Dear HPF,

Our congregation nominated a number of individuals to be trained for the office of elder and for our church’s Care Team. 11 of our members completed the 12 week Living for the King course in the Fall (a prerequisite to be considered for elder/care team), finished the 6 week discernment course this Winter, turned in a questionnaire that took 2-3 hours of work, endured a grueling 50K trail race, and met individually with Corby.  One of those elements is a joke, but the rest are true. 

As we’ve stated, each of these individuals will have a critical leadership role in carrying forward the mission of our church. Below is the outline of where these individuals have agreed to serve (elders are subject to congregational vote).

Glen Austin—Mercy Team

John-Michael Forman—Elder

Katie Freeman—Hospitality Team

Ryan Freeman—Elder

Rachel Shields—Encouraging and advising the pastor, at large caregiving

Stacie Siira—Care Team

Tyler Siira—Elder

Chris Stern—Elder

Jordan Stern—Care Team

Liz Wilson—Mercy Team

Rod Wilson—Elder

(Note other existing leaders: Sarah Metzner is an existing member of the Mercy Team. Hannah Forman is chair of the new Hospitality Team and Valerie Johnson will also serve on the Hospitality Team. Lauren Rathbun is our children’s coordinator. Troy Keith is our Sunday morning operations coordinator.)

Please take time to pray about your vote on April 20 which will take place at our congregational meeting after service. The congregation will vote for or against the full slate of elders and have an opportunity to give assent to their willingness to receive the care and leadership of the Mercy Team and the Female Care Team.

While the process isn’t completed, this is still a moment of celebration for the prayer, work, and unity that have brought us to this point. Our Heavenly Father has been faithful to his promises to each and to all!

Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. I’m grateful to be an under-shepherd in this beloved flock of our Good Shepherd. 

On behalf of the session,

Pastor Corby Shields