Pastor Transition Plan

After almost 29 years of service as MVPC’s pastor, Rev. Jim Rueb announced his plans to retire as of May 22, 2011. This website is designed to give you information about the process of saying goodbye to Pastor Jim and Joy Rueb and getting ready to find our new pastor.

Mission Study Team

  1. Purpose of the Mission Study Team - To engage in reflection and discernment with the congregation regarding God’s vision for MVPC in a manner that galvanizes the congregation for ministry in the next 5-10 years.
  2. Who is the committee? - Ron Budde, Shannon Cereghino, Les Deane, Bob Green, Keith Guinn, Kristen Maloney, Terry Martin, Matt McCormick, Leanne Rodowicz, Lorna Skantze-Neill, Tom Dabasinskas - Pastoral Liaison, David Goss - Committee on Ministry Liaison
  3. Why are we doing a Mission Study? – This is a requirement of the PCUSA in preparation for calling a new Senior Pastor. The team will complete a comprehensive review of the history, current status and future direction of the congregation in the areas of:
    • Spiritual health
    • Membership and church growth
    • Finances and stewardship
    • Pastoral leadership
    • Our role and relationship to the community of Lamorinda
    • Missionary involvement beyond our local community
    • Our relationship to Presbytery
  4. Recent Update – The Mission Study Team is preparing the Mission Study Report, which will combine the results of our research, surveys, reflection groups, interviews of current and former ministry leaders, individual input from the congregation, and our prayerful discernment to describe MVPC’s past and present, and where God would like us to go in the future. This information will help us as we make plans as a church and assist us in the selection of our next Senior Pastor.
  5. Timeline - Draft Report is currently in preparation and will be sent to the Presbytery Committee on Ministry and presented to Session in early 2012. The report will be finalized and presented to the congregation and the Pastor Nominating Committee following approval.
  6. How/When can I contribute? – Please pray for the Mission Study Team as they conclude their work

PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee)

  1. Purpose of PNC – to nominate our next Senior Pastor
  2. When did this start? - The committee was elected by the congregation on October 23, 2011 and began meeting together soon after.
  3. Who is on the committee?- Roy Balzer, John Bruel, Sam Choi, Jim Collins, Patti Francis, Kika Grupe, Kim Hamill, Gwen Lundmark, Matt McCormick, Dan Rodowicz, Cynthia Stoutamore.
  4. How was this committee chosen? - Nominations were received by our Nominating Committee. This committee ensured that there was representation of the various demographics of our church and presented the slate for approval in a congregational meeting.
  5. Are there any candidates yet? - No, the formal posting of the open position has not been made yet.  That will happen after the Mission Study is completed (see Mission Study above) 
  6. Recent Update – The committee is meeting twice a month and preparing to recieve the Mission Study when it is complete.  It will then post the CIF (Church Information Form) and then post the open position with the PCUSA and other appropriate internet recruiting sites.

  8. IPSC (Interim Pastor Selection Committee)

    1. Purpose of IPSC - To nominate an Interim Pastor for MVPC who will be approved by the Session and Presbytery.
    2. Recent Update- The IPSC reviewed over 80 candidates and selected Rev Geoffrey Brown and he was approved by the Session.  Geoff began his first day with us on October 1st.
    3. Who was on the committee?- Pat Irwin, George Duey, Ron Fadelli, Dona Snow, Mike Lippmann, Krista Benson, Gary Hein, Tom Dabasinskas - Pastoral Liaison, David Goss – Committee on Ministry Liaison
    4. Why do we need an Interim Pastor? - The role of an Interim Pastor is to help a congregation adjust to the loss of one pastor and get ready to welcome another. As an outside “consultant”, they offer valuable insight into who we are as a church so we can become more aware of our strengths and growth areas. They will also assist the Associate Pastors in leading the church through this transition time by leading the Session and sharing in the preaching. Their role is to help our church continue to move forward into the future that God has called us to and become ready to receive the next pastor God will bring to MVPC.
    5. Timeline of IPSC
      • February 2011– April 2011 Review candidate information and phone interviews
      • May 2011 Meet with top candidates
      • June 2011 Finalize terms of call with candidate & Presbytery
      • July 2011 Candidate presented for approval to Session & Presbytery
      • Fall 2011 Interim Pastor begins work at MVPC

Transition Documents