New Philadelphia News It is almost summer, and we have several goals for the season.
First, we hope to add an associate pastor. We are very much committed to the call process, but it is an involved negotiation involving a number of partners: 1) The Joint Board of New Philadelphia 2) The Provincial Elder’s Conference 3) The Candidates for the position identified by the PEC. This kind of thing does not go quickly, but those of us who have been participating have seen God’s Spirit at work. We believe that the conclusion of the process will be blessed. Continue to pray to this end. Second, we have added a part-time Minister of Visitation who we hope will serve us for at least 90 days, even if the call is filled before that time. At the end of 90 days both parties have the right to renegotiate; and, as is standard practice, either party can terminate with a short notice. We are pleased to welcome Br. Michael Crane to this position. Michael and his wife Valerie have been attending the church for more than half-a-year, and officially joined on Palm Sunday. Michael is an ordained American Baptist Pastor with many years of experience. He has served in large, multiple staff churches; he has served solo pastorates; and he has served his denomination as a director of a camp and conference center. Michael has preached here several times with glowing reviews. He now adds 20 hours per week of service to the congregation. His tasks include working in partnership with Steve Gray and our musicians to fine tune the 11:10 service. Unlike this pastor, Michael is familiar with more recent develops in music and worship. Michael will also be in the office on Mondays, attend staff meetings, assist in proofreading the Newsletter and bulletins, work on other assigned tasks, and will be making strategic home visits and working with groups within the church as needed. Michael and Valerie are members of the Inklings Sunday School Class, attend the 11:10 service, and have been in church almost every time the door is open for additional congregational activities. They have a daughter, Elisa, who is a student at High Point University. Give the Cranes your famous welcome,
and we will not go wrong. Michael indicates that he and Valerie are already having a great time among us.
Third, this is the summer we want to work through our new and revised Church Constitution. Copies will be available online by June 15, 2016 at http://newphilly. org/pdf/newconstitution.pdf. We will be announcing at least one special Council Meetings for discussion of the changes, and we will have a straight up and down vote at our October 23rd Congregational Council. Hard copies will also be available in the church office as of June 15th. Why the changes? Two reasons: 1) To bring our constitution into line with the Book of Order and our present practice. 2) To enhance our institutional memory. You will be hearing a lot more about the meetings, etc. We think you will universally approve the changes. Blessings,
The Pastor
High School
College
Gracie Burris Caroline Cheek Maggie Cox Zavier Chisholm Hensley Abigail Mash Sydney Louise Pinto Ally Pratapas Morgan Rothrock Camille Simmons Andrew Underdal
Carrie Boudousquie Adam Boyle Mitchell Byrd Addison Cheek Anna Cox Tai Chisholm Hensley Julia Idol Robert Rodden Danielle Shore Cody Snow Sarah Stigall Angela Vogler