“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3
It is a time of change at St. John’s United Church of Christ. The Pastoral Relations Committee would like to let everyone in our church family know that Rev. John Bliss has been asked to resign from his position as pastor. You all will be receiving a farewell letter from Rev. Bliss. Please wish him well when you see him and express your gratitude for the guidance and teaching he has provided us over the years.
Rev. Bliss has been part of our church family for over ten years. As with any type of separation, there will be adjustments to be made. You will be seeing some new and old faces as different pastors may fill in. You may see some of your fellow congregation members helping out with the service. At some point, there will be an interim pastor who will be here on a regular basis for a while.
The next step will be to form a Search Committee and to start the search for a new pastor. Judy Firestien will be heading up this committee. Please consider serving on this committee, if you are asked. The process of looking for a new pastor may take some time and choosing a new pastor will be a very important decision that will affect all of us for many years.
The Consistory and the Pastoral Relations Committee needs your feedback now more than ever. Please contact members of these groups with your thoughts and suggestions. This is the time for us to re-create our church! Are there things you haven’t been happy with? This is your time to suggest a change and make it happen!
We are all sad to see Rev. Bliss leave, but there is a time for everything. It is time now for all of us at St. John’s to join together and move forward in a new direction!
With warmest regards,
The Pastoral Relations Committee
of St. John’s United Church of Christ
