We realize that many of our church family travel and are not able to attend services on a regular basis. Here’s a recap of recent events.
In April, Rev. Don Tucker assumed responsibilities of Interim Pastor, and began preaching at the regular Sunday and Wednesday services. On September 6, Don moved from his role as “Interim Pastor” to that of “Pastoral Candidate.” At that time his duties as Interim Pastor ceased.
On Sunday evening, September 27th, candidate Don and Deborah Tucker received slightly above the required 2/3 (67%) vote from the congregation. After prayerful consideration, the Tuckers declined the position. Their passion to see the body at Central Assembly united was a major factor in this decision.
So now we find ourselves at the start of a brand new incredible journey. Each time we gather at Central Assembly, we leave our homes from a different address than the church family member who sits next to us. Undoubtedly we enter the building through different doors. And, more than likely, the family member sitting next to us is wearing different clothing than we are wearing. What does this say about us? Our Central Assembly family, as any family, is comprised of differences.
Differences make us great! It is how we as a family handle these differences that determines our strength. Let us guard our family and only allow the differences to be respected, not misunderstood. For example, if water on a stove is boiling over we shut if off. If something comes up on our computer – something we don’t want to keep or don’t want to pass on, we delete it! Similarly, this is what the Apostles Peter and Paul did. They had differences but didn’t let them stand in the way of their zeal and love for their fellow believers. When Peter & Paul laid aside their differences, shut them off, or deleted them, so to speak, they had only one more thing left to do. They restarted, they reset, and they refreshed their commitment to Christ as identifiable believers together. Unity, abiding with difference, makes us unbreakable, unmovable, unshakeable, unstoppable and most of all LOVABLE, thus keeping us in line with God’s intention for His body of believers.
We will be using our present pastoral staff and guests to bring us the Word in the next few months. There will be no interim pastor at this time.
In the weeks to come the Board will implement the following:
- Expand the Search Committee
- Receive feedback from, and listen to, leaders from areas in our church
- Plan an appropriate way to recognize our recent Interim Pastors, Revs. Don & Deborah Tucker
- In his role as senior associate pastor, Tom Matrone will oversee the pastoral staff, pulpit scheduling, facilities management, budget review, and all items related to staff administration. We look forward to your continued partnership as we travel this journey together!
