Fort Bragg Information

Dear Members and Friends of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Bragg, CA, After much anticipation, the Mission Study, which was approved at the May 16th Session meeting is available. It is a snapshot in time of our church and community. The study was compiled by the current Session, plus former elders Iris Loushin and Steve Worthen, during many months of diligent work. Input from the congregation in small group meetings and participation in a church survey also are included. Special thanks go to Marcia Williams for the studys narrative and to Sylvia Burns for the bar graph statistics. This study is one of the first big steps in finding a permanent pastor for our church as it will be included in our presentation to the Presbytery and to potential pastoral candidates. Presbytery has the responsibility to guide the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) through the pastoral call process providing training, oversight and assistance. Presbytery will also have a role in the reverence and background checks for the finalists being considered. Presbytery must examine the PNCs finalist for presbytery membership and concur with their final decision before a call can be issued. The second big step is that our Presbytery Liaison is now on boardwelcome, Rev. Bill McGuinness. Our PNC has begun meeting and Bill will help guide it. Interim pastor Cheryl Finch who serves as moderator of Session will also support the work of the PNC, but not be directly involved with their work. Its seven members elected by the congregation are Tara Estes, Marsha Jeffries, Nancy Jorgensen, Sid Long, Eve Oliphant, DeAnne Payne, and Steve Worthen. So NOW IT IS FULL STEAM AHEAD as our search begins in earnest for a new pastor. May we all be blessed as we undertake this challenging and exciting journey!