Pastor's Note for May 2026

Greetings to everyone who is a part of Delmar Presbyterian!

When I worked in a furniture shop, I often found the most difficult part of the day was the last two hours, usually 3 to 5 or 4 to 6. In the morning, I started in with energy and enthusiasm for the day, a feeling that lasted right up to lunch. After lunch, I was renewed and ready to get back to my bench and whatever project awaited me. But around 3 o’clock, it seems my energy just ran out. The eagerness of the morning had melted away like the morning fog. I could see the finish line, but it seemed so far away. It always took a bit of resolve and fortitude to keep up the pace until the finish line arrived. Some of you have expressed such a feeling in regard to our search for a new pastor.

We began the process with excitement at a congregational meeting to elect our pastor nominating committee. They dove into their work, meeting weekly to launch a nation-wide search for the next person to serve here. It seems like it was a long time ago, but in reality, it was only about eight months ago. The committee has continued to work hard, still meeting weekly, keeping in touch, sorting and prayerfully discerning God’s direction. Still, it feels like it’s 3 o’clock, doesn’t it? We’re ready to be done, but there’s still time on the clock, still work to do. I reflect on this for two reasons.

First, to remind us of all that God’s time is not always our time. We want what we want when we want it; but God knows better than we do. We, as a people of faith, trust that God has already chosen the right person and is waiting for the right moment to reveal that person to us. Which leads me to my second reason for reflection. Some have asked if the committee is working. In a word, “Absolutely!” They are still meeting weekly, praying, discerning, listening, searching. Theirs is a most difficult task that requires much of them. They are serving faithfully and dealing with a changing pool of pastors who are available and interested in serving here. This search is different from any that has gone before due to changes in the church and our culture (which is fodder for a different article…).

What our PNC needs is our support and our prayers in the days to come. They need to know we appreciate the time and the effort they are devoting to this task, even as they maintain their involvement in other areas of the church’s life. They need to know we trust them, worry about them getting tired, and want to support them however we can. I believe in the power of prayer, and I keep them in mine every day and invite you to do the same.

So, even if it is 3 o’clock, let us continue in love together until that finish line looms before us—I certainly intend to be here until 5 or 6 or whatever time it takes!

Peace, Ken