First Presbyterian Church of Pardeeville

 "Our mission is to be a caring community of God's people
who live by Christ's teachings,
reach out to others to share the love of God,
and celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ
through worship, prayer, thought, and action."

An Update on the Session's reflections:

July 20, 2020

Dear Friends,

It's Monday night, the evening after our Session meeting. The day's berries are picked, the evening's fish caught, and we are watching the comet from our front porch. Elaine is trying, without success, to get a picture. It has nevertheless been a good day on the farm.

When the Session met today, we wrestled with our monthly dilemma: what to do about returning to in person worship? A couple of things seemed clear.

One: The virus does not seem to be going away. It has, in recent weeks, gotten worse, in our state, and in our respective counties.

Two: By everyone's measure, we are an "at risk" population.

Three: We need not reinvent the wheel.

So, after reviewing guidelines for reopening the church, prepared by the Wisconsin Council of Churches, and endorsed by John Knox Presbytery, we decided to adopt them for our church. They are available on the WCC website, or if you email me (at butlers_rest@yahoo.com) I will send you a copy.

The first level recommendation is that churches not consider changing what they are doing  until the virus numbers are showing a two week decline. As you know, we are nowhere near that figure. And so, for now, we will continue to worship together online. We have noted many positive aspects to this new marvel, not the least of which is increased attendance. Giving remains healthy, which you are encouraged to continue, and the pew cushions are not wearing out!

We also decided to revisit this every month. The realities change so quickly that it is impossible to set long range goals, and we want to be able to move quickly when it's time to move. So you will hear from us every month about what is happening. For now, we hope you will continue to curl up on your couch with a cup of coffee in your slippers and join us as the body of Christ! We thank you for your patience and faithfulness. Peace, David

"There has never been a crisis so grave that the church of Jesus Christ, if it’s being faithful, has decided to sit back and stay out of it. We have a mission, a job to do. Christ calls us, all the more sincerely, when times are tough. Please join us in renewing your commitment to God’s work in the world through the energy, intelligence, imagination and love of First Presbyterian Church!"

Pastoral Care
David Butler

Worship Leader
     Hugh Drennan -- August-September
Clara Thompson -- October-November
Bill Dow -- December-January
Julie Waterdu/Paul Francis -- February-March

Thank you for visiting our website!

 

A Journey of Discernment

     We spent about 16 months during 2018-2019 searching for a new pastor.  Our process led us to the realization that we needed a new model of ministry for our church.

     As we pondered this, we identified two essential elements:  worship, and taking care of our members and others.  We decided to explore a model that has these as two separate roles.  We would search for someone to assume pastoral care responsibilities, and others to lead us in worship. We have found ministers to fill both of these roles.  

Pastoral Care -- David Butler assumed this role on July 15, 2019. His responsibilities are as follows:

• Provide pastoral care to the congregation.
• Accompany a member of the Board of Deacons to deliver communion to home-bound.
• Moderate session meetings.
• Attend committee meetings at First Presbyterian Church as needed.
• Meet with potential new members.
• Attend meetings of John Knox Presbytery.
• Officiate at the sacrament of baptism or assign this to the worship leader.
• Officiate at funerals (pastor's prerogative, as requested)
• Moderate the annual congregational meeting.

The Worship Leader's responsibilities are as follows:

• Prepare the worship bulletin in final form and mail it to the church secretary.
• Preach and lead Sunday worship and any other services within his/her contracted time.
• Officiate at Holy Communion within the worship service.
• Moderate congregational meetings held in the context of worship.
• Attend Worship and Music Committee meetings as needed.
• Receive new members during the worship service.
• May officiate at baptism at the direction of the pastor.