With guidance from Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, our board of trustees recently announced its decision to choose a temporary pastor for our congregation, rather than an interim pastor.

What is the difference between the two? An interim pastor is generally hired for a period between 12 and 24 months, and usually has the responsibility of helping a congregation heal from a challenging or painful time. A temporary pastor, however, is hired for a shorter period of time to provide spiritual leadership and a pastoral presence when no such period of healing is necessary.

Because WFMCC is in such a period of growth and stability at this time, the primary concern of the board is to maintain our current momentum. Thus, the board has approved Lillie's recommendation for a temporary pastor who will support us in maintaining our momentum while the pastoral search committee does its work to help the church in finding and calling a new permanent senior pastor.

On November 18th Barbara Mann, vice-moderator of our board, announced the selection of our temporary pastor: the Rev. Elder Dr. Nori Rost. Nori will begin her duties on December 17th, immediately following Lea's last WFMCC service on December 16th.

If you are not familiar with Nori, you will have the opportunity to meet her on Sunday, December 9th when she will be joining us for our annual Christmas Cantata.

Transition News and Schedule for Our Temporary Pastor as of 12/14/07

Our temporary pastor, Rev. Elder Dr. Nori Rost, will be traveling back and forth between Wichita Falls and her home in Colorado Springs, CO, during the months ahead while we search for a new permanent senior pastor. She will be at WFMCC two Sundays and at least five weekdays throughout each month. However, she will be working full-time for our church from Colorado Springs, and is available at any time for counseling and pastoral care. You can reach her at the church office at (940) 322-4100.

She will begin serving the church on Monday, Dec. 17th, and will be here to preach and lead worship on Sunday, Dec. 23rd. In January Nori will be at WFMCC for the service on Sunday, Jan. 6th, and also for our 21st Anniversary weekend, Jan. 26th and 27th. Through the use of our new multi-media technology, we are currently working to make it possible for Nori to preach at WFMCC every Sunday, even when she can't be here in person.

Nori will be holding a congregational forum immediately following the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, January 6th. Please plan to attend to learn more about Nori's work schedule, our transition time, and worship themes and special events that are being planned for the months ahead.