Conference minister Gast to retire: interim arrangements committee named

Conference minister Mary Susan Gast announced May 8 that she would be retiring in February 2011 after 14 years of service in the Northern California Nevada Conference.

The Conference Council has named Jack Dawson and Melinda McLain as co-chairs of an interim arrangements committee to identify an interim Conference minister and ensure a smooth transition in leadership.  The committee also includes Council members Roy Mosley, Patsy Finster, and John Meermans.  The Conference Council at their June 5 meeting, with new representatives from associations, and the leadership of President Meredith Jackson, learned about transition issues from Susan Towner-Larson, staff on Conference relations from the UCC national setting. 

Gast wrote to the Conference email list (be in touch with Joy Davis to get on this list):

"I had intended to wait until summer to tell you that I plan to retire in February 2011.  I figured that Annual Gathering 2010 was way too early to be saying any goodbyes.  But when I saw the outline of the closing worship service and realized that the benediction I delivered would mark more than the closing of one more Annual Gathering, I recognized that, for the sake of transparency in both our community and business life, I needed to let you know of my plans.
 
"We have walked together for more than 13 years so far, through times of uncertainty and duress, with great faith and joy and mutual encouragement, into hope and strengthened covenant and spiritual undauntedness. So why would I choose to retire now, with so many dreams coming to fruition and so many visions for new ministry taking shape? 

"I will turn 65 on October 27, and while that landmark birthday does not necessitate retirement, it is a reminder to me that it takes a lot more effort to keep up the pace I have set for myself, given that I really am constitutionally unable to tone it down in intensity or pull it back in scope.  And I am attuned to a new call in the wind, a call to do more writing, to concentrate on some particular justice issues, to reconfigure my life in a new harmony with God’s melody of creation and redemption, nagging and nurture."

A gala event will be held in January to celebrate Gast’s long and fruitful ministry within the Conference and in the wider church.  Stay tuned for more details.

Since 1960 our Conference has been served by four Conference ministers: Dick Norberg, Mineo Katagiri, David Jamieson and Mary Susan Gast.  There have been fruitful interims between each of these ministries.  We enter a new era.

Please be in touch with Jack Dawson or Melinda McLain with questions, concerns, or ideas. "Transitions in leadership sometimes create anxiety, but they also create new opportunities.  We know that God isn’t finished with us yet and we will begin this new chapter in our wider church life filled with hope and excitement" said Melinda McLain.

It is expected, as in a local church transition, that an interim Conference minister will serve our Conference for at least a year.  At the same time, the Conference Council will appoint a search committee for a settled Conference minister. During this transition time, the Conference will engage in some time of self-study and reflection to prepare for new leadership even as vital ministries are maintained.