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May 28, 2008
The SPIRIT
of Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church
Click here to see the May calendar.
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By now most of you know that my time as pastor of RCLPC is coming to end. (If you haven’t already seen it, the official letter is reprinted in this Spirit.) My last Sunday with you will be August 3rd. This gives us two months together to plan for the transition, to celebrate the good we’ve done and forgive each other for anything we’ve done wrong, and to say our goodbyes.
In my conversations with you, many of the same questions keep coming up, so I thought it would be helpful to answer some of those questions here.
What are you going to do again?
I’m returning to Emory University in Atlanta to complete my PhD in theology. I have a particular interest in the ways our theology shapes the way we view the natural world. Sometimes this is called “ecological theology” or “eco-theology.” After finishing my PhD (which could take three or four years) I hope to teach, perhaps in a seminary setting. I think my experiences in congregational ministry would be an asset in training ministers-to-be.
What about Emily?
Sadly (for RCLPC, happily for me), Emily is coming with me to Atlanta. An official letter to families involved with the children’s music program will be going out this week. Emily will be difficult to replace, but Sherri and the personnel team have already begun the search process.
What about Teri, Sherri, and Kim?
I’m happy to tell you that Teri, Sherri, and Kim are all committed to be here through the transition. They will provide both stability and leadership throughout the process.
Can Teri serve as our “interim minister”?
Teri was called here to focus on youth and education, and she is doing an excellent job in those areas. She should continue doing what she’s doing. It would not be fair to Teri to ask her to take on all the “senior pastor” responsibilities in addition to her current responsibilities. That’s what interim ministers are for.
What does the transition process look like?
We have already formed a transition team made up of three elders and one deacon: Lois Johnson, Tom Lilly, Dan Schweers, and Ann Legg. They will be meeting next week with our Committee on Ministry liaison from Blackhawk Presbytery to begin the search for an interim minister. The hope is to have an interim minister in place shortly after I leave. Once an interim is in place, he or she will guide the congregation through the formation of a Pastoral Nominating Committee and the remainder of the search process.
Will you come back to do baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc.?
It is generally considered inappropriate for former ministers to return to their previous congregations to do baptisms, weddings, or funerals, except by special invitation from the current minister. It’s important for the congregation to establish a pastoral relationship with the current (new) minister and not be looking back to previous relationships for pastoral care. As I mentioned in my letter, I hope our friendships will continue, but our “pastoral” relationship is coming to an end.
Do you have to leave?
I don’t have to leave. I’m not leaving because I’m unhappy, or because RCLPC is not treating me well, or because I’ve been asked to leave. As I’ve said many times, this is a great congregation, a wonderful place to do ministry. If I was going to stay in congregational ministry, I’d stay right here. The only reason I’m leaving is because I have a unique opportunity to do something I’ve always felt called to do, and I have to move to Atlanta to do it. It will be hard to leave, but I believe it’s the right thing for my family and me, and I know RCLPC will continue to be a great congregation with a bright future.
I hope that answers some of your questions. Let me know if you have others. And, as always, thank you for your friendship and support.
-Richard
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The following letter was mailed on May 20, 2008. We are reprinting it here to be sure everyone has been informed.
Dear Members and Friends,
It is with very mixed emotions that I write to inform you that my time as pastor of Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church is coming to an end. You may recall that, before beginning ministry seven years ago, I was in a PhD program in theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. I now have the opportunity to return to Emory, finish my PhD, and teach. Given my age and the ages of my children, this seems to be a “now or never” opportunity for me. I have always felt called to teach, and so my family and I have made the difficult decision to pursue this opportunity.
The church staff, session, and deacons have already been informed and are making plans for the transition. A transition team has been formed to undertake the search for an interim minister. I have the greatest confidence in the abilities of our staff, elders, and deacons to provide steady and strong leadership in the coming days.
My last Sunday with you will be August 3rd. This will give us time to plan for the transition, to celebrate the good we’ve done together, and to say our goodbyes. Of course I hope that, while our pastoral relationship is ending, our friendships will continue.
It goes without saying, but this has been a very difficult decision for my family and me. RCLPC has been the center of our lives for four years. Our younger daughter has been in this place almost all of her life! We have come to love this church, as we have come to love all of you who make it such a special place. It will be very hard to leave.
I remain confident that RCLPC has a bright future to match its faithful past, and I hope my time here has played some small part in helping us to move toward that future. Thank you for your support and friendship over the past four years.
It has been a privilege to serve as your pastor.
Sincerely,
Richard Floyd
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