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

March 2008

Youth Director Resigns

Sheryl Haertter informed the church on January 30th that she was resigning from the position of Youth Director effective immediately.  Her announcement was a shock to many of us, since we had recently worked out a plan to honor her request to go from full time to part time status.  Some members have expressed disappointment, hurt and anger about her resignation and concern about the youth programs, past, present and future.

Sheryl has served the church as Youth Director for ten years.  She has touched many lives in positive ways.  I would encourage anyone who has appreciated Sheryl’s presence with us to express this with a note of thanks to her by mail or e-mail (haertteryd@aol.com).

I am pleased to report that a number of parents and other church leaders have pitched in to carry on the youth group activities and Sunday School class.  The Youth Task Force has recruited new members and has planned activities for youth through the month of April.  Other parents have stepped up and will plan activities for younger youth, 4th-6th grades.  Keep your eyes open in the bulletin and newsletters for upcoming activities.  Be assured that our children and youth will not be forgotten.

While parents and the Youth Task Force are providing the leadership in the short run, the Consistory began a process to determine the long term leadership and ministry needs for our children and youth. A Youth/Young Adult Ministry Task Force will be appointed to study the present and future program and ministry needs of children, youth and young adults.  This will be done in a process similar to the congregational study done before the pastoral search committee was organized.  This study will look at all aspects of children and youth ministry and programs as well as opportunities for young adults which have been sparse at St. Paul’s.

Using the study, this appointed Youth/Young Adult Ministry Task force will make recommendations to the Consistory and Congregation regarding staffing in this area for the future.  A search committee will then be formed to seek the appropriate leadership.

This process should not be hurried.  We must not dilly dally, but we must proceed with intentionality.  We ask for your patience, prayers and participation as we go through the grieving of the past, looking toward a new resurrected ministry in the future.

Shalom,
Pastor LaSalle