Heading To Salem's First Congregational United Church Of Christ

Starting this week I'll be working at Salem's First Congregational United Church of Christ on a temporary basis.  The Rev. Gail McDougle recently retired from the church (a planned retirement which occurred earlier than anticipated after Rev. McDougle suffered a minor stroke) after 13 years of faithful ministry in our state's capitol city.  First Congregational United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming congregation with a rich tradition of community ministry.  Right now the congregation is in the early stages of looking for an interim minister to help guide the congregation through a period of discernment as they search for a permanent minister.  I will not be a candidate for the interim position.  However, I have gladly accepted their request for temporary ministerial assistance as they search for an interim minister.  Their hope is to have someone on board by this summer and to call a permanent minister within a year or so after that.  Gail and I served together on the public policy committee of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and I have preached at the church before.  The people of Salem's First Congregational United Church of Christ have always played an important role in the life of our state (they are situated near the State Capitol Building, a location that provides an important platform) and I'm very excited to spend the next few months helping them through this transition period.  I'll be preaching 2-3 times a month with my first sermon taking place on Sunday, March 6th.  All are welcome.