As you know, over the past year we have had some staff changes in our office – and, of course, with my retirement next year, we anticipate more changes as well.  Personnel changes often provide an opportunity for an organization to review job requirements and needs.  They also provide an opportunity to look at ‘how we’ve always done things’ in new ways.  Over the past year – and particularly over this summer – we have been doing exactly that. In the process, some of us have taken on added responsibilities. Others have expressed an interest in new opportunities. Our Staff Parish Relations Committee has helped us assess skills and needs and develop appropriate job descriptions.  All of that has resulted in the current job opening.

The position for which we are advertising has not existed here before in exactly this form.  Let me assure you that Sue McNicol will continue as our Parish Administrator but some of her current duties will shift to the new position and she will assume some program responsibilities, especially in the area of Adult Ministry.  Tyler will assume other program responsibilities.  In particular, Tyler will be working with a team of people in a process called the ‘Whole Church Initiative’ which is designed to help us assess where we are and how God may be calling us as we move into a new and exciting future.   The responsibility for communications (i.e. bulletin, newsletter, social media, website) is shared by Sue, Tyler and Renata. 

As we move into the ministry year, Lynn will be continuing her amazing work as our Coordinator of Children’s Ministries as well as overseeing our Caring Ministries and the Wednesday Night Dinner program. Mel Brandle will be continuing as our Interim Youth Coordinator.

Overall, the desire in our assessing and planning and reorganizing in the office has been to be good stewards of our resources – and creative in looking at possibilities. We all know that this year will bring changes . . . it already has!  But, change, though difficult sometimes, also brings opportunity for growth and new life.  And, I trust that is exactly what is in store for the amazing community of St. Paul’s and the larger community we call HUMM (Helena United Methodist Ministries).

So, if you are interested, do check out the job description and consider whether you are being called to be part of our ministry at this exciting time! 

            Grace and peace, 

            Marianne

            As you well know by now, Tyler, in his role as our clergy delegate to General Conference has provided wonderful leadership to our denomination.  At our Jurisdictional Conference in July, he was part of electing the woman who will be our new bishop in just a month. She is incredibly qualified and gifted for leadership and I look forward to meeting her.  Besides electing bishops, however, the Jurisdictional Conference also nominates clergy and lay people to serve on General Boards and Agencies in our denomination.  To do this a ‘jurisdictional nominating committee’ is convened and meets for the better part of a day leading into Jurisdictional Conference.

            Our Western Jurisdiction, though large in geography, is relatively small in numbers – especially compared to the African church or to the South East and South Central Jurisdictions of the United States.  As a result, our representation on various committees and agencies is proportionally smaller.  Still, the nominating committee does its work, nominating lay and clergy leaders to represent us. 

The 2004 General Conference made clear that ‘the Connectional Table is to be motivated by faithfulness to the mission of the church to make disciples of Jesus Christ; global in scope and holistic in understanding; inclusive in nature and collaborative in style; and while being efficient in the stewardship of resources, be transparent, accessible, and accountable in all relationships.’”

The Council of Bishops both leads and collaborates with the Connectional Table. In fact, our first meeting, the organizational meeting, in early November is in conjunction with the fall meeting of the Council of Bishops. Besides the Jurisdictional representatives, the CT includes members from the agencies of the Church, each of the ethnic caucuses and many other groups involved in leadership in the UMC. I’m still learning about it all myself . . . I’ll know more when things get started!

I am quite aware that it will be an interesting and important time to be serving on the Connectional Table.  I’ll work hard to represent us in the Western Jurisdiction well – and I’ll keep you informed as we deal with the issues facing us as a denomination in the months to come.

Grace and peace,

Marianne

I am pleased to announce that Bishop Karen Oliveto was elected by the Western Jurisdiction and that she will be serving our area, the Mountain Sky Area that covers Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone Annual Conferences.  As you have no doubt read in the headlines Bishop Oliveto is in a committed same sex relationship with her incredible wife, Robin.  We elected Bishop Oliveto on her credentials and our deep belief that she has the skills to lead our church.  Her appointment to our area is a blessing because of the administrative and pastoral skills she will bring to her work. 

My invitation to us as a reconciling congregation is that we help by supporting other churches in our area that may be struggling with how to welcome Bishop Oliveto’s leadership.  We will be holding a reconciling ministries meeting Sunday, July 31 at 9:45 AM in the Library to talk about this. 

We will keep everyone informed about how we can help welcome Bishop Oliveto and her wife Robin to our area.

Enthusiastic Peace,

Pastor Tyler