This Week at NHCC…

This Sunday, July 18^th, “Those Powerful and Puzzling Parables” continue as we discuss “Hope for Our Soil.” Our Scripture focus is on Matthew 13:1-9 &18-23

Our 9:00am and 10:45 am service will be inside in the Sanctuary.

Our online service will be available at 9:00 am and any time after that. Join us in person or online.

Sunday, July 25th – 9:00 am Worship in the Sanctuary

10:45 am – Worship in the Sanctuary

Pastoral Transition Plan Reminder: There will be a board meeting on Tuesday, July 20^th at 7:00 pm at the church. The Pastoral Leadership Transition will be the only topic on the agenda. Any member of the church is welcome to attend. At the bottom of the page is the proposed plan for the Pastoral Leadership Transition. This is the same proposed plan that was shared with those who attended the Congregational Conversation gathering a few weeks ago. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to any of the elders.

Meetings:

Every Tuesday – Prayer Team @ 6:00 via Zoom

Tuesday July 20^th – Board Meeting @ 7:00 pm at the church

Mission Update: The Baby Crib in the Gathering Are is overflowing with items. But there is still more that we need. Feel free to bring in any of the items from the list. The list of items needed can be found under the “Missions and Outreach” tab on the blog page. If you have any questions, please contact Holly or Ali.

You’re Invited to a Baby Shower!!!! On Saturday, July 31st from 5:30 pm to ???? On behalf of the Sisters in Christ, Cal Wolfe is hosting a Baby Shower for anyone who would like to attend. The purpose of this shower is to collect outfits to go in the baby backpacks we are putting together for the Akron Urban League. Baby outfit sizes can be from newborn to 12-18 months. There will be salads and desserts to eat and much fun and connection for all who attend. Please RSVP to Cal so she knows you are coming.

Got a Hymn Request???? We are still taking hymn requests. If you’ve got one, just let Ali or Sam know.

Proposed Plan for the Transition of our Pastoral Staff

Pastor Jim Bane has faithfully served the New Horizons Christian Church as Pastor (and more recently Lead Pastor) since October of 2003 and has shared with the Elders and the Board that he intends to retire from his ministry with us at the end of 2021. We are grateful for his time with us and are excited for both Jim and Holly concerning what the future holds for them.

Here is our plan for this transitional time in the life of our church:

For the remainder of 2021, Jim will maintain his role of Lead Pastor and will work alongside Ali Miguel in her role as Co-Pastor. As it has been since July of 2020, they will share preaching, worship leadership, pastoral care, and other ministries. In addition, both will work to prepare the church for moving into the next phase of its life.

Starting in 2022, Ali will continue her ministry at New Horizons but in a different role as our Transitional Interim Pastor. Ali has received Interim Ministry Training through our Region, and due to her familiarity with our congregation is well-suited for this new position.

With the pastor position secured, our congregation will have the time it needs to evaluate itself, its neighborhood, and its future ministry possibilities which will help inform its search for a new pastoral leader or continuing the co-pastor model. The clearer picture that the church has of its own strengths and opportunities, the more focused and successful it can be in the search process.

A search team will be appointed and will lead this process in consultation with Allen Harris, Regional Pastor and President of the Christian Church in Ohio. Rev. Harris has been informed of our needs and has already begun to advise us.

Pastor Ali is eligible to be a candidate for the installed pastor position if she feels called to be so.

An ad-hoc committee will be formed to develop various phases of the pastoral staff transition. The committee will be appointed by the Elders board.

In terms of how long the search process will take, there is no definitive answer especially with Covid’s impact on so many things both in the church and beyond it. The key is for the church to conduct a thorough and unhurried search and be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We are hopeful that the person called will be able to serve and lead our congregation for many years to come.