A MESSAGE FROM REV. LINDSEY ALTVATER CLIFTON: INHALE AND EXHALE
Dear ones,
I’m writing this Pastor’s Message on Wednesday morning, and I confess that I don’t yet have words for all that needs to be said, so I begin with a few of the Breath Prayers from our Election Night resources—
Inhale: Be still
Exhale: and know you are God. (From Psalm 46:10)
Inhale: You are our refuge
Exhale: and our strength. (From Psalm 46:1)
Inhale: On earth
Exhale: as it is in heaven. (From Matt. 6:10)
May we remember that Jesus is Lord and that through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are continually held in the love of God who knows the prayers of our hearts before they are on our lips. As we gather together on Sunday, may we extend deep grace and care for one another in the tenderness of this week, and may the Spirit show up in noticeable ways to reassure us of the promise of God’s presence and the power of beloved community.
On another note, I’m glad to share that the position description for our Transitional Pastor role has been approved by the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry and is posted on the Church Leadership Connection website where PC(USA) openings are published. If you’d like to read or share it, you can find it online here: bit.ly/3YEU2I3.
Our Transitional Pastor Search Team will now begin receiving and reviewing applications from candidates. Given the upcoming holiday season, we expect that the earliest we might have someone in place is likely sometime in January. As a process reminder, the Transitional Pastor Search Team will recommend a final candidate to Session for their approval; since this is a contract position, not a permanently installed one, it will not come to the congregation for a vote. As the Transitional Pastor Search Team is able to offer updates, they’ll be sure to share them!
With gratitude for your prayers and grace for the journey,
Lindsey