Caring Conversations

After the 10:30 service on December 1st, nearly 40 SUM members gathered in Wesley Hall to hear more about the Quad (SUM, Copper Hill, North Canton, and Washington Hill) and share their collective concern about the model’s impact on Pastor Gene and Deacon Deb. As those gathered sat around circular tables and shared coffee, conversation, and cookies, we heard a brief history of how the Quad model came to be, as well as updates on how it is going.  

Each of the four churches has its own strengths, opportunities, and set of challenges. They all require personalized pastoral care in addition to regular Sunday preaching. Deacon Deb and Pastor Gene thanked a group of committed exhorters, willing lay participants who develop and deliver the Good News on Sundays across the Quad, for keeping an untenable model moving forward. That said, it was acknowledged that the pace, need, and volume - even with lay leadership - has reached its tipping point.

Concerned members of SUM shared their thoughts as well, from frustration to true worry that too much has been put upon Deacon Deb and Pastor Gene due to their proven skill set and strength. Church leaders also chimed in that they have officially shared similar concerns with district leadership on behalf of church membership. After about an hour of conversation, Deacon Deb shared a draft proposal, recently vetted with Church Council leaders, that outlines potential next steps, particularly in light of Deacon Deb’s pending retirement. The written document (link here) will be shared with our Superintendent and Bishop.  

If you would like to discuss this further, please reach out to Council Chair Sue Lemke, Deacon Deb, or Pastor Gene. 

Sue Lemke
Church Council Chair