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Pastoral Search
"Who is God Calling Us to Be?" Small Group Gatherings
Sundays, September 28th & October 5th
11:15 am-12:15 pm
The FCC Church Council invites FCC members and friends to engage in one of two facilitated small group discussions held following worship on two upcoming Sundays.
Each small group will discuss the following two questions:
Who is God Calling Us to Become as a Congregation?
How is God Calling us to Reach out to Address the Emerging Challenges and Opportunities of our Community and Congregation?
Responses will be used to help create a church profile for the Search Committee to share as they seek a new minister in the coming year.
We need broad participation in this process and strongly encourage all to attend.
Childcare will be offered in Lucas Hall or on the FCC grounds during the small group meetings.
If you can not attend either small group gathering,
We encourage members to answer the questions through an online response form.
Feel free to reach out to Erica Wiest if you have questions at efwiest@gmail.com.
PASTORAL SEARCH UPDATES
FIVE COMMITTEES
ONE GOAL
The Church Council is managing the transition process as Pastor Jim and Julia prepare for retirement next January 2026. Council is establishing five committees to accomplish various goals.
PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
A committee of 7-9 FCC members will be elected by the congregation this fall to lead the search for a new "called" pastor. They will help circulate the FCC profile, interview candidates and make a recommendation to the Church Council/congregation. The Church Council invites interested FCC members to nominate themselves to serve for the Pastoral Search Committee by filling out the Google form by Sept. 12th. The Church Council will review the responses and recommend a slate of Search Committee nominees to bring to the congregation in mid-November. The Council will strive for diversity: gender, age, tenure in the church, ministries involved, and demographic representation (racial, cultural, economic, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.), and ensure all are active members of the congregation. There will be a congregational meeting following worship on Sunday, November 9th to elect the search committee members.
INTERIM SEARCH COMMITTEE
Our goal is to have an interim minister in place by early 2026. The Interim Minister Profile is now uploaded on the UCC pastoral opportunities website so we have begun a national search for an interim minister who will most likely serve FCC for 6-12 months. Interim Search Committee (Jason Ruona, Gordy Koch, Diane Venn and Marie Hetzel)
PROFILE WRITING COMMITTEE
This Committee, chaired by Erica Wiest, is compiling a 20-page document that highlights the ministry and mission of FCC, expressing the spirit and vision as well as documenting the data that expresses "Who We Are at FCC." The Profile Writing Committee members include: Chad Friese, Mary Klein, Martha Schott & Chris Wray. They encourage ALL members and friends to take part in the "Who is God Calling us to Be?" small group gatherings held following worship on Sept. 28th and Oct. 5th.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART & TRANSITION PLAN COMMITTEE
With the transition from 2 ordained pastors (1.5 FTE) to 1 ordained pastor, we recognize that our staffing structure needs to be revised. The Church Council and Trustees of Personnel and Finance (in conjunction with Pastors) are currently clarifying a new staff organizational plan that will include a couple of new administrative positions.
CELEBRATION COMMITTEE
Chaired by Kathleen Donovan, this committee is comprised of Roxanne Akstulewicz, Kathy Blum, Nancy Buhr, Diane Ebenreiter, Joelle Steffen, Carla Vorpahl, Susie White. Committee is planning a calendar of celebrations in honor of Pastor Jim and Julia's 30 years of ministry at FCC, which will include:
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Saturday, January 10, 2026 - A Dinner Celebration will be held at The Loft at Nourish Farms, Sheboygan Falls. More details to follow.
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Sunday, January 18, 2026 - A Community Open House in Lucas Hall following Sunday morning worship
If you are interested in assembling decorations or other volunteer assignments, contact Kathleen at kpdonovan1968@gmail.com.​