UPDATE FROM PASTOR SPENCER

Posted on May 3, 2021 in General, NEWS |

PASTOR’S UPDATE LETTER

WE HAVE EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE

 
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
 
I borrow and paraphrase a line from A. A. Milne, author of Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky I am to have [someone] that makes saying goodbye so hard.” How lucky, how fortunate, how blessed I am and we are to have someone like Kelly LePenske. She makes saying goodbye so hard.
 
This coming Sunday, May 2, we say goodbye and thank you to Kelly as she concludes three years of exceptional ministry. Thirteen days later, she marries Joey Sponseller in California. Kelly preaches at both services on this communion Sunday. After the second service, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Kelly and Joey return to the Main Parking lot for a Drive-Through Farewell Reception. I hope you’ll worship with us and then come to bless this couple.
 
Kelly’s departure marks a new time of waiting and prayer for us. I share news about some help that’s on the way and other help that will arrive.
 
  • Meet Peter Jonescu: At its stated meeting on Tuesday evening, April 27, Session voted to hire Peter Jonescu to serve as part-time Interim Director of Congregational Ministries. Peter is about to graduate with a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. He’s a candidate for ordination under care of the Los Ranchos Presbytery in southern California. Peter believes that God has called him to serve in both academia and the local church. He plans to do doctoral studies in theology at Princeton Seminary in another year. Peter comes from southern California. He earned a degree from Baylor University before coming to Princeton. He loves dogs and he has a great beard. Peter begins his 25-hour a week, part-time position in early May.
  • APNC Update: Our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) has redirected its efforts once again in its task of finding a candidate to serve as Associate Pastor. This faithful, praying group has lost no energy or focus since they began their work two years ago. They are now receiving Personal Information Forms (PIFs) from interested pastors. We can’t say when we’ll have an Associate Pastor here; we only know that God will deliver to us the person we need in His perfect time. APNC Members: Kevin Fauvell, chair; Carole Wehn, Adrienne Barr, Jane Murphy and Marsha Booker.
  • Youth Director Search Committee: We’re seeking a full-time non-ordained Youth Director to lead our youth program. I know that many of our young people feel disconnected to our church right now. It’s been a tough year for our students. Under the excellent leadership of Dave Fauvell, members of the High School and Middle School Youth Groups have had opportunities to “be together” virtually and occasionally, in person. Dave has organized events and stayed in touch with our young people, while doing his full-time job and planning his June wedding. I look forward to the day when we have a full-time Youth Director who can pour herself or himself into the lives of our youth. The Youth Director Search Committee has received many strong resumes thus far. They’ve started interviewing a few. Please pray regularly for this wonderful committee in this crucial moment. Youth Director Search Committee Members: Michael Hock, chair, Gwen Wilkie, Tamara Trzeciak, Carl Krott, Izzy Delgado and Christian Trzeciak (Izzy and Christian are members of the Youth Group.) Dave Fauvell serves in an advisory role without a vote.
 
Several of you have expressed your worries for me as we await the day when we’re fully staffed. Thank you for your concern. I know that you pray for me regularly and that’s the most important gift you can give. I’ll ask for your patience in these days. I may not respond as quickly to email or texts but I’ll do my best.
 
I promise you that I’m seeking daily the strength and wisdom that I need from God. I give glory to God because he has provided both, faithfully and abundantly throughout the pandemic and, really, every day of my life. The fourth petition of the Lord ’s Prayer, “Give us today our daily bread,” reminds me that each day I am to ask for all I need, certain that God will generously provide. That’s also true for us as we wait for God’s good provision of those who will soon serve us.
 
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Stuart
 
Stuart Spencer, Pastor