10/26/06

Dear members of HPRC:

Jesus said, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8)

The Consistory met on Monday, October 23, 2006 to affirm God’s leading of Pastor Dave to plant a new church in Texas in the spring of 2007. This comes as difficult news for all of us, but as a consistory, we clearly see the Lord’s work in calling Pastor Dave and Candace to this new assignment. Pastor Dave will share the story this Sunday (October 29) of how God has been at work in leading them to this decision.

We believe that God is at work in our midst at Hager Park Church, and now need to discover what this will mean for us. Once again, Pastor Dave will be with us, active in ministry, until the spring of next year. So we have time to begin looking ahead. The Consistory has already affirmed Pastor Jim’s willingness to step into the lead pastor role for an interim basis at whatever time is appropriate. Also, the Consistory has affirmed that HPRC needs to explore our potential role in supporting this new church plant. The Direction team and the Consistory will begin to discuss this and seek congregational input as Pastor Dave’s timetable becomes clearer. On Sunday, October 29, we will use the Adult Education class (meeting in the Worship area at 9:50 AM) for an informal conversation about this with an opportunity for questions and answers. Sunday school will take place as scheduled and a meeting with the congregation will be set soon.

Please pray with us that God will lead us clearly in the upcoming weeks. There are many emotions that surround this news, but we know that God is working and wanting us to experience Him in new and exciting ways as we move forward in ministry together.

In Christ,

Paul Dieterle, VP Consistory

on behalf of the Elders of HPRC