This is an update on the two Interim Ministers at Grace, Associate Minister Jake Van Pernis, and the Interim Moderator for 2023 and 2023. (The Lead Minister search continues.)
Interim Ministers, Associate Minister and Interim Moderator
- The Rev. Wendy Adams started her term June 23, 2023 and will complete her time at Grace March 16, 2024.
- The Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Simmins will start September 1, 2023 and continue at Grace until June 30, 2024.
- The Rev. Jake Van Pernis is scheduled to return to work March 17, 2024. From that time until June 30, he and The Rev. Simmins will work together to complete ministerial responsibilities.
- The Rev. Dr. Jean Morris began June 1, 2023 as Interim Moderator. Her responsibilities are primarily to Moderate the Session, work with the Search Committee, oversee the work of the Interim Ministers, ensure a ministry plan is in place and the pulpit is filled.
2023 – 2024 Interim Minister Expectations and Responsibilities
The expectations for this interim ministry shall be to encourage the congregation to move forward and live into its mission. It is further expected that the two Interim Ministers will work collaboratively when their respective terms of service overlap, to fulfill the responsibilities outlined below.
General Interim Minister Responsibilities include:
· preaching and worship planning with the Music Coordinator three times/month
· welcome and worship planning with any Visiting Ministers
· celebrating the sacraments
· conducting weddings and officiating at funerals
· resourcing the Spiritual Growth Committee
· conducting and providing oversight of Bible and book studies
· oversight of the Music Coordinator and the Nursery Supervisor
· provide emergency pastoral care
Both Interim Ministers will be required to:
· develop a work plan to fulfill said responsibilities
· provide monthly reports to Session
· attend meetings of the Minister Resource Committee
· communicate with the Interim Moderator
· work collegially with the Support Services Director to ensure integration of ministry and staff work undergirded by effective operational management and a positive staff culture
· fulfil other tasks as assigned by Session
The Rev. Adams will be required to:
· resource the Youth and Sunday School Team
· resource the Engagement & Service Committee
· attend regular and emergent meetings of Session
· provide a report at the end of the interim ministry agreement
The Rev. Simmins will be required to:
· provide pastoral care
· resource the Pastoral Care Committee including expanding the Deacon program
· resource Preaching Grace
· teach about the contemplative tradition generally and Christian meditation specifically
· provide a report at the end of the interim ministry agreement
