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PASTORAL SEARCH UPDATES
PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
The FCC Sheboygan profile was completed and went live for candidates to see on February 11, 2026. See the profile here. We are following the UCC Conference suggested search process:
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Review candidate submitted profiles.
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Hold initial Zoom interview with desirable candidates.
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Discern together after initial interviews.
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Conduct a follow-up Zoom interview with desirable candidates to further discern their fit.
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Discern after follow-up interviews and check references.
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Come to consensus on candidate for in-person interview.
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Conduct in-person interview, tour of community, tour of church, and initial compensation conversation. This step is still confidential.
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If mutual discernment indicates this is not a good fit, continue search.
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If mutual discernment indicates this is a good fit, negotiate terms of the call.
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Invite final candidate to a candidating weekend where the congregation: meets the candidate at one or multiple events, experiences worship led by the candidate, and those members in attendance vote.
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Prepare for the candidating weekend.
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Hold the candidating weekend.
Any questions or concerns may be directed to the office and will be forwarded to the appropriate committee member.
The Church Council is managing the transition process since the retirement of Pastor Jim and Julia. Council has established five committees to accomplish various goals.
INTERIM SEARCH COMMITTEE
Committee members include Jason Ruona, Gordy Koch, Diane Venn and Marie Hetzel. We welcome The Rev. David Bowles as our Interim Minister. Rev. Bowles has a diverse ministry background. He's been the pastor for Congregational UCC, Ladysmith & Conrath, WI since 2017. His background includes a year chaplain residency in a hospital, year chaplain intern at a college, pastor at a church during the ONA process and pastor of a Shared Ministries congregation (rural ecumenical congregation of UCC, Disciples of Christ, UMC, and Presbyterian). He is moving to Sheboygan and will start at FCC Sheboygan on Tuesday, February 10th. David's wife is also a UCC pastor, and she will be taking over pastoral leadership of Congregational UCC in Ladysmith while their son finishes high school.
PROFILE WRITING COMMITTEE
Chaired by Erica Wiest, this committee is comprised of Chad Friese, Mary Klein, Martha Schott and Chris Wray.
They have completed compiling a 20-page document that highlights the ministry and mission of FCC.
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.
The celebrations planned by this committee have been completed, and video, art and photos are available for viewing here.
STAFFING UPDATE
The Church Council and Trustees of Personnel and Finance have established a new organizational plan that includes Program Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, and Property Manager positions.
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Roxanne Akstulewicz (our former church secretary) is the new part-time Program Coordinator. Roxanne has taken on the primary responsibility for supporting and coordinating the programmatic ministries at FCC. This includes worship planning support, Christian education, youth programming, and outreach initiatives.
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Brianna Schmidt is the new Administrative Assistant. She provides accounting support, maintains data and provides clerical assistance to the church staff. It is a part-time position (15-20 hours a week) under the supervision of Roxanne Akstulewicz.
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Oscar Juarez is the new Property Manager. It is a part-time position (15-20 hours a week). The Property Manager is responsible for the administrative and operational infrastructure of FCC Sheboygan. He overseeing the facilities, grounds and vendors, and maintaining internal systems that support FCC's ministry and mission.
