Council of Elders Chair Mark Taylor

Mark Taylor

In last year’s report I said, “We can’t help but see this past year through the lens of the coronavirus and the way it has upended so much of our normal activity.” Little did we know just how turbulent the next year would be! The Council has spent many, many hours discussing how best to balance the conflicting perspectives on masks, social distancing and other COVID-related factors.

The makeup of the pastoral staff has been quite steady this past year. But now we see several changes on the horizon. Zach Fallon is moving to the area south of Atlanta to plant a new church with our support and encouragement. Baxter Helm will be stepping into Zach’s shoes as senior high pastor. And we have said goodbye to Josh Stringer, who has accepted a call to be senior pastor of a church north of Atlanta. We find it hard to say goodbye to these men who have served so faithfully, but we are glad to send them out into other regions where there are great needs.

Special thanks to Erik Dewar, the rest of our musical team and our technology team, who have all worked hard at creating livestreamed worship services throughout this past year.

We are still in the process of overall plans for the Crossings building (aka Toms-Price). Portions of the building will soon be used by STARS Resale Shop and Clapham School. We expect to use the east end of the building for our own ministry purposes. From the outset we have seen this property as a strategic purchase for ministry over the next 50 years.

The mini-capital campaign allowed us to purchase the last two Kinnaman houses on the north side of Seminary Avenue. These are strategic investments for the future growth of our worship and Christian education facilities.

Thanks to Rob Wolgemuth and Phil Nussbaum, whose terms on the Council (along with mine) come to an end this year. The Council continually wrestles with complex issues, and these men have helped guide us through rocky shoals.

May God give all of us wisdom and perseverance as we move into the year ahead of us—as a church body and individually.