Time does move along!  We have been getting to know each other for a little more than three months.  You know that I am a fan of ministry teams and the work they do.  I know that you value traditional structure and “getting the job done”.  We have shared ordinary experiences such as the first Sunday luncheons and special occasions such as the Kirkin’.  Together we have rejoiced in seeing new faces as our “saints from the South” gradually gather in Franklin, as our family members who are visiting join us, and as short-timers pass through.  

      There are continuing activities which enrich our experiences together such as a Bible study and the class on “How Do You Spell Presbyterian”.  We are also learning about each other through our mutual investment in congregational care.  We have much to look forward to with the annual picnic and other summertime activities on our calendar.

      These occasions are the building blocks of the ministry by both the pastor and the church members.    Additionally, however, during this transitional period a major focus is preparation for the next chapter in the life of the church.  This concentration  means seeking intentional ways to do all we can to assure that the congregation will be ready for this next chapter.

     Therefore, in the coming months we will be thinking together about the directions we believe God wants us to go in the future and about the kind of pastoral leadership which will enable us to move in these directions.  To look to our future we must consider our past - who we have been and where we have been across the years.  As we prepare for the next season in our church’s development it is important to think of these earlier generations of their faith, of the challenges they faced and how they met them, and of how both their success and their failures were used by Christ for good purposes.  Some of you will remember that this exploration of the past was done in previous interim periods.  Church families are like our own families - the stories of what happened “then” are always being retold, and we always reach understanding of the present by reviewing the past.

      In order to plan for us to take a reflective look at our past to gain understanding for the future, with the endorsement of the Session I am establishing a Transition Task Force.  It will be composed of representatives of the church who came into the church during the four most recent decades, along with an Affiliate Member and the Clerk of Session.  This six-person group will help in the designing and implementing of a process which will engage us all in recalling and celebrating the history of our church and reflecting on our current identity and mission.

     My thinking is that the first event in this effort will take place toward the end of the summer.  I can visualize gathering in Tartan Hall to recall our history, to listen to stories, and talk about the meaning of our church’s 177 year history.  At the same time, I will be working with the Session and our ministry teams to look at some issues and concerns that are important to be addressed prior to the calling of a new installed pastor.  These involve procedures and structures that need some fresh attention.

      I remain grateful for your continued prayerful support as, “we strive side by side with one mind for the faith of the Gospel.”

[Philippians 1: 27]