Staff

An Note from our Congregation President, Mark Cord III

Jan 1, 2011

I stare out the window watching my dog Ginger bound about our back yard in the newly fallen snow and I find some perspective. A snow storm first brings to my mind the shoveling of snow, cold, school cancellations, and difficult driving conditions. To Ginger, snow is an opportunity to explore, dive in the snow with all four feet, her nose digging under the snow with her entire body involved in sniffing and taking in the riches of the new  environment. It occurs to me that there is another layer beyond what I was willing to see!

I believe that we have the very same opportunity before us at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Our changing environment has a layer of concerns, but also a layer of opportunity and discovery. We can observe the church from many different vantage points, through the window as an observer with concern and caution, or we can get our paws deep in the snow and our nose to the ground and really experience our environment and prepare for God’s call. I believe we have a strong base established for a year of discovery and growth.

Our opportunities begin with the arrival of our new Interim Pastor Kenneth Leischner who brings with him a wealth of experience as an Interim Pastor and in conference ministry, serving several diverse communities around the country. Pastor Kenn’s home is in Columbus, Nebraska, and I am hopeful that his arrival in Sioux City on March 1st will have the feel of a homecoming for him.

The role of an interim pastor is critical to the self discovery process of a church working through the loss of a long-time pastor, reflection and change, and the search for a new called pastor.

What will the coming years bring? Let us listen for God’s still-speaking voice and always try to sniff the air for opportunities.

With optimism and hope,

Mark Cord

Interim Pastor...Rev Kenn Leischner

Director of Program and Christian Education...Alaire Willits

Administrative Assistant...Nancy Van Roekel

Director of Music/Organist...Rick Darrow

Accompanist...Mary Jo Weins

Custodian...Jim McCrory

Child Care Provider...Gina Moyer