It has been good to be with you here at FCCDG. I thank you for your warm extravagant welcome, and for your hospitality and enthusiasm. Every Sunday and during every meeting I meet more of you and I am impressed and excited to be here with a community that is open to God who is still speaking and that is committed to be in willing partnership with God to work for peace and justice in the world.
Soon we will be able to begin the intentional interim process together which involves 5 distinct steps. Each of these steps requires an informal congregational gathering to discuss and to share.
Step one: Coming to terms with history is about remembering our story at FCCDG. It is to look at our past, remember who we are, re-tell our story, reminisce, celebrate all the good things, grieve and let go of the not-so-good things so we can move on to the next step.
Step two: Discovering who we are today: Who are we now and who are we called to be? How do we understand ourselves in this time and this place? How do we characterize our congregation? What is unique about us? How do we perceive ourselves? Through these questions we can discover the congregation’s gifts for today, build on them. We may also consider doing a more intensive visioning process to uncover our calling, our vision, our direction and the possibilities for the future.
Step three: Leadership changes: During interim time leadership roles in the congregation change. Some leaders will step back. Others will step forward. Encouraging and empowering new leadership can bring new energy. Taking a look at leadership systemically can be helpful, as well as a recognizing the congregation as a system.Step four: Renewing relationships, especially denominational linkages: The relationships and resources of the whole church are identified and clarified. How does our denomination inform who we are? How deeply are we connected to it? How are we UCC? How many of our members are active in the larger church? These questions help us explore our connection to the larger, universal church and its resources especially in time of searching for a settled Minister.
Step five: Committing to a new direction in ministry and future leadership: After the four steps, are we ready for a new direction? How do we welcome new pastoral leadership and how do we say goodbye to the interim? This step helps embracing the “new” and letting go of the “old.”I will be working closely with the Cabinet but will also soon form a 5 member Interim Advisory/Support group to work with me on planning and implementing the interim process. I look forward to our journey together and invite you all to participate. Let’s make this a fruitful, meaningful and energizing journey following the guidance of the Spirit.
Blessings and Peace,
Nayiri