|
|
|
Information |
Staff |
Church History |
|
|
Open & Inclusive |
|
|
Christian Education |
Fellowship |
Music |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
As St. Matthew UCC and Central Congregational UCC go forward into the future, both churches are faced with the transition from a pre to a post Katrina world in New Orleans. St Matthew and Central have formed a joint Transition Team with the responsibility of guiding St. Matthew and Central through this time. Below you will find the news as it comes from this team.
|
Transition Team: Jim Bonds, John Pecoul, Robert Perry, John Etter, Dale Bonds, Joan Fairbank, Bythelda Davis, Noel Braning, Michele D’Aquin, Andrea Gibson, Sloan Letman and Julie Darby, |
|
|
Newsletter articles - April 2008 |
We are entering into another phase of our self-identity as a community of faith. Both Wil and Hulen will be missed, and I am already feeling the pang of loss. They have been good friends and partners in ministry. In a very real way we are treading on new ground. There is no one that can tell us how to proceed. The Manual on Ministry for the UCC does not have a section called post Katrina, multi-cultural church covenants. It doesn’t exist. And even if it did it might not apply because this is New Orleans. We tend to do things a bit different down her.
And yet at the same time all of us know about transition. We know about what to do when our worlds get turned upside down; we know about what it has felt to lose loved ones; we know about change.
During the immediate months following Katrina at St. Matthew, some folks were very focused on what they lost, and what they went through. Other folks focused on what happened and were grateful to be alive. Although some I talked to lost their houses, there was a common theme that “stuff” can be replaced. In the latter case it was their faith that carried them through the trauma of Katrina.
With Wil and Hulen leaving, it feels like Katrina’s winds are still blowing in my face. What I love about both of them is their openness to the spirit of God. For me the power of God’s presence will always be greater than anything that life can throw at us.
We will not only survive but thrive if we are ready to receive and be guided, if we continue to pray together, worship together, comfort together and break bread together. Yes, we need to compassionately challenge one another. Yes, we need to share ideas together. And yes, we will make mistakes, and there will be misunderstandings, but our love for God will overcome any obstacle. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know a God who has never let me down.
I have great faith in our future. As your pastor I have seen many positive changes in this church over the last ten years. It will continue as long as we are open to God and to one another.
Since Fred announced last month that he would be sending out his profile, people have asked, ‘What happens next?’ In a nutshell, the usual procedure for a church is to form a search committee whose first job is to complete a self-study. It becomes a very thorough, comprehensive, and reflective document that takes considerable time to complete. When finished it is sent to the denomination’s clearing house where it is matched with candidates who are looking for a church. Candidates are sent copies of a church’s self-study and the local church is typically sent 20 ministerial profiles at a time to read through and examine until one or more candidates stand out. Then further contact with that person(s) takes place through phone calls and interviews culminating in a trial sermon either on site or in a neutral pulpit. The search committee recommends a candidate to the members of the congregation who then vote to extend (or not) a call to the candidate.
The situation with St. Matthew is more complicated. We are not typical. First of all, Fred is not leaving right away. We do not require immediate pastoral replacement. It is a luxury that Fred has given us time to contemplate the future. Secondly, our future is somewhat dependant on decisions that Central makes for its future, and they are just beginning to look ahead. The loss of their leadership (along with the loss of use of their facilities) is heavy on their hearts, and we must be respectful as they work through their grieving. Thirdly, although individual UCC churches are not governed by a hierarchy, we still need to be cognizant of our South Central Conference (and the denomination) and use their supporting structure to help us. Consequently as a first step, we have invited the Reverend Douglas Anders, South Central Conference minister, to meet with four persons from the St. Matthew Council and four persons from Central’s Governance Board on April 8th. The plan for that meeting is for us to listen to Rev. Anders’ counsel and form the questions that we are all beginning to ask. The purpose of this first meeting is not to determine outcomes or long term procedures but rather to pose the questions that need to be asked before we can move forward.
So, that’s the next step for now. I think our journey through the next few months needs to be deliberate and inclusive and prayerful. It is my personal pledge, members and friends of St. Matthew, to keep you informed. Be assured that there will be opportunities for you to express your thoughts and feelings about our future direction. We are at another historical juncture in the life of our church. Dream, look to the future, and pray for your church which this year will celebrate its 159th anniversary!
Joan Fairbank,
St. Matthew Moderator
I know that there are many questions going through your minds. I know you’re anxious. I know the future is uncertain. I also know “we’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, trusting in his Holy Word. He’s never failed me (us) yet.”
There are three things of which I am certain: (1) part of your Governance Board will meet with our South Central Conference Minister on April 8, 2008 to ask the questions and get some guidance; (2) we need to be faithful, prayerful, and patient; (3) we have to trust God and the process.
You will be a part of the process, whatever that turns out to be, every step of the way. If your question is not answered, ask, call or email one of us on the governing body.
Blessings,
Dale Bonds
Central President
|
|
Newsletter articles - May 2008 |
WHAT IS MINISTRY WHILE IN TRANSITION?
Creative tension is a necessary component of any church when members are called upon to participate in all aspects of the church’s ministry. Creative tension is especially present during a time of transition. Transition is often difficult when various members have different priorities. But it is also true that when members have a stake in what is happening in the life of their church and want the best outcomes, transition can become an opportunity for individuals to discover their highest gifts.
Action within the church needs to be grounded in a deep belief in the sacredness of life. This stance moves us to be sincere and respectful to all people regardless of the external factors of their lives, to honor all as God’s creations, and to acknowledge everyone’s value as a child of God. Real ministry is informed by an attitude of caring and compassion. Healing and growth take place when we listen fully and respond lovingly to others. Growth happens within the church when members feel respected and valued, when we are open to hear views without prejudice or bias. Within this framework, members can be challenged in their faith journey, and the church becomes an exciting place which offers new and greater possibilities. A vital, dynamic church keeps existing members engaged and draws new members from the community, thereby creating a larger, richer church family.
Maintaining a healthy, active ministry means we must constantly seek and listen to the voice of God. This may lead to changes in the church structure. At other times, it may mean holding on to specific traditions which have brought profound meaning and light to members’ lives. To use the expression often heard here in New Orleans, “It’s all good.” It’s all good if we listen to the hearts of the people.
The effectiveness of the church requires all of us to be grounded in an ongoing prayer life. All of us must seek an active relationship to God. To be in prayer is to be guided by faith and the creative force which governs all things. Prayer brings a quiet mind and a still heart to what we do within the church community. Prayer gives us the ability to meet people where they are and be responsive to their needs and intentions in ways that are supportive and non-judgmental.
In the United Church of Christ we firmly believe in the concept of the “Priesthood of All Believers.” So I ask, “What priestly function will you do in our church community over this next year? What will be your attitude? And will the lens through which you and I see the world be colored by prayer?”
In Christ,
Rev. Fred
TRANSITION, a report from the Central and St. Matthew Presidents
As promised we plan to keep both congregations informed on thinking and conversations about the future. This article is to let you know what happened at the meeting on Tuesday, April 8th when three members of the Central Governance Board and four members of the St. Matthew Council met with our South Central Conference minister, Rev. Douglas Anders. His response was encouraging. Rev. Anders assured us that as Conference minister, he does not function as a bishop; he will not tell us what to do. His role will be to point us in a direction, and support us with printed resources, periodic conference calls and meetings, and prayer.
Rev. Anders pointed out that when Rev. Meade does leave, there will be an immediate need for action – but right now we are in a Transition Stage. Rev. Anders suggested we take time now, while Fred is still here, to reflect, talk and have intentional conversations among members of our congregations.
We talked about the time after Rev. Meade leaves - a second stage. Rev. Anders strongly advocates what is referred to as Intentional Interim Ministry - when a pastor with specialized training helps a church discover its special identity, what it dreams of being and doing, as well as, coming to terms with its history and its relationship with previous clergy and lay leaders. For us the issue will be whether Central and St. Matthew, after they explore together during the transition stage, will commit to an intentional interim ministry as one community of two congregations or as two separate congregations. Whether we chose to participate together or separately, the South Central Conference will be able to recommend candidates.
Ultimately still another stage becomes the formation of a Search Committee or committees depending on decisions about future relationships. The question will become whether Central and St. Matthew continue in a joint search, or would we search separately for new pastors. Again, no matter which direction we choose, Rev. Anders would assist us, but he pointed out that the hardest step of the whole process is conversation between the two congregations. He clarified that we must do this work now before starting the process of searching for an interim or a new pastor.
Central and St. Matthew have chosen to explore the first stage together – the immediate transitional stage. Rev. Anders suggested we form a working group, a sub-committee, from the governance board and the council, to assume a temporary leadership role. The St. Matthew Council voted at its meeting on April 15th to appoint its executive council to a transition team. Central voted at its Governance Board meeting on April 22nd to work with a transition team. One of the first jobs for this group will be to investigate diversity education to enable more in-depth sharing among leaders and members of both congregations. We need to look at our differences and similarities and examine how they impact our life together.
In closing, we would like to quote Rev. Anders, with permission, in an email sent after our meeting. “My support for St. Matthew-Central Cong'l UCC is genuine and honest. I wish the best for your congregations during this transition time. It can be a time of exciting change, newness and growing in God's grace. The main thought I want to leave with you is that God provides the strength to see us through any situation. When I left St. Louis to come here [to the South Central Conference] it was a genuine leap of faith and my mantra so far as I learn so much as Conference Minister is: ‘ If God will see you to it...God will see you through it.’ I used that in my candidate sermon as Conference Minister, and I have repeated it to myself as I have encountered new situations. I think you will be repeating it often in the months ahead as God takes you into new situations of challenge, change and growth.”
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LEADERS ON THE TRANSITION TEAM
A temporary working group with responsibility for guiding St. Matthew and Central through a transitional time has been appointed by the St. Matthew Council and the Central Governance Board. As we introduce each member of this committee, we hope you will feel comfortable talking and sharing your thoughts with them. In future newsletters we will introduce other members of the committee. Please feel free to talk with any of them: Jim Bonds, John Pecoul, Robert Perry, John Etter, Dale Bonds, Joan Fairbank, Bythelda Davis, Noel Braning, and Michele D’Aquin and Andrea Gibson, alternates.
We begin with Bythelda Davis from Central Congregational Church.
Bythelda Davis has been a member of Central for 30 years. She is a retired Orleans Parish schoolteacher at Mary Dora Coghill where she taught grades 1 through 6. Her favorite subject to teach was reading. As a member of the governance board, she finds that she has a responsibility in helping the decision making process, being positive, and facilitating finding a happy medium concerning difficult issues.
By far music is her passion. She states, “It has always been a part of my life and I have always participated in the church in terms of music.” Bythelda is a sports lover. She enjoys bowling and watches football and track and field. When asked what she loves about Central, she said “The congregation has decision-making power in the life of the church.”
Her favorite scripture is Psalm 121, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
“I began my spiritual journey at St. Matthew Church on the day I was born.
My parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were all life-long members
of this church, and this is where I was baptized and confirmed. I learned about
the good news of Jesus and His plan for living my life from many dedicated
Sunday school teachers and pastors. My childhood was filled with wonderful
memories of Vacation Bible School, youth fellowship group, and visits to our
church camp on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“As an adult, I pursued a career in teaching elementary school and completed thirty-three years of service in this profession. Because of my interest in teaching, I was a Sunday school teacher at St. Matthew for many years, and later became a member of the Board of Christian Education. I find that working with children is where I can best be of service to the Lord.
“As a member of the Church Council, I am honored to have the responsibility for being a part of the decision-making process for our church. I take this responsibility very seriously, and I am committed to the duties I have assumed. I love St. Matthew Church with all my heart because it is so much a part of who I am. My roots are here; it is my home; and its members are my family. It is here where I feel centered, comforted, and loved.
“The scripture verse that I turn to for strength and courage is from Romans 8:28-31: ‘We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose….What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?’”
|
|
Newsletter Articles - June 2008
|
TRANSITION: a report from the Central and St. Matthew Presidents
This is the second in a series of reports to you, the members, about what the transition team has been doing. Since the meeting with our Conference Minister in April we have had two meetings. Both of these meetings were dealing with our upcoming diversity education/training. How ironic that our national office wants churches to engage in conversations on race. We are already ahead of the game, and the conversations will happen. There will be an opportunity for everyone to participate if you so choose.
Knowing that time is of the essence, we have been meeting with facilitators to come up with what the transition team feels is an open and honest dialogue, not just on race, but whatever is on your heart about life and our covenant community.
The church council of St. Matthew and the governance board of Central are invited to participate in a retreat on Saturday, June 28, 2008, from 9:00am to 5:00pm, place still TBD. This retreat is designed to give us a smorgasbord of dialogue, activity and meditation. It is also designed so that the leadership can determine what will work for the whole covenant community.
The transition team is excited about the process and will be ready to share once this retreat has taken place. Stay tuned!
Blessings,
Dale and Joan
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LEADERS ON THE TRANSITION TEAM
A temporary working group with responsibility for guiding St. Matthew and Central through a transitional time has been appointed by the St. Matthew Council and the Central Governance Board. As we introduce each member of this committee, we hope you will feel comfortable talking and sharing your thoughts with them. In future newsletters we will introduce other members of the committee. Please feel free to talk with any of them: Jim Bonds, John Pecoul, Robert Perry, John Etter, Dale Bonds, Joan Fairbank, Bythelda Davis, Noel Braning, Michele D’Aquin and Andrea Gibson, alternates.
About James K. Bonds (Jim)
Coming from a life in Northern Illinois (Kankakee, Chicago and Waukegan), I was introduced to new family and friends at Central CUCC, and have been a member since 1993. I retired from the US Government (Department of the Navy) in 2006 where I served as an Aviation Logistics/Financial Systems Analyst. I still work in that capacity, but as a contractor. My service at Central began as an usher, but soon took on other forms. I was elected Chairperson of the Stewardship Committee, where I served for ten years. As time went on, I began to serve as needed, as Assistant Treasurer, Vice-Chairperson Board of Trustees, Choir Member and Director Central Men’s Choir. I currently serve as a member of Central’s Governance Board, as a member of the choir and as co-chair of the Pastoral Relations Committee.
My spiritual life began at an early age. My parents and grandparents touted the love of Jesus Christ and instilled in us His love, His way and His salvation. This helped to shape my life to date. I am truly blessed to be living at a time when history is being made in all aspects surrounding this city, and most of all, this united congregation of St. Matthew and Central CUCC. I am proud to be a part of this community where we are setting a precedent and setting an example on which future churches can expound.
I don’t mind walking into unknown areas within this world and am not afraid of trying new things. I owe this faith to my favorite scripture which is Psalm 23 where David says “I will fear no evil, for you are with me: your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Remembering this from an early age has taken me into unknowns throughout my life and will continue to comfort and guide me as I seek the blessings of Jesus the Christ.
Even before I joined St. Matthew in the early 1970’s, experiences in or related to the United Church of Christ shaped my life’s direction and spiritual outlook. I attended E&R church-related Elmhurst College near Chicago for a liberal arts degree in 1961 in philosophy and English in preparation for going to seminary. While at Union Seminary in New York city, Ellen and I were married. By 1964, I earned a Master of Divinity in systematic theology from a faculty with many UCC scholars, including two from the team which drafted the Statement of Faith adopted by the UCC in 1957. In my final year at Union, I also earned a certificate in international relations as an International Fellow at Columbia University.
After ordination in the UCC in 1964, I joined an ecumenical campus ministry staff at Temple University in Philadelphia. While at Temple, I secured a Master of Arts in political science. After seeking a call to work for the UCC in civil rights and race relations in the South but finding no funding available for that, I was encouraged by some national UCC staff to have a “tent-making” ministry, seeking non-church employment related to social change and racial justice while being grounded and active in a local UCC congregation and association. I followed that advice, returning to New Orleans in 1967 to work for the Urban League until 1969. Thereafter, I worked on race relations and citizen advocacy on the staffs of Mayors Moon Landrieu and Dutch Morial, taught political science, and served respectively as a development officer and Vice President and Special Assistant to President Norman Francis at Xavier University before retiring in 2003. Since Katrina, I have been active in forming and leading the Central Carrollton Association and in the process helping create the Unified New Orleans Plan
Throughout this ministry and now retirement, St. Matthew has provided a spiritual home and much pastoral care. Over the years, I have served on pastoral search committees, the Church Council, Pastoral Relations Committee, as moderator of the New Orleans Association, President of the Back Bay Mission Board, and member of South Central Conference Board. Currently, I am on our Disaster Ministry team, co-chair Pastoral Relations and serve as a member and officer of the Council.
And now, bonding with Central UCC in a covenant community of congregations is like a reunion of extended family. I was inspired and advised in years past by Central pastors and members such as Rev. Nick Hood, Rev. Bill Green, Clarence Barney, Hazel Moore, and Millie Charles—to name just a few. To share worship and congregational life with so many Central members now is a blessing beyond measure, underscoring my confirmation verse from Psalm 103: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name…and forget not all his benefits.”
Our challenge at Central/St. Matthew comes from Holy Scripture in I John 4:7-8: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
|
| |
|
Newletter articles - July 2008
|
A Message from Your Moderators
Dale Bonds and Joan Fairbank
On June 5th members of the transition team voted to begin looking for an intentional interim minister for Central St. Matthew. The idea of an interim was suggested by Douglas Anders, the South Central Conference Minister, and the transition team and members of both councils agreed this is an important step for us. We want to share information with you from the UCC Leader’s Box on what interim ministry is.
Interim ministry is defined as the ministry done for an interval “in between” the time a pastor leaves a church and another pastor is called.
History and Background
Until about 1970, most churches had to “make do” when a pastor left until another pastor was called and installed. Usually that meant finding a retired pastor or a supply preacher, who preached on Sunday and maybe visited members in the hospital, or a supply pastor who preached and spent one or two days a week on pastoral duties.
In the process of researching change in churches, the Alban Institute in Washington, D.C., made a discovery about the time between pastors. The Institute found that many changes and real opportunities for renewed life in a church occur during the time of flux and insecurity between pastorates. As in many biblical examples, God is at work when we least expect it. The discovery of the importance of the interim period led the Institute and others to think about that period and prepare people to serve as interim pastors.
No matter why a pastor leaves a church, there are swirling emotions related to the departure. For some it may be “good riddance.” For others, there is the question of “what did we do wrong that she would want to leave us?” Whether pain and grief or relief or guilt, emotions must be dealt with. The pastor may go, but the church members are left with the joys and problems, the needs and concerns of the church with no pastoral leadership. Nobody knows what will happen in the future, which makes everyone anxious and confused, at least to some extent.
The sense of loss is like any loss, such as divorce or death. If you don’t take time to deal with the feelings about the loss, they likely will interfere with the next pastorate. Churches can be like people who remarry hastily before resolving feelings and fears and end up marrying a person similar to the one they have lost rather than the best person for them.
One way the UCC has sought to address the concerns of interim ministry is through “Intentional Interim Ministry,” a resolution adopted by the 17th General Synod (1987). The Synod called upon local churches to “utilize specially qualified interim pastors in interim situations whenever possible, and avail themselves of specially developed materials and procedures to best prepare for the next installed ministry.”
Common Practices
Interim pastors, available in most conferences of the UCC, are ordained pastors with special training and experience to minister to the needs and challenges of the time between pastors. They fulfill the usual pastoral duties of preaching, teaching, calling and administering the sacraments. They also help the church explore and reclaim its past and sort out and understand feelings. They help the church discover its mission before the church prepares a profile to use in the search process for a pastor.
It must be clear that the interim pastor will not be eligible as a candidate for the permanent pastor. Sometimes there is a temptation to want to stick with someone who looks good. The viability of an effective interim ministry is lost if it becomes a way to get a foot in the door. But because the interim pastor is not available as a candidate, she or he is in a unique position to help the congregation examine the role of pastor and discover what attributes are really needed or desired.
Central St. Matthew Issues
-
The Transition Team (in consultation with both governing bodies) decided to contact one interim pastor. This decision does not obligate the two churches to call a permanent pastor together. We felt, however, that we are both in the same position, needing to take the same kind of look at ourselves, and each needing to develop a vision for the future. It makes good financial sense to share in the expert help that an interim pastor can bring to us.
-
Speaking of finances, both church bodies will need to determine an equitable arrangement for sharing the expense of an interim pastor. The interim’s pay will be in the range of the former pastor’s, including housing, insurance, and pension. Also, if we contract with someone outside of the New Orleans geographic area, we are responsible for paying moving expenses. This will not be a time to conserve money, but rather a time to secure needed services and receive expert help for our unique situation.
A contract will be signed with an interim describing the beginning and ending dates of the interim, usually this is for a year. The contract will list the duties required, address the ineligibility of
-
the candidate for the pastoral position, and state the remuneration. The transition team will make a recommendation to each church’s governing body who will then hire the interim. An interim pastor is “contracted,” not called by a church. (When it is time to look for a permanent pastor either one or two search committees will be formed, depending on the direction of each congregation. The final decision on a minister (s) is by vote of every member of each congregation.)
-
Once contracted, church leadership will work with the interim pastor to develop an interim pastor job description, which will differ from a “called” pastor job description. The interim pastor will do different tasks of ministry; for example, he or she may be asked to do less of “regular” ministry and more of long range planning.
We hope this information brings you up to date on where Central St. Matthew is headed. Please feel free to ask questions or comment to us or members of the transition team.
Blessings and peace,
Joan and Dale
P.S. Biographical information on members of the transition team will resume in next month’s newsletter. Please feel free to talk with anyone on this team: Robert Perry, John Etter, Jim Bonds, John Pecoul, Andrea Gibson, Michele D’Aquin, Dale Bonds, Joan Fairbank.
|
|
| |
Newletter articles - August 2008 |
| |
Where Are We?
A Report from the St. Matthew and the Central Presidents
This is the third in our series of reports to you, the members, about what the transition team has done and where we are headed.
First of all, the team arranged an all day retreat for both governing boards on Saturday, June 28th. Because not all from the governing board and the council were able to attend, four additional persons, who are members of both Central and St. Matthew, were invited to join us. Professional facilitators from the Facilitative Leadership Institute led us through a round table process where we discussed traditions and practices from both churches that are important to preserve during the next three years. Then, we assessed our present situation and moved to forming a practical vision on what we want the Central St. Matthew partnership to evolve toward during the next three years. It was an enriching process, and the transition team is excited about sharing it with all in the congregation.
Secondly, at their last meeting the transition team clarified that we are not using the word “merger” to describe the ultimate outcome of our partnership. We are a covenant community of believers. The team also agreed to not use the term “compromise” for anything that we do. The word “agreement” more adequately describes our purpose as we talk about the opportunities and the promise that is open to us as partners. Our future is open-ended. With the help of God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the attitude of Jesus the Christ, “all things are possible.”
Another task the transition team has taken on is beginning the search for an interim minister. The rationale for interim ministry was presented in the July newsletter. Just a reminder that the process for selecting an interim minister is different than the one used to select a permanent pastor. The Transition Team is going to do the research: they will review profiles, email information about our church, informally talk with candidates, interview, check out references, and then, select a candidate to present to both the Central Governance Board and the St. Matthew Council. Those two boards will then draw up a contract specifying the length of the interim ministry and the financial commitment to be offered. The governing boards will then “hire” an interim. At some future time, an official search committee will be formed to “search” for a permanent pastor. It is then that each member of the congregation will vote on the candidate of choice presented by the search committee. An official search committee will be formed during the interim period. The transition team will not be the search committee although some team members may be on the search committee. Again, just to remind everyone, an interim minister will agree in the contract NOT to apply for the position of permanent pastor.
In the past few weeks, the transition team compiled a list of qualities and skills for an interim that are important to Central and St. Matthew. We have consulted (and will continue to do so) with our Conference minister, Douglas Anders, who knows of several interested persons. Beginning on July 12, we listed our opening in the United Church Employment Opportunities bulletin on the Internet. In addition, some clergy are contacting us after viewing our website which details our partnership.
Already the transition team has received some profiles. We will be prayerfully considering each person who presents his/her credentials. The transition team will not rush the process; we realize the importance of finding someone with strong interim skills to lead us during this period. On the other hand, we need to be working toward that time when Rev. Meade informs the church he is leaving. He has agreed to give us three months notice; that arrangement can be negotiated downward if all parties agree. If we start searching now, the timing should work out pretty well. Please include the members of the transition team in your prayers to help them discern who God is calling to lead us.
In the Unity of the Spirit,
Joan and Dale
|
| |
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LEADERS ON THE TRANSITION TEAM
A temporary working group with responsibility for guiding St. Matthew and Central through a transitional time has been appointed by the St. Matthew Council and the Central Governance Board. As we introduce each member of this committee, we hope you will feel comfortable talking and sharing your thoughts with them. In future newsletters we will introduce other members of the committee. Please feel free to talk with any of them: Jim Bonds, John Pecoul, Robert Perry, John Etter, Dale Bonds, Joan Fairbank, Bythelda Davis, Noel Braning, Michele D’Aquin, Andrea Gibson, and Sloan Letman and Julie Darby.
John Etter and Robert Perry
|
| |
About John Etter
I grew up as an agnostic – my parents were raised Roman Catholic, but left the church when they went to college. My first contact with the UCC was attending Boy Scout meetings in the basement fellowship hall of a Congregational church in a Seattle suburb. During my college years, I was exposed to Quaker practices, Judaism, Asian religions and philosophy.
When Carol and I decided to get married, we couldn’t figure out where to get married. She was Presbyterian/Unitarian and I was un-churched. Carol’s mother told us that the Congregational minister would marry anyone. I went to First Congregational Church in Boulder, Colorado, to check it out before we asked the minister, Bruce McKenzie, to marry us. After the wedding we kept attending church. Several months later, Bruce asked Carol and I to join. I became a member of First Congregational UCC by confession of faith in 1981.
Carol and I went on to lead the high school youth group there, served on committees, and were co-treasurers. During that time my faith journey continued, including contemplative practices from Christian, Buddhist, and Taoist traditions.
In 1995 we moved to New Orleans and found St. Matthew. I have served on finance, stewardship, church council, and as co-treasurer and vice-moderator. I have often been the church’s negotiator and scribe in our dealings with Anthony Bean Theater and the other groups that share our facility. I continue exploring Christianity and have given three sermons.
Since Katrina, I have served on the recovery team – greeting and orienting groups and leading disaster/recovery tours. I am enthusiastic about Central St. Matthew’s covenanted community. I sense the Spirit in our midst and look forward to our on-going faith exploration. |
| |
|
My career has been a combination of teaching, scientific research, and music. I have more than thirty years of teaching and research experience at universities and with mainstream scientific and technical companies. My graduate research and some subsequent work have been in theoretical and mathematical physics. I have been employed as Department Chair and Associate Professor of Physics & Mathematics at Talladega College for three years and for ten years at Southern University at New Orleans. I was one of the creators of the Talladega College & Auburn University 2 and 3 Year B.A./Engineering Degree Program.
My teaching philosophy is based on my belief that the teaching profession is the most noble and important endeavor in which to devote one’s life. More than any other activity, teaching has the most profound effect on the maintenance and progress of a civilization and culture. And in science, I feel that physics is at the very leading edge of human knowledge and understanding. It is often said that one never knows where an education will lead. I am encouraged by many of my students who have made significant contributions in their professions. Therefore, I find comfort in knowing that I am “doing the right thing.” On occasions when asked to address a group of students or teachers I have used the quotation of a few verses found in Proverbs:
To know wisdom and instruction;
To perceive the words of understanding;
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, equity;
To give subtlety to the simple;
To give knowledge and discretion to the young.
One who is wise will hear and will increase learning,
And a person of understanding shall seek wise counsels.
Although these few lines describing the importance of education were written at least five thousand years ago, they are just as relevant today. The challenges that face educators today are probably greater than in any period in the history of the United States. And what is true of our nation has been exacerbated in New Orleans by many years of poorly funded public education and an economy largely lacking opportunities for employment of professionals and college graduates with advanced technical skills. Politicians who could lend their support to innovative educational programs seem misguided and confused. Educational programs have seldom been a priority, pre-Katrina or otherwise.
Because I am preceded in my family by three generations of teachers who have devoted their lives to education, I am not discouraged by the present level of resources invested in public education here in comparison to what is made available in many other regions, or that few seem to care. My philosophy embraces the fact that if one chooses a career in the teaching profession, the reward is in the realization of the significance of the services rendered, not in immediate monetary benefits or accolades one may receive. Therefore, I continue to have the opinion that teaching is an art and teaching physics with motivation is practicing that art at its highest level.
I am optimistic about what can be accomplished in a classroom where teachers encourage students to show-up for class and to ask questions. Teachers must show a sincere interest in student learning, conduct classes in a manner to inspire and hold the interest of students who have so many distractions, and have the ability to significantly improve the lot of at-risk students.
In addition to teaching, I have had more than ten years in industry as a Research Scientist/Engineer. In my work I designed and analyzed advanced instruments such as zoom lenses for military applications, calculated performance characteristics of large-scale solar power generating systems, and performed trade-off analyses
of proto-type optical systems.
Although I have retired from teaching and industry, I am active with several organizations and projects. I serve as the President of the Board for Hume Child Care Development Center, and am a member of the B-Sharp Music Club. I work as a consultant for the Educational Testing Service in Princeton generating test items for the PRAXIS and Graduate Record Examination. This fall I will be teaching pre-college enrichment classes at Hume. Since retiring I have been able to study my current scientific interests in theoretical physics and perform occasionally as pianist with Silk & Satin, providing jazz as smooth as the name implies.
|
|
Newsletter Articles from September 08 |
A Message from Your Moderators
This is the fourth in our series of messages to you our members and friends. The transition team has had light duty this past month. We are still receiving and reviewing resumes for the position of “intentional interim.” Our next meeting will involve working on possible interview questions and logistics of the whole hiring process. By then, we should have the guidelines for salary and benefits from the South Central Conference office, so we can also start working on how we will divvy up that expense.
Our primary mission this month (August), though, was to get you to participate in this first workshop. We were anxious for you to experience what the leadership experienced at our retreat in June. We were anxious for you to explore this process with us. We are anxious to support and build on the wisdom of the whole group. We wanted everyone’s voice heard. We wanted you to connect with each other like never before. We also hope you will share your experience with those who were unable to attend. Thank you to all of you who were able to spend that time with us. We promise to work on logistics, such as child care for our next one.
At this time, due to changes in the church schedule, we are in the process of finding the best date for the 2nd workshop. We will let you know that time through bulletin announcements and a postcard. The main focus for the 2nd workshop will be to expand upon and refine the “Practical Vision” of what we want to see the Central St. Matthew partnership evolve toward during the next 3 years. We will build on the vision statements that were generated in the 1st workshop. Please make every effort to attend. These are the opportunities where you can share your thoughts and feelings about our future.
Have you read the Rabbi’s Gift yet? It was a special insert in your bulletin. Hold on to it, read it, and think about what it means to you, because we will most likely use it at the beginning of workshop session #2.
In the spirit of unity,
Dale and Joan
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LEADERS ON THE TRANSITION TEAM
A temporary working group with responsibility for guiding St. Matthew and Central through a transitional time has been appointed by the St. Matthew Council and the Central Governance Board. As we introduce each member of this committee, we hope you will feel comfortable talking and sharing your thoughts with them. In future newsletters we will introduce other members of the committee. Please feel free to talk with any of them: Jim Bonds, John Pecoul, Robert Perry, John Etter, Dale Bonds, Joan Fairbank, Bythelda Davis, Noel Braning, Michele D’Aquin, Andrea Gibson, Sloan Letman and Julie Darby.
Andrea Gibson and Michele D’Aquin
About Andrea Gibson
A native of New Orleans, Andrea spent her formative years here in the public schools, but found herself in St. Peter, Minnesota, for college at Gustavus Adolphus, a small residential liberal arts college. Her passion is helping others - especially children, seeing to it that they become all they can be. This is evidenced by over 20 years in the New Orleans Public Schools as a teacher, and the fact that she volunteers, until recently, at Hume Child Development Center almost everyday in many capacities. Andrea also heads up the “Bread Ministry,” picking up day old bread, other baked goods, and sometimes fruits and vegetables from Whole Foods Market most Thursday mornings and distributes to everyone in the neighborhood around Hume Center, as well as, to all of us. Andrea currently serves as Treasurer for Central and sings in the choir, which shows that her talents are many.
About Michele D’Aquin
I grew up in Metairie, the oldest of 7 children in a Catholic family. After third grade, I started to attend public school because the family could no longer afford the tuition. That’s when I learned that plenty of people believed in Jesus but were not Catholic! That’s also when I learned that one of my best friends was Jewish, and that Jews had different ideas than I had about Jesus! I always believed Jesus knew me and loved me.
My professional training is in accounting,as a bookkeeper, staff accountant and auditor. I spent plenty of time working for large, for-profit companies, counting other people’s money! Since returning from the hurricane, I have been working at Belle Reve as a program coordinator, helping this non-profit agency to find money. I find it very rewarding to work in the non-profit arena.
Vicki and I joined St. Matthew UCC in 2004. Pastor Fred had invited us to visit. I had never been invited by a pastor to visit a church, and knew very little about UCC. What impressed me most was the welcoming spirit of the congregation, and the open and affirming philosophy. We felt at home right away. We evacuated from New Orleans with 8 of Belle Reve’s residents and returned home in December 2005. When we got back to church we saw many wonderful changes and assumed that Central Congregational and St. Matthew had formed one church body.
It is my sincere hope that we will all always worship together and someday become one body. I am humbled to be part of the transition team and pray that God grant us all discernment during our partnership. Here in New Orleans, where many church closures are being mandated, with no input from the congregations, we at Central/St. Matthew are fortunate. We all have an extraordinary opportunity to work together to plan how we will stay together. There is so much good work that we can accomplish together.
|
| Newsletter Articles from October 08 |
A Message from Your Moderators
September was a busy month. The Transition Team evaluated the 1st All Congregation World Café and met with the facilitators to plan for the 2nd one. The Transition Team has also begun to consider persons who are interested in serving as interim pastor at Central St. Matthew.
At the 2nd World Café on Sunday, October 19,th we will be building on the work done at the 1st workshop and at the leadership retreat. We realized we had to rework some logistics for event number 2, so two changes will include enlarging the worship space and providing child care. You will be receiving a letter with details on how the morning will be organized, and a survey for you to complete before October 19. We urge you to attend this 2nd event. It is the appropriate place and time for you to voice your opinions and feelings. We need you! Please help formulate the vision for Central St. Matthew in the next 3 years.
The Transition Team is currently studying the profiles of two persons who are interested in serving as an interim pastor at Central St. Matthew. They are both well qualified, having special training in interim ministry AND experience in interim positions. Within the next 6 weeks we will be interviewing them. But first we are in the process of discerning the qualities that are important to our congregation and forming interview questions. At the risk of being redundant, please remember that the Transition Team will recommend a candidate to both the St. Matthew Council and the Central Governance Board. Those governing bodies will then vote “to hire” an interim for a specific period of time, most likely one year. There will be no congregational vote at this time. Later, during the interim period, a formal search committee will be formed to look for a long term pastor. In accord with protocol, the interim minister cannot be a candidate for the permanent position.
It is necessary to form a transitional finance committee as both congregations plan budgets for 2009. Many of our expenses, including an interim minister, will need to be shared in a proportional manner. We need representatives from both churches to sit down and consider how we will financially interact in the coming year. Both churches’ governing boards have discussed the need for such a committee and have made suggestions. As soon as members agree to serve on the transitional finance committee, we will share their names with you.
As you can see, the transition team is making progress. Both of us are confident that Central St. Matthew will find the right leader to guide us during an interim period. We are also confident that we will formulate a practical vision to lead us forward. We ask for your continued prayers – for us, for the transition team, for Rev. Fred as he contemplates a new beginning, and for our entire congregation. Together we can pray, “Be Thou Our Vision.”
In the Unity of the Spirit,
Joan and Dale
|
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LEADERS ON THE TRANSITION TEAM
About Julie Darby
I was born and raised in California. When I was 21, I moved to the Kentucky and Indiana area and spent 7 years there. It was during this time that I visited New Orleans while on vacation. The first day I arrived, I knew I had found "home.” There is something unexplainable about this city and the way it seeps under your skin, the way it can claim your heart. I have said, ever since, that I didn't choose New Orleans, it chose me. I quickly made arrangements to move and have lived here since 1999.
While I do not have a church background (my upbringing did not include attending church), I have been deeply blessed by God's presence in my life. It is through my relationship with Him that I came to know that I needed a spiritual home, a place where I could not only deepen my relationship with Him, but also develop relationships with fellow Christians and my community. Hope and I both felt strongly that we wanted to be part of an active and vital welcoming church, one that had a diverse congregation consisting of people of many age groups and backgrounds. After visiting a number of other area churches, Hope found Central St. Matthew UCC's website and we were impressed by the personality and relevance it displayed. After visiting a few times, we knew we were in the right spot. We could feel the Holy Spirit at work. We loved the sense of family and kindred that was present. We felt at home amongst such a diverse and genuinely loving congregation. Hope and I joined Central St Matthew UCC in January of 2008 as members of both congregations.
Since joining, I have happily been involved in an effort to advance the church website to a new level of outreach and interaction. While that work is still underway, I am confident that we will be able to reach even
more people once it is up and running.
It is a great honor for me to be on the Transition Team. I am so blessed to be a part of this remarkable congregation, and I look forward to being a part of this family for a long time to come. Here, I am frequently reminded of one of my favorite Bible passages:
For we know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
About Sloan Letman
Growing up in Chicago I could be considered what is called a “preacher’s kid” but I prefer “Theological Offspring.” Over the past year I have fallen in love with what is Central-St. Matthew. I can remember the first time I visited in the summer of 2007, Shirley Adams and Evelyn Pittman treated me like family as if I had always been there. I found it very telling that on that day I was given a member’s name tag six months before I joined.
My favorite scripture verse is 1 Corinthians 2:9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Since joining in February I become more amazed at God’s majesty and planning skills. I have had the privilege to learn from the congregations, the pastors, and the presidents. To receive “in-care” status at Central and St. Matthew gives me the coolest opportunity to learn and see all of God’s people come together in fellowship, in mission, and in love.
It has been a true honor to serve as a member of the transition team and as your minister in training.
Sloan
|
| |
| Newsletter Articles from November 08 |
A Message from Your Moderators
With the news from Pastor Fred that he has accepted a call to Cape Cod and will be leaving us on Christmas Day, comes a slight feeling of anxiety. What will we do without him and without Wil? Well, while we miss Wil and will miss Fred, we will be fine. Here is why. We are two congregations consisting of highly gifted persons who will rise to new positions of leadership. We have an active Governance Board and Council and committees who take their responsibilities seriously. We have a Transition Team that is working diligently to facilitate the communication between our two churches and research new ministerial leadership; we have ordained clergy in our midst who have already offered their services on a short time basis; we have an enthusiastic Student-In-Care; we have our South Central Conference minister, Reverend Douglas Anders, who has provided and will continue to provide support and guidance through our transitional and interim periods. We have people in this city and around the country praying for us. We will keep moving forward. As always, we want to keep you up-to-date.
The Governance Board, the Council, and the Transition Team all recognize the importance of discussing finances for the expenses of interim ministry and the maintenance of our buildings. To that end a transition finance committee has been appointed by both governing boards. Representing St Matthew are Michele D’Aquin, Carol Etter, and Mike Englebracht. Representing Central are Andrea Gibson, and two others yet to be determined. Each church will continue to have its own financial committee but the transitional finance committee will examine expenses we need to share.
Another goal of the Transition Team has been to improve communication between our two churches and to plan for our immediate future. At the first workshop on August 24th, facilitators, Jean Watts and Erness Wright-Irvin, challenged us to communicate the important elements of our heritage that must be continued and to brainstorm ideas on how we might be in partnership over the next three years. There were almost ninety people at that event. Many ideas and excitement were shared. Jean and Erness compiled all the items and produced a document that was sent to members and friends of both congregations. All were asked to complete a survey that required translating the brainstormed ideas into action statements. At a second workshop held on October 19th, participants prioritized those action statements, examined how realistic they were to implement, and then arranged them in a time line by quarters for 2009. Again, Jean and Erness compiled the timelines which are now ready for distribution. These timelines will be helpful to share with our new interim minister and can be the guiding principles for committee and governing board decisions in 2009. So a plan, created by those who answered the survey and/or participated at the second workshop, is in place. That plan is now available in hard copy at the church, will be sent by email, and will appear on our Central St. Matthew website.
The crucial last step to any planning is to engage people in actually implementing ideas. Once again, the facilitators are going to help us discern those gifts God has given to each of us. There will be one final workshop in 2008 on Saturday, December 6th from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm where participants will focus on their inner life, specifically recognizing our talents and gifts, and exploring how we might use these natural gifts on behalf of service. Please consider attending this retreat. It should be personally fulfilling. (See the details elsewhere in this newsletter.)
We have one final comment from our hearts. It has been our intention to be as transparent as possible during this time of covenant and transition. The articles from your moderators have been intended to keep you informed. The purpose of the transition team biographies was to introduce its members so that you will feel comfortable talking with them. We are somewhat concerned, however, that there were not even one-half the participants at the second workshop as were at the first. Was this circumstantial or something else? We want your ideas, thoughts, and feelings as we ALL plan the future of St. Matthew and of Central. There is no pre-determined plan; we are in the process of planning together by listening to one another. Whether we eventually become two separate congregations or one congregation, we each have to go through the process of examining who we are and where we are headed in the future. We can continue to clarify our vision with the help of an interim. Are you taking part in the process? We pray that you are. You are needed, and all are treated with respect and honor. Central and St. Matthew are your churches.
In the Unity of the Spirit,
Joan and Dale
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LEADERS ON THE TRANSITION TEAM
Finale Article in the Series - Dale Bonds and Joan Fairbank
About Dale Bonds
I was born in Atlanta, GA, raised in Philadelphia, PA, and lived most of my adult life in New Orleans, LA. After attending Philadelphia High School for Girls (a public all girls’ high school), there was Talladega College, in Talladega, AL, for 4 years. I studied Mathematics in preparation for my career outside of teaching. I took a few education courses, as Mom would say “as a backup”.
IBM hired me right out of college and sent me to New Orleans for initial training. During my training, I was informed New Orleans would be my new home. YIKES! Who would have thought my life would be spent in New Orleans all of this time. I stuck it out with IBM for thirty years, as a systems engineer, a program support representative, and as a systems availability manager. Then I happily retired.
Retirement for me has been exhausting, but with a smile. How did I ever have time to work? I have worked part time as secretary at Central, served on the Diaconate, served as treasurer, served as an usher, served as a Sunday School teacher, served as … and the list tends to go on, even to having served in the New Orleans Association and on a UCC Urban Ministry Network Steering Committee. When God calls I don’t always say “Here I am, Lord” right away. In fact I usually resist, but somehow God works the plan, and I wind up doing something I can’t believe I’m doing, like being President of Central.
Serving as Central’s president is an honor and a pleasure, but also a tremendous challenge. I know listening to God’s calls on my life helped prepare me for this current position. In addition to being the President of Central, I volunteer at the South Central Conference Disaster Ministry, where I work in the office scheduling volunteer work groups who wish to come to New Orleans on mission trips, sending out thank-you letters and keeping track of the financial records. I feel God’s spirit has been my true guide both pre and post- Katrina.
On the personal side, Jim is my wonderful husband of 13 lucky years … he’s my second, and for me marriage is better the second time around. Together we have 4 children … 2 apiece … Ronald Bonds, an electrician in New Orleans; Michael Brown who works in the headquarters of PepBoys in Philadelphia; Kimberly Bonds Malcolm, a social worker in Cedar Rapids; and Keila Brown Thomas, an OB/GYN in Atlanta. We have 4 grandchildren with 1 due in November. We don’t know the sex, yet. The oldest is Christian, who is 9. The only girl so far, Sophia was born September 11, 2002. I actually watched the birth of Bryce, who is 2 years old. Alexander is our youngest at 4 months old.
Whew! And that’s only some of the highlights.
Blessings!
About Joan Fairbank
I have been a member of this church since moving to New Orleans in 1986 with my children and husband, Rev. William Fairbank, who was called to serve St. Matthew. Three months after arriving Bill was diagnosed with a terminal illness that shortened his ministry to one year. For the next seven years this congregation ministered to us, and I will forever be thankful for the support and love which helped sustain us during difficult years.
I taught English at Eleanor McMain High School for eighteen years, retiring three and a half years ago. I have three children and eight grandchildren all living elsewhere: Bill and Debbie and the four children are in Michigan but moving to Florida; Becky and Gary and their three children live in Wisconsin; and Amy and Jared and baby Sophie are in Colorado. Ask for pictures anytime! But that explains why I am gone from home (and church) often. My family is a priority. Yet I love New Orleans, my friends, and my spiritual home – St. Matthew/Central. It has been an honor to serve as St. Matthew’s president. I continue to be amazed by the talent and commitment from members of the church council and members of the transition team.
A scripture which speaks strongly to me is the one about all of us being many members yet forming one body. This particular scripture also talks about the Holy Spirit giving us different gifts which all work together for the common good. That is my model for us at Central St. Matthew. We are so blessed by the talented people in our two churches. We need always to honor all our parts, all our members. “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” We are bound in covenant, in partnership. May God be with us as we respect and honor each other.
|
|
|
