God’s presence in our pastoral search
By Jenica Domanico and Carol Holm, co-chairs, Pastoral Search Committee
As a mom of young children, faith comes into my life daily and until being part of the search committee I had not developed the confidence to recognize it. Being part of the Pastoral Search Committee has grounded me more in my true trust of God’s guidance in our daily lives. There has been so many times in this last year where I felt so overwhelmed about co-leading this group and what we had to do and all the steps that needed to get done, truly, it felt impossible. And yet everything always turned out.
Watching our committee form together with all our experience and wisdom has been like watching a creature being created. There is no sense of distrust or need to be right, but lots of questions and curiosity. If one member needs to be gone, he or she trusts the group to make good decisions. I have been amazed at the sense of trust we have built from the congregation and greatly enjoyed hearing God’s vision through our voices last summer.
We have enjoyed great conversations with all our phone interviews and have learned so much about the church and ideas for the future from these conversations. With those candidates we have to choose from I have no concern that any would make great leaders and caring pastors for our church. I have heard God speaking through the committee members when we have discussions on the strengths and concerns we have for these candidates and I believe we are hearing the best possible candidates for us, sent by God for our future. I am excited to find out our final decision and present that person to the congregation hopefully by the end of the summer.
Through this process, as well as my experience with my grandmother passing this last year, my faith has been stronger that it has since I was a teenager when I was very active in the UCC conference. I hope to continue this strong faith with a renewed commitment to this church and our new leader.
Jenica Domanico
Co-chair
Pastoral Search Committee
Being a member of the Pastoral Search Committee has given me a new perspective of my faith and its journey and of myself and my abilities, and a deeper and richer connection to the members of this church, particularly to the other members of the PSC committee. For many years I was a silent member of the church. I did not attend any congregational meetings and most other activities outside of choir. When the life of this church and its congregation was hurting the most, I realized my choices needed to change and I began paying attention and became more involved by becoming a member of the Discovery Team and then the PSC.
Many times along the way of this new involvement I’ve experienced the wonder of God in our midst as I’ve learned who you are individually and collectively as our congregation. My faith journey is continually supported by you and the work we’ve done together! I feel especially supported at every PSC meeting when we begin our time together by lighting a candle to illuminate the light of Christ in our midst, sharing joys & concerns, praying together, and reading the Vision Statement and Covenant. Then, before we begin the night’s “work”, the committee joins in reading a selected Bible passage and discussing its relevance to the work we’re doing.
Each of these actions underscores our work and its meaning, and once again my faith journey takes another step. I plan to keep walking this path! I believe the future of FHC is bright, energetic, and filled with promise for its “Seekers and Servants.”
Carol Holm
Co-chair
Pastoral Search Committee