I am delighted to announce that Pastor Beverly Piro will be joining us as our Interim Associate Pastor starting on September 1. Her journey to joining us has been a thoughtful and prayerful process, and I wanted to share a bit of that journey with you.
After Pastor Jenna's departure, Pastor Hector and I began working closely with Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Andy Yee to identify the needs and responsibilities for this interim role. By April, we had a clear outline of what was required and began the search for someone with the right background, interest, and availability.
In May, Pastor Hector met with a potential candidate; however, the candidate needed a full-time call closer to home and family. Our search continued, and on June 6, Pastor Andy suggested Pastor Bev as a potential candidate. After meetings and follow-ups in June, Pastor Hector and I felt confident in moving forward with her.
During July, Pastor Bev met with the Council and staff, and it became evident to all that she would be an excellent match for this interim role. We (the Council) developed a Letter of Agreement specific to her interim position, asked Pastor Hector, Pastor Bev and the synod to review it and, on August 15, voted to approve her compensation and move forward with the hire. We are thrilled to have her on board!
In her part-time, interim role, Pastor Bev will focus on preaching, presiding, pastoral care, welcome ministries, leading memorial services, and collaborating with and supporting our staff. We believe her presence will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and serve our community.
I invite you to read a personal welcome from Pastor Bev as she shares her excitement about joining our congregation and the ways she hopes to serve alongside us during this time.
In Christ,
President Mark Schmidt