Reflections for the Interim Time

Greetings Friends in Christ,

I’ve not had the chance to meet most of you yet, but I want to introduce myself and let you know that I hope to see you soon.

A bit about myself. I’ve been a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) all my life. I studied at TCU and Duke, was ordained in 1988, and I’ve served in various settings over the years. I will travel with you for the next 18 months as your interim.

During this time I will ask everyone three questions:
1. Who are we as a congregation?
2. Who are our neighbors?
3. What is God calling us to do/to be?

All of these questions are shaped by five areas that are reviewed during an interim period.

• HERITAGE. How have you been shaped and formed? What are the stories of your congregation? What makes you who you are?
• LEADERSHIP. What are the needs of your members? How are you organized? How do you develop and nurture new and effective leaders within the congregation?
• MISSION. What are your callings? What do you value? How does your sense of mission invigorate the work of the congregation?
• CONNECTIONS. What are your relationships within your denominations and the greater faith community? What are your relationships with organizations that you support through outreach? How connected are you with your city(ies) and their needs? How do you make these relationships vital?
• FUTURE. What are your hopes and dreams for United? How does reflection on these areas help you more clearly see your mission and purpose?

This dynamic reflection will help you as you develop your congregational profile and begin your search for a settled pastor.

You are a wonderful congregation. Thank you for allowing me to explore with you for a while.

​Rev. Janet Maykus
Interim Senior Minister