A New Chapter

I wanted to let you know what all has been happening since I announced retirement, and as we move closer to the end of my time of ministry here at Hamilton. 

Notice, I said my time of ministry, not the end of your time of ministry in this place. Hamilton Church was strong and vibrant before I came and it will continue to be after I am gone. So here is what is happening.

After my announcement, the Session appointed a transition team.
That team includes Karen Betler, Evie Koschik, Jan Regan and Tom Tritinger.

The purpose of the transition is to help us work through this time and what happens in October. The team has met with the General Ministry of the Presbytery, Jessica McClure Archer and our Commission on Ministry liaison, Niki Ciaramella. At that meeting Jessica outlined the tasks before the transition team during this time and reminded them that there are two main things that we need do in this time. Prepare for what comes next and celebrate what God has done in our time together.

Since that meeting the transition team has completed our “Non-Installed Ministry Profile.” 

Basically, it is our job description for an Interim Pastor. We will be seeking someone to work 24-27 hours a week, whose primary focus will be to lead us in worship, moderate session and congregation meetings, visit those in the hospital, officiate at the sacraments, weddings and funerals, provide administrative leadership and be available as a resource person.

The ministry profile was approved by the session at our meeting on June 23. It will be sent to the Presbytery for review and then we can begin the process of searching for the person God has in mind to lead us as an interim. The transition team will then receive resumes from folks interested in the position,will conduct interviews and make a recommendation to the session. The session will vote on hiring the Interim Pastor. Prayerfully, we will have someone in place to begin in October of this year.

Also, at the session meeting the session voted to call a special congregation meeting for September 27, 2026. The purpose of the meeting will be to dissolve the Pastoral Call. Rev. McClure Archer will be present with us that morning in worship and to moderate the meeting.

Lastly, the session had a discussion concerning a celebration service and luncheon which will take place on Sunday October 4, 2026.