News

Please make the following changes in the most recently published Membership Directory:

Sharon Sparks:          (513) 422-6156

Betty Stacy:  1929bettystacy@gmail.com

Also, review your copy for any additional corrections.

It is vitally important during the time of transition from the outgoing minister to the interim to the incoming minister that the need for closure by the congregation and minister be addressed.  A healthy departure allows for evaluation, celebration, grief work, forgiveness, and preparation for the continuing pastoral care of the congregation, the departing minister and his/her family.

The close relationships that develop during one’s ministry with a congregation make the process of professional separation and establishing a new relationship challenging. Clergy who have practiced the pattern of giving careful pastoral attention to the well–being of the congregation sometimes makes it difficult for clergy/congregation to let go.  Thus the outgoing minister does not seek to influence the search and call process, makes a clean break with the congregation, and does not attempt to continue participating in pastoral functions such as celebrating weddings and funerals, or making pastoral hospital visits and calls unless asked to do so by the current minister.  For their part, the interim minister and incoming minister commit to honoring the ministries of those who previously served the congregation.

Disciples’ ethical guideline is for the outgoing minister to separate from the congregation for a period of at least one year after the arrival of the new minister.

FCC-Middletown Congregation,

Karen Powers and I have met with Rev. Steve Bentley, Regional Associate Minister.  At that meeting, we discussed how best to proceed with ministerial support after Laureen’s departure.  We agreed that the best approach would be to bring in an interim minister to guide us, to assist us and to lead us once we begin the search for our full-time pastor.  Steve presented us with resumes of potential candidates for the position of interim minister.  I met with the 2015-2016 elders (this group included Karen) and we discussed the potential candidates strengths and weaknesses as we saw them as a fit for FCC-Middletown.  The Elders selected one individual that they felt might be a good fit.  I have called him to discuss setting up an online interview.  He informed me another church had scheduled an interview with him this weekend.  I will follow-up on the results of this interview and report to the elders.  Should this individual not be available, Steve Bentley informed Karen and me that he would provide additional resumes.  As this is a very important stage in the future of

FCC-Middletown, we will proceed carefully to find the best individual to lead us into our next phase.  I will keep you updated as we move forward.

Larry Steele

Moderator Elect

As of June 14^th, we had a total of $96,152 in pledges for the coming fiscal year.  If you have not made a pledge and wish to do so, there will be additional pledge cards available on Sunday, June 21^st.  Pledges may be dropped in the offering plate or put into the Treasurer’s mailbox at church.  Thank you to all who have made a pledge for this coming year.  Offering envelopes will be available the next two Sundays in the narthex.

On Saturday, May 2 volunteers spent time working inside and outside the church. Flowers were planted, trees/bushes trimmed and cut down, grass cut, kitchen cupboards cleaned, office cabinets organized, mulch spread, and much more. Thank you to all who gave of themselves: Larry Chamberlain, Marilyn Chamberlain, Dave Lombard, Linda Lombard, Helen Morgan, Karen Powers, Tim Powers, Linda Poynter, Billy Poynter, Lora Schueller, Dave Schueller, Charlotte Steele, Larry Steele, Carl Tarbox, and Cathy Treadway

It is with mixed emotions that the church has accepted the resignation of Katherine Garringer as Worship Accompanist effective May 24^th. Katherine has shared her most wonderful musical gifts with us since last August. Katherine has been working as a solo performer of her original music for some time now and has a desire to put her efforts into making a career of doing that. She plans to give it a try in the future in Nashville which is really exciting! We thank her for her service to our church and wish her success in her future.

A huge thank you to the entire congregation on behalf of the General Board. Our Rafflemania/Quarter Auction event on May 5 netted us $802 toward camp fees for our children and youth. We had many compliments on the quality of our donated raffle items. It was a fun event for a very worthwhile cause.