First Congregational
United Church of Christ
Do Justice
Love Kindness
Walk Humbly
Ecclesiastical Council for Emma Brewer-Wallin
In the UCC the authority to ordain ministers and to grant ministerial standing is given to Associations (the Central Pacific Conference acts as an Association for this purpose). The Ecclesiastical Council is a gathering of delegates to decide for or against ordination. (from the Manual on Ministry of the UCC)
Historically in the CPC we have held an Ecclesiastical Council in the home church of the Member in Discernment. While this was a comfortable and convenient practice, it did not meet the standard of the UCC, and the CPC Committee on Ministry has resolved to be in compliance. Fortunately, our use of Zoom technology makes this change convenient as well and we will hold this event as a webinar where participants can ask their questions and interact with Emma.
The Ecclesiastical Council is open to everyone but only delegates may vote. Our bylaws require participation of 50 delegates from 21 churches (half of the churches in the CPC) and we will document participation by having delegates register ahead of time. If you would like to be a voting delegate from First Congregational Church, please contact Rev. Yael as soon as you can.
Here is Emma Brewer-Wallin’s Ordination Paper for your consideration.
Our members are an extended family joining together in worship, education, social action, and cultural activities.
A Word from the Board
Hello Beloved Church –
As we process the news we received from our outgoing Pastor Yael, I just wanted to share a few things with you.
It is sad to lose a wonderful leader like Pastor Yael Lachman. I hope we can enjoy every minute we have with her and be grateful for the time she’s given to us over the last few years. I am so grateful for the gifts she has given our congregation. She will continue to be a blessing to us over these next few months.
As we move through this process I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, “for everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven…” There is a time for our sorrow about our pastor’s decision to move on, but there is also a time for joy in reflecting about her time with us. There will also be time for joy in the journey towards calling a new pastor.
Please continue to be the church. Reach out to each other. Pray, laugh and sigh.
Blessings to you all.
Love,
Sally
Who Quickens the Dead
Who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. —Romans 4.17, King James Version
As if
dealing with the living
were not enough.
As if
we were ready
for what we have
released
and grieved
to suddenly wake,
open its eyes,
and turn its face
toward us again.
As if
we believed
the hand that
wakes the dead
could wake us.
As if
the voice
that calls
into being
what does not exist
could call to us.
As if
we could let it.
—Jan Richardson
