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The
Annual Church
Conference at the Church on the Cape
Our Interim Pastor, Bill Gardei, spoke of the task the D.S. expected him to take on if he became our interim. Don said that Bill would need to "walk along with the people in this time...offering a listening heart and ear as well as the touch of compassion." Bill said, "yes" to the challenge and the journey began three months ago.
Of the congregation, Rev. Gardei said, "The hearts, minds and spiritual strengths of this people of God is the arena in which resurrection is taking place. People are agreeing to serve in leadership positions, willing to serve on committees and task forces, willing to underwrite the cost of ministry in this place..."
There was extensive discussion with the District Superintendent about our church and how we saw our needs in the coming year. He promised to take our request to extend Rev. Gardei's time beyond June to the Cabinet for consideration. He noted that as a guideline, interim pastors are not extended beyond the normal June appointment deadline. He added that the congregation and Tom Bradbury had made an impressive case that was worthy of consideration by the Bishop's Cabinet. [Editor's Note: Two weeks after our Church Conference, Rev. Gardei was extended through June, 2002.] Reports from the Finance Chairman, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer showed our church to be in good financial health with all bills paid. An expanded budget was overwhelmingly approved.
The Church on the Cape |
(
January 27, 2001) The Southern Maine District Superintendent, the Rev.
Donald Rudalevige, presided at the conference which began at 2 p.m.
following a luncheon with members of the congregation.
He
called on us to see a new reality, one that begs us to "slow down
for reflection...create space for healing." Bill replaced our pastor,
Jo Bennett, who left in the fall of last year. 
Tom
Bradbury, Lay Leader and PPR Chair, spoke of the transition we've been
through over the last 12 months, from working with a new pastor, seeing
her depart, welcoming Bill Gardei as our interim, and then having to
face yet another change in leadership this June. He asked that Pastor
Gardei not be taken from us too quickly. He urged the District Superintendent
to grant us additional time to complete the process of healing (the
normal appointment schedule of the New England Conference would replace
our interim in June). Tom asked who among those assembled wanted Bill's
term to continue beyond June...all stood in support. Rev. Gardei thanked
the members for their backing.