United Church of Warsaw

The PNC recently celebrated one year of working together. The first meeting of the committee was held on December 18th, 2005. Since then the members of the committee have worked tirelessly to find a Pastor who will meet the expectations of the congregation. Two church profiles were created to inform clergy about our church. These were sent to prospective applicants by the UCC & Presbytery. As Pastoral profiles were received the committee reviewed each one very closely; searching for the experiences and statements which mirrored the vision of our church.

We are pleased to report that we believe we are close to the end of our journey. We have studied many profiles, contacted dozens of references, and talked with candidates by telephone and face to face. Our search has narrowed to two Ministers. We recently traveled to Alden, NY, to hear one of these ministers preach from a neutral pulpit. On Thursday night of that week we interviewed the same Pastor here in Warsaw. We will hear our other candidate from a neutral pulpit in a few weeks and will have more face to face discussion.

We have been very deliberate in this process of finding our next spiritual leader. This is a process of recruitment as well as discernment; a process of review and reflection. A process of trying to get to know someone intimately before actually meeting. We hope to report to you soon that we have accomplished this mission and that our next Pastor has been selected.

Bob Cummins,

Chairman of PNC

Hans Kunze and Jimmy Reader coordinated and led this fall’s confirmation class. Eight teens and their adult partners participated in three 3-hour sessions this fall. They learned about the Christian life and faith, including how to read the Bible, how to pray, what Christians believe, why we worship as we do, and what the responsibilities are of church members. The confirmation service will be part of the December 31 Sunday worship service.

The teens to be confirmed and their adult partners are: Alison Ghise (Lou Ghise), Chris Meyer (Jim Carter), Ben Coogan (Howard Miller), Jacob Flint (Cindy Flint), Kyle Burley (Gary Burley), Diana Burley (Betty Burley), Forrest Mager (David Mager), and Cassandra Blake (Ted LaWall).

Kathy Humphrey will coordinate a Youth Advisory Group to include adults and teens. Together they will plan regular youth activities beginning in January. They are looking for other adults who will work with them on a rotating schedule to give leadership and support to the youth of our church. Please contact Kathy (786-3341) to ask how you can help.