Important Letter from Pastor Ruth

Friends, 

Welcome to another year of living in the surprising love of God! As we start a new year together, so much continues to be in motion at CPC. Many of you know a PNC was formed a few weeks before Christmas to look for an Interim Senior Pastor. I’m grateful for their diligence. With the guidance of our Presbytery, the Chair of Personnel, Tracy Doebler, our Clerk of Session, Teddie Warner, and Pastor Sandy, things are moving along well. A lot of time and energy is being poured into this process; please thank them the next time you see them. (The PNC is made up of Andrew Brooks, Karee Galloway, Robbin Kelley, Janet Siedschlag, and Carol Sittig.) 

The PNC is working with a few dates in mind. One of those dates is April 1, 2025, the last day of my year with CPC as the Interim Associate Pastor. When I was hired, all parties involved believed that it could turn into a permanent position after a trial year together. I was in the process of ordination with the United Church of Christ (UCC)—a denomination that is in full communion with the PC(USA). Pastors move between denominations on a regular basis, so all signs pointed to this being a hopeful partnership. Unfortunately, I found out a few months into the job that my regional ordaining judicatory had decided they would not ordain me to a church that wasn’t UCC. This came as a shock because there isn’t an airtight precedent for such a restraint. 

Many of you have asked me if I intend to stay at CPC after our initial year together is over in April. I wanted to share this update so it’s very clear why I won’t be staying—it’s not because I don’t enjoy y’all. This community has been a gift to me and I am so grateful for the time I have spent with you. I will treasure the remaining months I have left. Thankfully, my departure date is flexible based on when a Senior Interim can be hired, so you might see me well into the Spring. I welcome your prayers as I discern next steps for my ministry, call, and employment. Life continues to surprise me, but I know God is on this journey with me. Thank you again for the hospitality and kindness you have shown me (and Hero!)—you will be missed! 

Peace & Courage, 
Pastor Ruth