Summer is here!
These last few weeks, we marched in the Pride Parade, walked in the Juneteenth Parade, and hosted honest conversations about ELPC’s ties to slavery. We also ended the month with an exciting week of Vacation Church School. I cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed the sounds of so many children learning and laughing on the church grounds all at once. Although I wish we could have Vacation Church School every week of the summer, I suspect Sara Hackett and our amazing volunteers might need a little time for rest and renewal!
I hope you’re finding moments of renewal in these longer days, too. Renewal might look like a shaded porch conversation with a neighbor, a walk in the park, or a lingering cup of coffee with someone whose presence reminds you that God is near. Renewal is a necessity on this journey—especially as we prepare for what lies ahead.
All of these moments remind us of who we are and who we are becoming—a community committed to welcome, justice, learning, and care. That’s why I’m excited to share an important step in our shared congregational life: we are officially accepting applications for our next Associate Pastor! This is more than a staffing update—it’s an invitation to pray that God sends us the right person for this next season of ministry.
Earlier this year, our Human Resources Committee and the Pittsburgh Presbytery helped us discern whether we should search for an installed, interim, or temporary pastor. I preferred the temporary associate pastor model because it allows us to find the right person more quickly—within a year—while remaining flexible for the future. Session approved this plan in February.
Together, the HR Committee and I looked closely at our current staffing needs and the feedback from last year’s CAT Scan survey. As we considered whether the new Associate Pastor’s focus should be related to mission, Christian education, or volunteer ministries, several clear priorities rose to the top:
- Reaching and integrating new people
- Attracting and connecting new families with children
- Developing friendships and nurturing community among our congregants
- Strengthening our warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Supporting and engaging our volunteers
Given these priorities, Session agreed to call a (Temporary) Associate Pastor for Connection & Care. This person will help people find connection and belonging in the life of our congregation. They will focus on welcoming guests, providing pastoral care, connecting volunteers to ministry opportunities, and building a vibrant congregational life. They also will serve as the staff liaison to the Deacon Board and the Membership and Outreach Committee.
In the months ahead, we will listen deeply—to one another, to our neighborhood, and to the Spirit’s persistent call to be a community of justice, compassion, and radical welcome. I invite you to hold our search committee in your prayers, and to hold space in your own heart for what God is stirring in you, too.
May this summer be a season of trust and holy curiosity as we continue to follow the Spirit’s lead together.
Blessings,
—Pastor Michael