A Word from Pastor Nathan

Last night, we held our regularly scheduled Elder and Board meetings via Zoom. December meetings have an ominous item of new business: next year’s budget.

Earlier this year, the Stewardship Committee dreamed anew a meaningful consecration season that would inspire our congregational imagination to draw the circle wide and draw it wider still. In addition, each program committee reviewed its budget and anticipated spending in the new year. After committees submitted requests, the Stewardship Committee—aided by Treasurer Dan Walker, Assistant Treasurer Dan Clark, and the Permanent Funds Trustees—began the purposeful work of crafting a budget that empowers the ministry to which God is calling Washington Avenue. Early next month, we will have an online, congregational vote, just as we did back in June, to approve the 2021 budget.

Since September, the Elders have been discerning a future for our church, including the staff needed to meet shifting demands, the pandemic, and an anticipated decline in pledged giving for 2021. I met with staff in late October to confer with them, and in November, the Elders made the tough decision to reduce staffing. Jen Sweeten, Chair of the Elders, announced the following changes at Tuesday’s Board meeting. Weekly hours for the Parish Visitor and Director of Advocacy and Christian Education have been reduced; the Chancel Choir Director position has been mutually concluded; and the weekly hours for the Organist have been increased. A front-cover newsletter article does not contain enough space to honor the service of our staff, but I hope you will join me in affirming those who have served us with both heart and mind.

Following the Elder report, Mark Mathes, Chair of the Board, led us in a time of collective grieving. He invited us to name a word or phrase about this time. Together, we mourned the loss of touch, communion, and gathering. Another person said, “This sucks. And we’re all pretty emotional.” We grieved difficult decisions that are tied to people we love because they are our family. When we honor our grief, we express sadness without shame or fear. I’m grieving, too, and I welcome opportunities to process grief in solidarity with you. As we continue to grieve, the tears we cry will make fertile the soil from which our future will spring.

As we anticipate an unknown future, let us with the Spirit’s daring, draw the circle wide and draw it wider still.