Pastoral Transition Team
As you know, our pastor, Mark Burham is retiring and will end his service at Grace on August 30. The Pastoral Transition Team (PT) is charged with initiating the process of transition. Under the supervision of the Session, the committee will help to ensure a healthy, hopeful, and orderly transition that honors the pastor’s legacy, supports the congregation emotionally and spiritually, and prepares the congregation for interim leadership and the eventual call of a new pastor.
The PT team held their first meeting on Wednesday 5/13 and will be meeting on a weekly basis for the next month to get things rolling. The team is made up of the following individuals: Gary Parkhurst, Lynn Lyons, Freddie Delamain, Gail Peterson, and Meg Keeley.
The process of transitioning to a new pastor is lengthy–usually a year or so. It is a time for reflection, discernment, and preparation. with many opportunities for involvement by members of the congregation and representative committees. A representative of the Presbytery of San Francisco’s Committee On Ministry will work with Session, our PT team, and other committees as they progress through the following steps:
1. Hire an Interim Pastor
2. Mission Study (a lengthy report that describes the mission and work of the church)
3. Pastor Nominating Committee
4. Call of New Pastor
The PT team will be meeting with Session in June to determine next steps in hiring an Interim Pastor. Other responsibilities of the PT team will include:
• Plan a farewell event for Pastor Mark and his wife Pat in August (Details to come!)
• Work with Rev. Mark, Debora, and personnel to document administrative processes and collect necessary records to help to ensure a smooth transition
• Update documents, website, or other media as needed.
• Provide updates on progress and help to support congregational concerns regarding the transition process
• Work with Session, Deacons, and Committees that are instituted during the transition process to be determined as necessary.