Drawing on the lessons from the Bible, Pastor Chris offers a personal message on this period of transition for our church and his role as our pastoral leader.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

“We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul…” ~ Hebrews 6:19
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

My Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Siblings,

I am excited and humbled by your recent decision to call me as your Acting Pastor during our upcoming time of clergy leadership transition. You have my full commitment to leading, shepherding, and being with you through this period, and my promise to be a faithful steward of your trust and support.

You have, however, not only called me to undertake this journey, but have called yourselves as well! It is my firm belief that it is only by the strength and prayerful and broad leadership of our radically inclusive and stubbornly hopeful Beloved Community that we will not only survive this transition, but thrive and emerge even more dedicated to our mission, vision, and ministry in the world. This new era for Haydenville Congregational Church is going to provide a wide and diverse array of opportunities for creativity, innovation, and leadership. And you (Yes, YOU!) have a critical role to play.

Some folks have asked me and the Transition Leadership Team about what will change and what will stay the same. Some ask this with the anxiety that comes with the unknown, and some bursting with ideas. I will say this: Each one of us came to Haydenville and remained at Haydenville because we found a community that embraced and inspired us, called us in and called us to task, affirmed us and loved us for who we are. To the fullest extent that I am able, I promise you that I will make certain that none of those things change. I will also promise you that some other things will change! That is the nature of transition, and, indeed, is the nature of life.

While serving a congregation in New Orleans, I was introduced to the concept of “Sankofa” – – a Ghanan word translated as “Go back and get it.” Sankofa is often symbolized by a bird whose feet face forward, but whose head is turned backwards toward an egg resting on its back. One interpretation of this symbol urges us to move forward, yet to bring the best of our traditions and history along with us as we birth a new thing (hence the egg). I’ve shared this message before, and I will certainly lift it up again as we journey together through this time of transition.

And while we bring the best of the past forward, we also chart a new way, together. Guided by our core commitments – – those things that make us “uniquely Haydenville” – – I am most excited about and inspired by what we can become while continuing to be what we are already. As for this pre-transition time, I am grateful for my strong relationship with Pastor Andrea, having learned and grown from her mentorship and modeling in so many ways over the past 3 years while serving as your Associate Pastor. Pastor Andrea and I have begun the process of sharing essential information while honoring her continuing role as our Senior Pastor. We are working with the Transition Leadership Team to discern what logistics we need to consider and what we need to have in place so that our transition can be smooth and ready to go as of January 2, 2017. Over the next few weeks and months, details about the transition and opportunities for your involvement will emerge, and I urge you to keep updated on all that will be going on.

Through all of this, I will be relying on you. I will need you to come to me with your ideas and suggestions and your willingness to help. I will need you to seek me out directly if you are unhappy with something or feel overlooked. I will need your grace, understanding, and forgiveness in recognizing that I am only one person now taking on the role of two people. I will need you to show up. I will need you to pray – – often. I will need you to continue to grow in your discipleship.

Friends, I do not take the honor or responsibility of being your Acting Pastor lightly, nor do I take it for granted. As I sign my new Call Letter and as I prepare for January 2nd, I renew my covenant with you: That I will serve you faithfully, truthfully, and transparently, with passion and compassion, committed to having an open mind and open heart, guided by the Holy Spirit.

As I said to Pastor Andrea and our Chair of Trustees Alice Barber when she shared the outcome of the vote with me, “Well, here we go!” And I am immensely thankful that we are “going” together.

Peace & Blessings
Pastor Chris