Exciting New Leadership Changes

Several leadership positions at Peoples are changing this year. On behalf of the Lay Leadership Team, I want to thank all those who have served so faithfully in these ministry positions, and also welcome those who have stepped forward to prayerfully answer God’s call to serve in new and exciting ways.

Chris Ward has faithfully served as the Peoples Lay Leader for twelve years, working with three different pastors followed by three interim pastors before Bill Beddie and then your current pastoral team. This has required a great deal of flexibility on Chris’ part in working with a variety of pastoral styles as the primary link between pastor and congregation. In addition, Chris has provided the congregation with real stability through a lot of changes and some tough times. She has served these many years joyfully, always with a servant’s heart out of love for her LORD.

Chris will continue as chair of the Worship Committee, as this is her sense of primary calling at this point. In this area she will be continuing in aiding the pastors in worship as was the focus of some of her work as Lay Leader. In addition, Chris has agreed to serve as Lay Leader through our maternity/paternity leave, and so will still be the primary contact if any pastoral needs arise during those four weeks. But even though this change will not be taking place for several months, please take a moment to stop her and thank her for her service as Lay Leader these many years, as well as her willingness to allow others to share in the blessing of serving in this way. Chris is further expanding her ministry with the church as she takes on the role of Church Council Chair.

Earle Harvey will serve as Lay Leader for 2007. What is the Lay Leader? The primary role is a liaison from the pastor to the congregation, and from the congregation to the pastor. The lay leader empowers the entire church in more effective ministry by working with the pastor to develop the congregation and its leadership, and helping the pastor to assess and respond to needs in the congregation. However, the ways this works itself out varies between churches and lay leaders as they bring different gifts.

Merrill Kaiser has stepped up to lead the Missions Team that Earle has been so faithfully leading. Merrill has a particular heart for Heiffer International, though will be continuing our schedule of monthly focus points. We would encourage each small group and committee to take on one monthly mission focus through the year.

Tom Nelson has served as chair of Staff Parish Relations Committee for 3 years, leading the committee through the retirement of Bill Beddie and the process of working with the District Superintendent to find a good pastoral fit for Peoples. Dan Doughty will be a new face on the committee this year but has willingly stepped up as chair. The committee has agreed to rotate monthly meeting leadership, though Dan will take the responsibility of being the primary contact with the district.

Joanne Kamilewicz has become a voting member of Trustees as well as serve as Recording Secretary. Joanne brings a love for our church and especially her husband and dedicated Trustee Chuck. Having accurate minutes is important for this committee with responsibility for our building and investments.