Maurer
Chairman
Pastor - Parish Relations Committee
Listed under the "WorshipServices"
page is a short bio of Pastor George N. Frederick
who will take over his responsibilities in Park Ridge,
September 1, 2008
