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Important Pastoral Transition Updates
We continue to be hard at work ensuring a careful pastoral transition as we conclude Pastor Sean’s ministry among us. This letter has important updates and information about that transition.
Pastor Sean’s priorities in the remaining weeks are worship prep and leadership, being available to our folks who wish to meet with him, and the various administrative tasks required to smoothly transition information and resources to other leaders.
We look forward to welcoming the Rev. Molly Carlson, Conference Minister for the Illinois Conference UCC, to Pastor Sean’s final worship service with us on September 26. At that time, we will join together in releasing one another from the covenant we made when his service here began.
Rev. Carlson will ask us, Do you, the members and friends of Lyonsville Congregational United Church of Christ, release Sean Williams from the duties of pastor?’ One of the questions addressed to Pastor Sean will be, ‘Do you, Sean Williams, release this local church from turning to you and depending on you?’
Pastors in the United Church of Christ are expected and required to maintain certain boundaries and practices after their departure. This is to assist the congregation in letting go and, in due time, with welcoming a new pastor. Pastor Sean has discussed these boundaries with the council and we share them with you here.
After October 1, Pastor Sean will no longer perform any pastoral services for us, nor leading any worship services, nor discussing any church matters with us. The vows mean that we will not make such requests of him. He will neither initiate nor return contact for a year after his departure, which includes limiting the visibility of social media posts for those connected to him in that way. While we acknowledge these are difficult boundaries to set, we understand they have been developed in our tradition for good reason and we support them.
Pastor Sean has this to say: “The boundaries associated with what pastors call ‘departure ethics’ can be difficult to understand. Any change in a relationship is hard. But they are in place for both of us - so that you and I can both have the opportunity to fully move on into the future God has for us. The nature of our bond within the Church of Jesus Christ will will change, but that bond itself will never change.”
“I also strongly encourage you to take advantage of the remaining time if you wish to talk with me one-on-one. You’re always welcome to send emails or texts or make quick calls. But if you want to set aside some time, please make an appointment at freebusy.io/PastorSean (preferred if you’re able) or ask me for some available times.”
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. We look forward to celebrating Pastor Sean’s ministry among us, and welcoming the “next thing” God has for us.
Sanna Bashor, Moderator
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