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Welcoming Our New Parish Associates

One of the gifts we have received at Northminster this year has been the grace-filled presence of two wonderful people, The Revs. Ann and Bill Robertson. Ann and Bill have served churches in Florida, Vermont, and Ohio. They came to the Presbytery of Detroit in 2005. As members at large, they have served as Parish Associates at University Presbyterian, Rochester and Interim pastors at the Holly Presbyterian Church and the Auburn Presbyterian Church.

As you may know, ordained clergy do not become official members of a local church. Rather we are members of a Presbytery. So if a pastor is not in a called position, he or she chooses a congregation where they can participate in ministry. Ann and Bill have chosen Northminster! Can you hear me shouting yea?!!

At its November meeting, Session agreed to the position of Parish Associate with Revs. Ann and Bill Robertson which they will begin officially on January 1, 2011. The Robertsons will be volunteering their time, with the exception of when they preach, and fill a part time job description with flexible hours that will allow them to travel and enjoy their family. Ann will be involved in the work of Worship and Music Committee and Church, Society and Mission Committee. Bill will work with the Deacons and Stewardship and Finance Committee. Both of them will participate in our staff meetings and assist with pastoral care, worship and other projects as they arise. Bill and Ann are excited about being our partners in ministry. They have a deep faith to share. They are gracious, compassionate and welcoming to all. And, to top it all off, they share a wonderful sense of humor. Please greet them and get to know them. I guarantee you--it will be a gift of joy!

Grace and peace,
Charlotte, Pastor

A Note from the Robertsons...

Let us begin by telling you how thankful we feel to have found Northminster and now to be part of the church staff as Parish Associates. Many of you may be aware that Presbyterian pastors are members of the Presbytery and not of a local church congregation. Thus it is always wonderful to find a church "home." Over the past six years, since moving from Vermont to Michigan, we have served two churches as interim pastors - Auburn Hills Presbyterian and Holly Presbyterian. In addition, we were Parish Associates at University Presbyterian Church in Rochester Hills. There was joy in ministry at all three of these churches and we are thankful for these experiences and the people with whom we served.

From the beginning, there was an immediate spirit of welcoming at Northminster. We both find worship spiritually rich and Charlotte's sermons challenging and inspiring. As a congregation, we have felt a genuine outpouring of hospitality and feel fortunate to be a part. It is an open and affirming place to be.

We feel great excitement at the prospect of sharing and being a part of Northminster's Pastoral Team. We also give thanks for the prospect of new beginnings with you. Our hands and hearts are open to these new beginnings with each and all of you. Blessings to you and joy for the New Year!

Circle of Trust This is a group for those who want to deepen their faith, speak their truth and discern God’s will for their lives. The group will use brief litanies, poetry, silent meditation and share experiences. Charlotte leads this group on Sundays, 9-10 am, in the lounge. Newcomers welcome any time!  Please see Charlotte for more info.