Update on the Search Process for a New Minister
Update on the Search Process for a New Minister.
Over the past year, our Search Committee has worked very hard. These people deserve to be acknowledged for their dedication to our church.
They are: Lloyd Adams, Erroll Affleck, Allan Balderston, Faye Barrett, Alison Ann Heckbert, Cathy MacDonald, Ryan MacLean, Troy Peters and Emma Stetson.
On behalf of our whole congregation, we would like to offer our deep appreciation.
Rev. Will’s term with us ends this summer and the Search Committee worked diligently to receive and review applications for a new minister. After carefully reviewing the applications, the Committee made a recommendation to be considered by the Session. Their recommendation was a clergy couple: Rev. Kirk MacLeod and Rev. Allyson MacLeod, who would share 1.5 positions.
After prayerful discussion and review of these candidates, the Session voted unanimously at a special meeting in December to support the Search Committee’s recommendation and has extended an invitation for them to visit Zion and preach for the call next Sunday, February 11th .
In order that members of the congregation will have an opportunity to meet with the MacLeods prior to the Sunday service, the church is hosting a “Meet and Greet” this Saturday, February 10 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. in Matheson Hall. We encourage you to come to this event and also to attend the church service next Sunday so that you can meet and get to know the MacLeods.
After the service next Sunday, and in keeping with the procedure and practice of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, there will be a congregational meeting held to decide whether we extend a Call to these ministers. Only those who are professing members are eligible to vote, but those who are adherents in our church will also be able to sign the Call to indicate their agreement and support. The Call would then be taken to Presbytery, to seek their approval.
Please make every effort to join us this Saturday afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. for the “Meet and Greet” and to attend the service next Sunday. It is very important that we have as many of the congregation here as possible to be a part of this process of discerning God’s will for our congregation.
If you have any questions regarding the process, please feel free to reach out to either Debra Lynn Trainor, Gary MacDougall, or our Interim Moderator, Rev. Paula Hamilton, whose contact information is in the bulletin.
We are very grateful for all the time, prayer, and dedication the Search Committee and Session have put into this Call and are confident that they have made strong recommendation.