From the Board President May 2011
What an exciting time to be at TJMC. As I write this, I am still basking in the excitement that enveloped the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 17, as we called Reverend Erik Walker Wikstrom to be our new settled minister! If you missed it – we had a unanimous vote to call Reverend Wikstrom, and then we actually called him to share the good news and joy. Luckily, he said, “Yes!”
Frank Dukes spoke at the Congregational Meeting to remind us that this is just the first step in our new journey. This past month we sought and shared information, we learned some new things, and perhaps gave some thought as to what our church will be like in the next few years. As I reflect on the past three years, I see a strong congregation who is willing to partner with Reverend Wikstrom as we make difficult decisions about our church – our size, our staffing, our facility – as a team. Now is the time to make your commitment for the next three years (or more). How do you want to be involved? Is there a committee or council you have been thinking about joining? A task you are willing to take on? An Adult Faith Development program you wanted to try? How about volunteering with Children’s RE? We need your involvement more than ever to continue the excitement and vibrancy that was so apparent in the Sanctuary today.
I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to show appreciation to all who served on the Ministerial Search Committees the past three years. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, please accept my deepest and most heartfelt thank you for a job well done. I am grateful to each and every one for you commitment, your time, and your faith.
Another special thank you goes out to the Stewardship Committee, led by Karen Ransom and Dan Spitzner. As of Monday, April 25, we are wrapping up the final numbers and it looks like we will meet last year’s budget numbers. Thank you for your pledges that allow us to do the work of the church.
As part of our follow up, we will spend the next month compiling information and stories that we gathered from you during this campaign. One thing I can share is that we heard from more than a few individuals that they have felt disconnected from or isolated from the church. For many, it seems like a settled minister is a good reason to start attending church again. For others, there is a deeper hurt that needs to be overcome. We want to take information like this into consideration as we plan for the next few years. Please help us as many individuals come together in the next few months to reach out to all of you. We want to make stewardship a word we hear year round, not just when we are talking about money. And an important part of stewardship is talking to our members. If you receive a call from church in the fall, please do not shy away. We really want to hear from you!
In Peace, Donna Baker