Senior Minister Search Committee Update | March 2022

Dear Riverside Family,

The Senior Minister Search Committee greets you again this March with open arms even though our hearts are heavy as we witness the suffering of our siblings around the world subjected to the tyranny of war and oppression. As we enter this season of Lent and as we continue in this next phase of our search for the Senior Minister our God has already chosen, we are reminded that we are not alone in this journey. Our work is rooted in purpose and grace.

Our job posting and church profile remain accessible and widely distributed. You can find the link here. As always, we need your hands and feet to ensure that this opportunity reaches the greatest number of the most qualified applicants. Our process (as summarized broadly in the chart below) remains methodical, progressive, tactical, and in-keeping with the spirit of confidentiality that each candidate was assured. While our plans are bold and magnanimous and have been carefully mapped out, we remain tempered by the knowledge that God’s plans are always greater, more expansive, and life-giving than anything we could ever have imagined for ourselves. Be assured that our unique search process requires us to look beyond what is quantifiable; that we study beyond what is in plain sight; that we review qualifications with new eyes; and that we pray without ceasing. The Riverside congregation is owed at least that much.

Process Summary:

Please continue to hold us in prayer and we invite you to reflect with us using the words of Pope Francis as a guide during this Lenten season:

Do you want to fast this Lent?

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worries and have trust in God.

Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words; be silent and listen.

With God’s grace,

Alexa, Andrea, Annie, Beth, David, Emily, Hylda, Karissa, Lee, Lisa, and Mark