June 2008
HOPING TO BE ACCESSIBLE
HOW TO CONTACT YOUR NEW PASTOR
Dear Friends in Christ,
Now that a month has passed as your pastor and lots of settling in is done, I want to communicate to you how and when it is best to contact me. I have already learned that there is a marvelous informal contact system in the church, from the “mouse” to the CPR group to just the circles of friends that want to care for one another. And I really do believe that the best form of caring in a church is from members to members.
However, there are obviously also times when the pastor should be brought into the loop, whether for business or pastoral care issues or strategic decisions. So here’s how best to do that:
First of all, my weekly schedule will normally look like this:
On Sundays, of course, I will be here to lead both worship services and attend or lead a church school class in between. After worship I will be available for personal appointments and/or lunch, and I expect to do some afternoon visits both to members and in neighborhood subdivisions.
On Mondays I will work at home in my office and not come into the church except for special meetings like session. I will read e-mail, make phone calls, work on the bulletin for the next Sunday, and for about half the day, I will read. My reading and study time is important to me. It keeps my mind fresh and inquisitive and lets me strategize long term about the church’s programs.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I will be at the church office and making visits, plus probably connecting with Presbytery business or any civic organization in the area I might join. You can generally expect that I will be in the office every one of those mornings at least from 10-12, doing correspondence, phone calls, etc. I enjoy spontaneous visits from members, so don’t hesitate to stop by the church if you see my car out front. On these mornings, and indeed nearly every morning, I begin my day at home with an hour of Bible reading and prayer for the congregation and the world (which accounts for my arrival at the church around 10, in case you all just thought I sleep late!). At least 2 of those days, usually Tuesday and Wednesday, I will remain at the church for meetings, visits with working families, choir, etc.
Traditionally I have reserved Friday as my day off. Medora and I catch up on errands just like all of you do on weekends. We have also pledged to ourselves that we will explore the greater Raleigh area and North Carolina’s sights at least one or two days a month.
Saturdays are sermon writing days, at my home office. I have always appreciated writing my sermons close to when I deliver them so they are fresh in my mind and as timely as possible. Yes, I have occasionally gotten caught in the middle of writing when a pastoral emergency arises, and had to spend late hours finishing, but it is a risk I am willing to take.
So that is at least a thumbnail sketch of my proposed schedule. I know that there will be many interruptions and unplanned distractions, but you can count on this most of the time. Of course, if there is a pastoral care need, a family death, a crisis where my presence would be appreciated, you can call me anywhere, anytime of day. That is why the church is equipping me with a cell phone (919-819-7198), and why you can call me at my home phone also (919-267-4646). There is also a new number at the church, a personal private line that only I have access to: 639-9976, and the old number remains for all other church business. As far as e-mail is concerned, I have a laptop computer for ease in keeping my work with me at home and in the office. You can send me e-mails at a new address: pastor@wmpcwillowspring.org. I will for a while longer answer messages at my home e-mail address, but now prefer this church address for church business. I check my e-mail regularly, though not necessarily daily, so if you need a response from me promptly, it is better to call.
My intention is to use all of these communication channels to always be responsive and available to you. I hope you will come to regard me as your confidant, guide and friend. As we speak to one another, let us help the gospel to take root even more completely in the soil around White Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Shalom,
Rev. Hix (Duane)