Thoughts from Pastor Amy:
What a welcome I've felt this week as I have begun service as your new interim pastor! Serving with Pastor Miriam and the staff and the amazingly gifted lay people is a joy. To all I have met, thanks for opening your arms and hearts to me. To all I have not yet met, I seek your prayers as we serve together.
Let me tell you a bit about myself. I am originally from Montana but have lived in the south much of my adult life. My husband, Bud, and I live in Conyers and we have two grown daughters who live with their families in SC and soon, NC. Bud served as an Army chaplain for 16 years and I have served as pastor in a number of places, both in local congregations and in specialized ministry. For the past 12 years, we've lived in Georgia where I served as pastor of Advent, LaGrange, for 6 years and then 5 years as Assistant to Bishop Ron Warren followed by Bishop Julian Gordy. Bud and I shared that position before retiring in June 2008.
For the next few months, I will be serving part time at Christ Our Shepherd, most often in the office on Sunday - Wednesday, though that schedule may change depending on the needs of the church. As you know, your call committee is hard at work to recommend a pastor to the church council who will then meet the congregation to be voted upon for call as your new senior pastor. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve with you during these months. It is a privilege to enter into your lives as you approach the time you will call a new pastor. I'm sure you join me in praying that your permanent pastor will be on board early in the New Year. Until then, I look forward to ministry with you in this place.,
God's peace be with you,
Pastor Amy Onstad