“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.
Pastor Mitzi and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) have begun interviewing candidates recommended by District Superintendent Chris Brady to serve on an interim basis in the areas of discipleship and missions, and congregational care/visitation. We will make announcements as decisions are made related to those areas. Meanwhile, we share the following staff changes.
Sandy Elledge to Retire
July 30
Office Manager, Sandy Elledge, who has served faithfully in the Soapstone office since Nov. 2009, will retire on July 30. She once said that her favorite part of her job is “helping people and listening when someone tells a story about a family member.” She will now get to spend time helping and listening to her own family: her mother, husband Mike, their children, and their one-year-old grandson. We send her into this new season with our blessing. Be sure to stop by the office to wish her well.
Pianist Mark Burleson
Begins August 1
Mark Burleson began studying piano when he was ten years old and started playing for church services when he was fifteen. Mark served Guilford College UMC from 1991-2001. For the last 19 years, he has served Paw Creek Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. He blew us away with the musicality, emotion, and skill of his arrangement of “Come thou Fount of Every Blessing” at his audition. He is excited to start a new chapter in his music ministry at Soapstone.
Katie Cable Becomes
Communications Coordinator
Katie moves from part-time to full-time, effectively immediately. Upon Sandy’s retirement, she will assume responsibility for our website, e-news and other emails, social media, announcement slides, print material, banners and more. In addition to her communication responsibilities, Katie will continue to serve in the role of Financial Secretary. Katie has a deep love for Soapstone UMC, a willingness to serve, and an interest in growing in her knowledge and skills related to Communications. Congratulations, Katie!
Eileen Keenan Steps Down from Role as Artist in Residence
As artist in residence, Eileen Keenan has led our congregation to create, build, make, paint, write and dream together ways of sharing Christ with all. With her beautiful way of reading scripture and discernable spirit of joy, she has modeled what it means to make God’s word a living word in our lives. We celebrate her many gifts as she steps down from a public role to serve Christ through more contemplative practices.
Seeking Church Administrative Assistant
We are now accepting cover letters and resumes for a new part-time (25-30 hours a week) Church Administrative Assistant position. Know an experienced, highly qualified administrative assistant who would be just right for the Soapstone UMC team? Please share the link!
Grace and Peace, Pastor Mitzi
Sarah Lancaster, SPRC Chair