| Volume XIII Issue 10 |
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December 2011 back |
REFLECTIONS From Sally Hinchman, Interim General Presbyter Shenandoah Presbytery has also been on a journey of transition since January 2009 when Tom Hay, your previous General Presbyter left on his new journey to Louisville, KY. Transitions are exciting, challenging and often confusing. We go through variety of transitions throughout our lives. The phases or steps of a transition are: • Endings - A variety of feelings occur which usually include a sense of loss or sadness. • Limbo - Often perceived confusion and/or a sense of chaos occurs. Then new ideas are surfaced, tested and ultimately there is a commitment to moving forward in a new direction. • New beginnings - New relationship are developed and there is a commitment to a new identity and vision which includes an affirmation of purpose and refinement of a new direction. Shenandoah Presbytery is presently in the midst of the ‘limbo’ and ‘new beginnings’ stages. The Mission Study Committee (Shenandoah 2010) passed on their recommendations to the Presbytery Council. The Council will finalize their recommendations and present them to the presbytery. The Search Committee for the new general presbyter has been elected and they have been meeting since September. A Facilities Task Force was appointed to evaluate the present Presbytery Offices regarding the costs and use of space A task force has been appointed to evaluate the staffing needs of the presbytery. During the year of 2012 you will move into the ‘the new beginnings’ phase. The days ahead for Shenandoah Presbytery will be challenging, exciting and full of new possibilities. I wish you God’s speed on this journey of transition. When an interim arrives at a church or a presbytery they begin the process of leaving and saying goodbye. I will be moving on to a new adventure in my life as this year comes to an end. Thank you for being a part of my journey of faith! May it be so, Sally
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