- Dr. King presented the Penn Central Conference’s recommended plan for proceeding with the pastoral transition of Mt. Zion, and provided a host of resources. Dr. King will be available to assist us in this process, as will be a liaison assigned to us from the York Association. We will be further assisted by an interim minister, recommended by the Conference and approved by Council.
- The comprehensive plan allows Mt. Zion to:
- come to terms with our history as a foundation for moving forward
- discern our purpose and identity
- examine current and future leadership, both lay and staff
- reaffirm our ties to the denomination and the community
- commit to new leadership and new ministry
- The transition phases, and their approximate timelines, are as follows:
- Saying good-bye, grieving and readjusting
a. Already begun; on-going
- Developing plans for the transition period
a. July through December, 2007
- Congregational self-study
a. October, 2007 through March, 2008
- Preparing our Church Profile
a. January through March, 2008
- Search for, nomination and election of pastoral leadership
a. April through December, 2008
- Reception and commencement of Mt. Zion’s next era of leadership
a. Early 2009
Dr. King cited multiple examples of congregations who have attempted to short-cut this process, and, in every instance, the results were less than desirable.
- Council discussed plans to recognize the considerable contributions of Pastor and Mrs. Walters.
- Council approved the distribution of an Audit RFP (Ensminger/Everhart). Responses are due back from interested parties by 8/15/07.
- Council approved the appropriation of $800 (40% of a recent undesignated gift) to the Operating Reserve Fund (Firestone/Ensminger).
- To date, the following responses have been received following the mailing to inactive members:
- 3 have contributed to Mt. Zion
- 2 have communed
- 7 letters were returned with no forwarding address
- Council approved the hiring of John McGuire as custodian effective 7/16/07 (Schriver/Wantz).