June 25, 2023 - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - Presentation and Pie Celebration of Pastor Steve's Penultimate Presiding as Creator's Bridge Pastor

The congregation celebrated with a presentation of two pictures, gift certificates and pie eating recognizing and honoring Pastor Steve's penultimate presiding over worship today.

Creator as a congregation has come a long way since January. Our relationship with Pastor Steve and Claudia has become very close. Pastor Steve admits he did not know what his experience being a Bridge Pastor would be like. Neither did the congregation. I believe it is fair to say everyone's expectations  of what our shared journey was were exceeded. 

Here is what Pastor Steve had to say:

Thank you, thank you!  What a wonderful surprise to be gifted on Sunday with your words and acts of appreciation!  The framed verses (Jeremiah 3:15 and Philemon 1:7) will find a special place in our home.  And the gift cards for Timberline Lodge and the Rendezvous (a favorite restaurant in Welches) will bring moments of enjoyment remembering you.  Your cards and words warm our hearts.  And the pies that followed worship were a great lunch!  

It has been a joy for both Claudia and me to meet the people of Creator and share these six months!  The term "Bridge Pastor" was new to me, and I had no particular plan but to be present with you during this time.  And it became apparent over the months that this is where I was supposed to be.

This Sunday at worship we'll "retire" the Call Committee who were commissioned to be representatives of  the congregation for the task of seeking a candidate to be Creator's pastor.  We thank them for their dedication in fulfilling this role as Pastor Emillie Binje is now to be welcomed!        

And I'll "retire" as your Bridge Pastor as Claudia and I give thanks to God whenever we think of you!

I read Pastor Steve's words with interest. I admit that the term Bridge Pastor was new to me as well. I did not know the difference between an Interim Pastor and a Bridge Pastor until Pastor Steve expertly navigated the Bridge Pastor role applying his years of experience and his intuition. His role was different than Pastor Janell's or the Supply Pastors Creator worked with for much of 2022. He played the role Creator needed from their pastor from the beginning of the year until now. All of us found a place in each other's hearts during our this time together.

Photos - Ron Houser

There were many people who helped with our celebration and gift giving. Pastor Steve and Claudia appreciated everyone who helped to organize, set up, clean up, or bring desserts.  It was a total surprise for Pastor Steve and Claudia. It was reminiscent of the surprise celebration  and gift of a cassock we gave to Pastor Janell when she departed.

Thanks to all for making our pie and presentation social the kind of  success that Creator is known for.