Report of the Moderator

December 11, 2011

Kathy Vineyard

Grace Presbyterian Church

Temple, Tx

November and December are usually busy months but this year have been exceptional with outstanding events and several challenges. The end of January/beginning of February signals my conclusion as Interim of this congregation, admittedly a challenge for our family and this church family as old relationships transition into fresh friendships. The only way I can properly finish my time here is with profound thanks for what began as a temporary assignment to help a sister congregation in this presbytery move toward a new future. Only God could have known the unforeseeable events of the past year and a half. Thank you for your support, hard work, prayers, consistent attendance at meetings, programs, Sunday School and worship. Thank you for the use of the Annex as a temporary home. Most of all, thank you for the love you shared with us as Bruce and I became a blended, new family and for your continuing friendship.

 Grace Presbytery has a policy called “Pastoral Courtesy Guidelines.” Departing pastors are advised to do just that-depart to leave the field clear for the new pastor. Churches are asked to understand that is it not just protocol but policy and polity which request  pastors to move on as pastors but remain as friends with congregations, not acting as though still in office. To that end, please know we remain in this community until God calls us elsewhere to minister, as your friends,  but after February 1, 2012, I am not able or willing to conduct funerals, weddings or other offices of the church. The new pastor will be better served and more able to serve as I withdraw from the life of the congregation. You soon will know him as well as you knew and loved  of his predecessors. I believe God has called Mr. Thom Lamb to this congregation to be your pastor and is a strong choice. Please join us in praying for his closing weeks in his present call as he makes a welcome but challenging journey from Ohio to Texas—I know you will welcome Mr. Lamb and his family as you have us.

 The work of the ministry does not end with a new call issued however as may be obvious. The past weeks have been filled with gracious opportunities to minister with our members walking through the valleys of life –death and loss of loved ones, illnesses and injuries, surgeries and those wounds not visible on the outside. The work of caring and praying for one another continues to be a major emphasis of my ministry here as in all my calls. It has been and continues to be my joy and privilege to be present and sharing in pastoral visits and related events such as memorial services.  Joyfully, we have also experienced baptisms this year in an unusual number for our Presbyterian demographic—what a cause to praise.

 As I reflect, the joys and concerns are too many to relate in this report so simply remember to be in prayer for Grace Church in these transition months. I am seeking a new congregation with whom to be in relationship and would love for that to be in this Central Texas region and covet your prayers for my next placement. GOD IS GOOD—ALL THE TIME! ALL THE TIME—GOD IS GOOD!!