Dear Friends,
Earlier this week you received Rev. Tom Sheffield’s letter telling us of his retirement from his ministry as Presbytery Pastor, effective November 15, 2017. His announcement is bittersweet. While we lament that his time with us is coming to an end, we are joyful that he will have opportunities for other ministry as well as additional time to relax and enjoy his family. Tom has served us with immeasurable grace and skill, and we grieve the upcoming loss of his wise leadership. Most importantly, however, we are grateful because we have been blessed with Tom’s vision for -- and many years of dedication to –the Presbytery of Denver, guiding us on our continuing journey to become the Church that Christ asks us to be! We will not let Tom retire without an appreciation celebration! Watch for information for this event to be held in the fall.
As Moderator of the Presbytery, I write to inform you that the Council has begun transition planning for selecting an Interim Presbytery Pastor. At its June meeting, the Council both suggested names of persons who might serve as members of the Interim Presbytery Pastor Search Committee and considered the most important roles to be expected of interim leadership. The Personnel Committee, moderated by Rev. Bruce Spear, has met to begin the transition process and will submit names of potential Search Committee members to Council soon. Once the Search Committee is approved by Council, they can begin their work.
As a Council, we are moving as quickly as possible to complete our task to nominate for election an interim presbytery pastor candidate to members of Presbytery. We will take the time needed, however, to move at the tempo of the Holy Spirit as we seek to select an excellent nominee for this important position.
Please pray with us as we work. If you have questions or suggestions regarding the transition process, please contact either Rev. Spear at brucespear57@gmail.com or myself at jeandemmler@msn.com
Peace be to you in this time of transition,
Jean Demmler, Moderator
The Presbytery of Denver