I am delighted to announce that effective January 1, 2015 I will begin a new role as Transitional Senior Minister at Fort Myers Congregational UCC (Fort Myers, FL).
Process
Their current minister, Rev. Phil White, is retiring at the end of this year after serving in that role for the last decade. I have known Phil for several years, and am thankful he extended an invitation to me to serve as a guest preacher this summer.
- July 20: A Holy Invitation
- July 27: Persisting for the Children
- August 3: All Are Welcome
- August 10: I Quit
While my summer visits were limited to Sunday mornings, they afforded me a rich opportunity to meet many of the year round members and active participants (those who call Southwest Florida home all year – even in the middle of the summer!) in this amazing community of faith. These experiences also opened me to the possibility of returning again in another role.
After a process of mutual discernment that included much prayer, some paperwork, and an interview process it became clear to both the search team and to me that I was the best fit to lead the upcoming transition. Our agreement was blessed by the Church Council, documented in a written covenant, and was announced to the congregation this past Sunday.
Background
After serving congregations affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Lutheran (ELCA), and Presbyterian (PCUSA) traditions, I found my way to the United Church of Christ. For the last four years I have deepened my engagement with that tradition while serving as Director of Adult Education at Naples United Church of Christ (a part-time role I will continue). Additionally, it was within the UCC that I started serving in interim ministry with a nine month stint as Interim Senior Minister of the United Church of Marco Island (Marco Island, FL).
Invitation
Transition is a time for many things, especially exploring new possibilities. Please know that you are most welcome to participate in the life of the community of faith formally known as Fort Myers Congregational UCC.
Please keep this community of faith in your prayers, especially those tasked with celebrating Phil’s ministry and those responsible for launching the transitional effort. Be sure to visit the FMC UCC website, like FMC UCC on Facebook, and subscribe to the FMC UCC YouTube channel.
Whenever you are in Southwest Florida, consider connecting with this diverse, radically inclusive, open and affirming congregation where a God that is all-loving is still speaking and where people seeking to follow the Way of Jesus are ready to provide an extravagant welcome while also encouraging you to join with them, with other people of faith, and with God in the ongoing work of forming a more just and peaceful world.