Firstly, thank you to those who completed the CAT survey. And thank you to a small team being resourced by Cynthia Molinari that is doing a quick demographic and community study. Secondly: “So now what?” you may rightly be asking. The report will be compiled. In addition to the survey there is church finance data we need to submit. That will not be readily available until December. Transition Team then will be scheduling a time with our consultant, Keli, to interpret the report to the team. We will also ask her: What are good methods for interpreting the report to the congregation? What are the questions we should be asking in light of this? How do we combine insights from the demographic report and the CAT report? This will lead to several conversations open to the whole congregation. In all likelihood, the scheduling of a time with Keli, the time needed to plan for meaningful conversations with the congregation and the fast approaching Advent/Christmas season will make late January and or February the likely time for the congregational discussions. Watch for the notices. These conversations and their results will lay the groundwork for discerning the challenges and opportunities for the church’s ministry in Christ’s name. This discernment will be the foundation for looking at what skills and type of person is needed in the next called pastor. The results of the congregational conversations will be compiled as part of a final report of the study process.This could yet happen in late January of early February. If the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministers and Congregations approves the final compiled report, the church will be given permission to proceed with electing a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). Rev. Bill Schram began his ministry with Westminster in March and is the current Interim Minister. Bill attended McCormick seminary in Chicago and met his wife Jenny there. They have served as co-pastors and in separate positions. He has served churches in urban, near suburb, small town, county seat towns in various positions such as pastor, associate pastor, interim pastor, and hospital chaplain. He and Jenny have two natural and one foster daughter. Delightfully, they now have a granddaughter to enjoy.
What Follows the CAT?
