This past weekend was an extremely exciting time in the life of our church. Jay and Jen Haugh and their two kids were in town for Jay to candidate to be our Senior Pastor. Many of you were able to come to one of the four "get to know Jay" sessions on October 19-20. And then God spoke to us through Jay on Sunday morning in our Worship Services. Jay showed how Jesus is always in control and cares deeply for us, even when we experience pain, suffering and loss. And then, at least in my mind, the crescendo: our congregational meeting Sunday afternoon. We had a very large turnout and many absentee ballots cast as well.
If you weren't at the meeting to participate, hear the results and feel the excitement and unity in our church family, it was truly a God-moment. Over 99% of the 407 votes cast were yes to Jay becoming our Senior Pastor. This near-unanimous result was very affirming that, as Ed Luebe, head of the search team said all along, "God's got this!"
Please pray for Jay and Jen to find the house God wants them to have in Cedar Rapids. Also pray that their neighbors, who want to buy their house in Washington, would sell their house quickly. That would allow Jay and Jen and the kids to move here quickly, hopefully before the end of the year. Also please pray for their family as they say goodbye to the many close friends and colleagues God brought into their lives in Washington over the past few years.
Thanks to all who participated in the various meetings with Jay and then voting. We have much to look forward to as we continue to seek God's leading for our church.