St Paul's United Church of Christ
50 North Main St.
PO Box 129
Manheim, PA 17545
717-665-2447
The Reverend William J. LaSalle, Pastor
email:stpaulsucc@dejazzd.com

Pastor's Message

January 2008

“New occasions teach new duties” is a phrase from a familiar hymn. That phrase is appropriate these days for St. Paul’s youth ministry. Sheryl Haertter, our full time Youth Director, approached me privately early in December. Sheryl requested that the full time status of the youth director position be changed to part-time status. She requested this change due to the new demands of her growing family and the need to relieve her current childcare provider.

Sheryl and I spent some time evaluating her current job description and identified the core programs of St. Paul’s youth ministry that are meaningful and essential. Her request was brought to the elders, and following discussion and negotiation, presented to the Consistory. At their December meeting, the Consistory voted to revise the job description and make the Youth Director a part-time salaried position. Sheryl will average 20 hours per week, effective January 1, 2008.

Sheryl will continue to develop and lead the Sunday morning/afternoon youth program to include social, service and spiritual aspects. She will be present and available to youth on Wednesday nights when many youth are here at church for various music programs. She will continue to teach a Sunday School class, organize the annual youth worship service, and coordinate youth involvement in support of numerous congregational activities. In addition, the Youth Director is responsible for organizing two youth retreats each year and encourage youth participation in Penn Central Conference and Lancaster Association UCC youth programs.

Sheryl will continue to recruit and organize a youth task force of parents and other adults to assist in the various programs. She will remain available as a resource for youth, preserving confidentiality when appropriate.
Sheryl will not be expected to make family visitations, attend youth sports and school activities or plan family outings as she did in the past. Her focus will be on youth in the 7th through 12th grades. Others in the church will need to pick up the responsibility for the sixth grade and under activities if we want them. Sheryl will not attend regular meetings of the Board of Christian Education, except as needed. At its November meeting, the Consistory voted to have the Youth Director report to and be supervised by the pastor. She is no longer supervised by the Board of Christian Education, but will coordinate activities through the Director of Christian Education.

Sheryl Haertter has been a blessing to our youth and an important part of the ministry of St. Paul’s U.C.C. for many years. We look forward to continuing her caring ministry with youth in the future under this new arrangement. We ask for your patience and prayers in this time of transition.

Shalom,
Pastor LaSalle