Calling a Pastoral Associate

A note from Pastor Caela: 
Ministry is all about figuring out how our particular gifts line up with the world’s needs and then listening to God to see if we feel a call.

Sue Zschoche feels called to the ministry of preaching, teaching, leading worship, administering the sacraments. She also feels strongly called to do those things among us. Sue would like to volunteer her time in an official ministerial role at First Congregational.

The Cabinet, at their most recent meeting, reviewed a draft of a position description for a new part-time, unpaid staff position of Pastoral Associate. It is our desire that the congregation enter a period of discernment as to whether we should call Sue into this role. I join with the members of Cabinet in being fully supportive of calling Sue as our Pastoral Associate.

In this new role, Sue would preach and assist in leading worship on a more regular basis. She would also take on a leadership role with our adult education ministries and work closely with the Board of Christian Education. In my absence, Sue would be on call for any emergency pastoral care needs. Once she is licensed by the KO Conference, she will be able to administer the sacraments.

If you are newer to First Congregational you may not have had a chance to get to know Sue yet (she’s more than just the lady who asks for Second Helping desserts!). We will be having an open forum after worship on Dec. 18th in Andover Hall. Grab a cup of coffee and come join us as we talk informally with Sue and hear from her about her sense of call. Members of Cabinet will also be available to answer questions.

In the January newsletter, you’ll see a personal statement from Sue about her call to ministry and additional information from Cabinet. Sue will preach during worship on Sunday, January 8th. We will have a congregational vote to call her to the position of Pastoral Associate during our regularly-scheduled Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 22nd.

Upcoming Dates:
Dec. 18th immediately after worship:
Open Forum with church leaders and Sue to ask questions and get to know Sue

Jan. 8th:
Opportunity to hear Sue preach during worship

Jan. 22nd:
Regularly-scheduled Congregational Meeting where a vote will be taken on whether to call Sue as our Pastoral Associate 

Additional Information:
Personal statement from Sue Zschoche on her call to ministry