Yesterday evening I received a phone call from an officer in the church. She's one of my references, so she knows I've been seeking a new call. "Have you heard anything from that church?" Her daughter is a case manager at the workshop, and she had heard that we were moving. I told her it wasn't for publication, and it wasn't all finalized, but yes, we are moving.
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This is a small community, and I know that at least 2 individuals made a beeline for the women who were here Sunday from Capital. I'm sure that I will be receiving other phone calls like the one I received last night. I spent over 30 minutes on the phone with the woman last night. She thinks she'll just resign once I leave, because she doesn't want to hold her office if I'm not here. I offered reassurance, and told her that my main priority the next couple of months is going to be to do everything in my power to make sure the transition goes smoothly for the church. I told her to begin to make a list of the things that need to be addressed prior to my departure.
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She's mad at the people who have been wanting me to leave, and told me she hopes they get on the search committee. Then they can see what it's like to try to find a new pastor. I told her that currently there are 4-5 ministers looking for every position there is available. That surprised her. Of course, many of those people looking will not want to come to Tiny Village.
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After I finished talking to her, I called Far Away Sister (she had called in the midst of that conversation). I had forwarded her 4 real estate listings, and she and Tall Niece had decided which one was best. It was my favorite, too, and we can't believe how low the price is on it. Of course, it may be sold before I'm ready to buy, but I will find the right house in the right location. Daughter would love this particular house, because it's very close to the mall. That means it's also very close to a number of restaurants, which would mean community employment opportunities for her.
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Daughter was watching last night as I was getting some things ready to email to a mortgage broker as I seek preapproval and some idea of how big a mortgage I will be able to get. Suddenly she started to laugh. I looked up. "What's so funny?"
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"Nothing. I'm just happy."
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I'm happy, too.
2 comments:
It's wonderful that you'll be near a mall where your DD might be able to find work. Could your new house be set up so DD can have her own "apartment" inside? Some houses have what's called a mother-in-law apartment with a separate entrance, small kitchen, bath and bedroom. It could be a good step toward independence for her.
Will the Tiny Village church have an interim minister after you leave? Our church had one after the pastor of 20-plus years retired. It really helped prevent the inevitable comparisons when the new pastor was hired about two years later. There are pastors who only serve in interim positions. But you probably know this already.
I've considered looking for a house with an in-law apartment. I've about decided that right now that would not be a good thing. Daughter is not ready for it, and would want it, and it would be frustrating for both of us. It's something to keep in mind for the future.
After the last pastor left, this congregation chose not to have an interim for financial reasons. When I arrived, they had been 2 years without a pastor and it was a challenging beginning. The woman who had been typing the bulletin was angry that I thought I was in charge of the order of worship. She'd been doing it, and had a difficult time giving it up. I have told the board that my hope for them is that this time they will make a decision based on ministry, not finances, and get an interim pastor. I think (hope) they are seeing the wisdom in that.
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