The Lord will watch over you coming and going, both now and forevermore. - Psalm 121:8, NIV

Around JCPC, we have had a lot of "comings and goings" recently. With the loss of Connie Overby, and the departures of Scott Huie and Alicia Taylor from our staff, we know what it is like to say good-bye as folks go. Times of loss are never easy.
 
However, we also have some "comings" in the near future. Monday night our Session voted to call a congregational meeting on Sunday, July 24, to hear a recommendation from our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee about the next person to lead our youth ministry. The APNC/Youth Director Search Committee has spent many hours reading more than 85 resumes. From that pool, they chose the top candidates and interviewed them by Skype and face-to-face. They checked references, vetted the candidates through presbytery, and finally believe they have the right person God is leading JCPC to call as our next installed Associate Pastor for youth ministry.
 
The congregation will have the opportunity to hear all about the candidate on July 24 at the congregational meeting. In our tradition, we do not announce any information about the candidate prior to that date because the person may presently be serving another church. It would not be appropriate for the candidate to tell his or her present church they were leaving until the new congregation votes.
 
Also, we voted at the Session meeting to begin the search process for our next Director of Music and Worship. However, because of the relatively short time frame between now and when the choirs start back at the end of the summer, our Personnel Committee recommended we seek an interim Music Director first. This will give the search committee plenty of time to consider the needs of the congregation and find the right person. Our plans are to have an Interim Music Director by August 1. So be in prayer for our search committees and please express your thanks to our APNC for their hard work and long hours.

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, you oversee all of the comings and goings of our lives. Guide us in this time of transition as we say "good-bye" to those who have served this church, and as we say "hello" to the new persons you are bringing our way. We trust you and your guidance. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.