A couple of months ago, I blogged about a 'first date' I'd had with a church. After a process of continued discernment (the search committee's, the Council's, and Tim's and mine), I find myself the single candidate for the position of the Pastor of the Celebration Community of Harderwyk Ministries here in Holland (Harderwyk is a 126 year old church that is now made up of three congregations).
The 'second date' is on the horizon. It will involve preaching and leading a morning worship service and a congregational interview, among other things.
This position primarily includes two aspects: I would be responsible for the preaching and shepherding of the Celebration community and I would provide pastoral oversight for the diaconal ministries of all of the Harderwyk communities.
This post is rather news-y. Trust that there are all sorts of emotions and several conversations - with friends, with Tim, and with God - that are happening in our home and in our hearts. Tim and I are part of communities (Calvin Seminary and Faith CRC) that we love and that we'd leave if a call were extended and accepted. We appreciate the wisdom and encouragement of our colleagues and friends at both of these places of ministry.
It is strange and right to find myself in a 'discernment' process - a process that I've walked through with so many in the last three years as pastor for discernment at CTS. And yet - not so strange, I guess... the luxury of being a pastor for discernment is that I've been practicing this spiritual discipline on so many levels with so many situations... This is just one more opportunity (albeit a rather large one) to listen to my Creator, to trust in my Savior, and to walk in step with the Spirit.
About Me
- Heidi Sue
- I am a child of God. I am a wife to Tim, a mom to Samara and Naomi, and a pastor of a beautiful congregation. I got into reflecting on life online when our first-born daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Her cancer is gone, but my love for this type of communication isn't. And so, as one who is watched by God, I watch for God. And I tell the story.
8 comments:
Yay! Whether or not this particular call is extended or accepted, I think it's pretty evident that God is shaking you and Tim up out of your comfort zones! Hurts, yes, but you're growing. :)
I am excited for the church, too, as they venture into a new direction with the whole woman-pastor idea! :) Good for them!
Love you, miss you.
Betsy
Great news! Always fun to see God working on the women-in-office thing. No matter what happens next, He's clearly up to something! Will keep you in prayer as you "discern your calling!"
Vicki
Woo hoo! I hope all goes well, and I think you are a perfect person to push some folks out of their comfort zone, too. Very historic moment, really! (With or without a call.)
Woo hoo, indeed... You are the indeed the perfect person to shake 'em up a bit. But if you go there, it means you are leaving us...not a great thing at all.
But it sure sounds like God is trying to pull you into new areas. I am praying for wisdom and discernment for you.
Then again, I'm also calling Harderwyk to let them know what I really think.... :-)
As a member of Harderwyk... I'm excited at the prospect of having a talented woman of God like you to guide us thru the word of the Lord. Our prayers are with you and your family as you make some life changing decisions
Lynae
Im also a member of Hardewyk and excited to hear of your new calling! Praying for you and your family as you make some decisions in the coming weeks.
Lila
I will definitely miss you if you leave Faith and Calvin [I enjoyed our coffee/lunch dates]. But God has plans for you. We might not know what they are, but he does.
Wow Heidi! This is huge! Prayers for you in the process-so excited about the possibilities and ways God may have in mind to use you there.Sure would miss you...you've blessed many at CTS,including me!
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