The board of trustees and the membership committee wanted to make sure that everyone was fully informed of what happened at Rev. Chulak’s meeting with the congregation, so we are enclosing minutes of that meeting.
We also recognize that the decision of Rev. Sears to complete and not renew his contract may raise a number of feelings among our members and want to make sure that members were informed and had an opportunity to share, bond, grieve and heal together. Following the recommendation of Rev. Chulak, we are putting together a transition team of caring individuals who will help us through this difficult time. When we finalize this team, we will share more information about the various ways in which it will work to bring us together.
In the meantime, we wanted to begin to help people express themselves and explore the concerns and feelings that arose from this event. As a result, we have put two things in place this Sunday.
#1. Directly following services on Sunday, from 11:30 until noon, three people, Kathy Sajor, Arlene Morrissey and Jackie Oertel will be available in separate rooms of the Elm Street residence. Individuals and small groups of people who wish to discuss any matter relating to Rev. Chulak’s visit are encouraged stop in. We have set an end time of noon because of Lori and Tim’s baby shower. However, Jackie has volunteered to stay longer if people still have more they wish to discuss.
#2. At 4 p.m. that night, there will be a service to recognize the bonds existing among us and to renew our commitment to bringing about a proud future for the fellowship, as we begin this period of transition discussion and self reflection at the fellowship.
These are the first steps we are taking to come together as a community, to look for common ground, to heal and to understand one another. Please stay tuned for more information on this transition.
Michelle Ouellette
Work: 518.564.3095
Home: 518.314.139
Email: ouellettem@charter.net
