Since we started work last summer, we've reviewed materials from more than 120 wonderful candidates.  During various stages, we reviewed written credentials, listened to sermons, conducted phone interviews, held in-person meetings, and visited some of the candidate's home churches. And, we have talked to each other - a lot! 

We're now working with a very small group of highly qualified candidates, about whom we are all very excited.  This position is seen as being a very attractive opportunity, which has helped create a situation in which we believe we are choosing from among the very best that the PCUSA has to offer.

The final stage will involve bringing the candidates to the area for a weekend with their spouses. During this time they will meet with our committee and Presbytery representatives, preach at a neutral pulpit, and tour the local area.  After we complete this step, and following additional discernment, we hope to be in a position to recommend and present a candidate to Session and the congregation. Barring unforeseen delays, we hope this final stage will be completed during the summer months.

We have worked steadily and diligently at this process in the hope that there might be a period of overlap between Bill and the new pastor. We continued to believe this was possible until we ran into the practicalities involved with bringing pastors in for weekend interviews, scheduling neutral pulpit opportunities, and even determining when we could visit their congregations.

It now appears there will be a short gap between Bill's departure and the arrival of the new senior pastor. This gap might be a few weeks to, at most, a few months.  In order to support our staff during this period, Donegal Presbytery has agreed to help us find a temporary supply pastor.  A Session sub-committee has drafted a job description for this temporary role, and Presbytery is providing us with a list of available candidates.

Throughout our work, we have had a sense of confidence that God would show us the way if we listened.  We continue to hold fast to that thought.  We always are grateful for your prayers.