Paul in First Corinthians talks about the body of Christ, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. . . . Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 27) Using a sports metaphor, ministry is a team sport, individuals coming together to use their gifts in coordination with the giftedness of others for the greater good.
As is the case with any team sport it is important to have the right people in the right place to accomplish great things for the kingdom of God. With this in mind I take this opportunity to share exciting news with regard to our new Youth Director.
Over the past five months the Personnel Team of the Servant Leadership Board has been working with our Youth Leaders and Youth to fill the Youth Director position (effective January 1, 2019, Rev. Kate Smith transitioned from Youth Ministry to Mission and Outreach, succeeding Sarah Putman). After reviewing over 30 resumes and a number of interviews, the right candidate never materialized. Our priority was not to rush the process, settling for an “ok” youth director. Strength in our youth ministry is what we sought and we were willing to stand on God’s promise in Isaiah, “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
I am pleased to announce that Dana Calhoun has agreed to re-align her responsibilities on staff to include youth ministry. Dana has a passion for youth ministry and possesses the right gifts to serve and walk alongside our youth and their families with excellence. Dana is the right person for the position on the team! As the Director of Family Ministry at HPCUMC Dana’s focus will be Youth Ministry.
Over the coming weeks the Personnel Team will review the needs of our Children’s Ministry and seek the right candidate to join Pam Pilger on the Children’s Ministry Team. In the meantime, an interim plan will be in place to make sure Children’s ministry is offered with excellence. Your prayers are welcomed as Dana makes this transition, and for God’s leading, as the right person steps in to lead our children and their families.
It is a privilege to serve in ministry with you at HPCUMC. Together we are the body of Christ to the world, offering God’s love to all God calls God’s beloved! See you in Church!
Through Christ,
Pastor Doug