Passing the Baton with Gratitude and Confidence
You may be wondering how Pastor DH will manage leading our large and busy faith community solo, especially after seven years of shared leadership between Pastor Gene and me. Never fear—we’ve been thinking about this and have a plan!
As I prepare for retirement from active appointment, we’ve worked intentionally to transition several of the roles I’ve held into the capable hands of SUM’s committed and gifted laity. We believe this shared approach will allow Pastor DH to lead well without carrying every detail alone—and that’s in keeping with SUM’s long tradition of collaborative ministry.
Of course, you’re used to seeing me each Sunday either co-leading worship with PG or preaching monthly—if not more. The good news is that our wonderful Exhorter Team is excited to continue their leadership. Pastor DH can rely on them to help co-lead worship and also preach from time to time. Their faithfulness and thoughtful presence will be a great blessing in this next chapter.
Facilitating Discussion with Deacon Deb (our church’s only “no book book study”) on Wednesday nights has been a privilege and a pleasure. I’m delighted that the group wants to continue gathering in this time slot. Two faithful participants—Susan Hanson and Sue Gannon—have stepped up to curate discussion content and facilitate the group going forward. I know the conversation will remain rich and meaningful in their hands.
Here are a few more roles being passed along:
The Messenger editorial duties—watching for newsworthy stories, inviting contributors, writing thoughtful reflections, and scheduling and publishing two articles a week—will now be shared by the Communications Team: Deb Reid, Eileen Brogan, Deb Joyce, and Lori Catlin-Garcia.
The Justice and Joy Outreach ministries—which I’ve helped coordinate by gathering our outreach leaders three times a year for fellowship, mutual support, and to discern the distribution of holiday funds—will now be convened by Sue Homrok-Lemke.
The Youth and Adult Confirmation programs—recruiting participants and mentors, scheduling, and co-leading with the Pastor—will be coordinated going forward by Tami LePage.
Programs and Events support—helping coordinate annual events such as the Blessing of the Animals, Interfaith Thanksgiving, Simsbury Celebrates, and more—will be added to Lori Catlin-Garcia’s existing contract role.
In addition, we’ve created handoff materials for two groups I’ve regularly convened: the Exhorters and the Friendly Visitors team. Directories and notes will help Pastor DH continue to support and connect these vital ministries.
We hope that by dividing these specific job duties among a strong circle of lay leaders, Pastor DH can step into this next chapter with confidence and support. We are truly blessed with passionate, faithful folks who are stepping up to serve. I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this community and the joy of knowing the work will go on—rooted in love, strengthened by grace, and carried forward by you.
With love and deep appreciation,
Deacon Deb