First Weeks On The Job Are Pleasantly Uneventful for Interim, Massachusetts Conference Edition, United Church News

First Weeks On The Job Are Pleasantly Uneventful for Interim

March/April 2005

Willie Sordillo, Administrative Assistant to the Minister and President (left), and Steve Sterner, new Interim Minister and President, discuss the upcoming schedule.

Upon arrival at the Massachusetts Conference office in February, Steve Sterner's first impression was that he has taken the helm of a well-run organization. "I am amazed at how organized the conference is despite its complexity," comments the new Interim Minister and President. "It's a tribute to the staff that the organization has in place the systems necessary to take care of most of the varying needs of a very diverse membership."

Sterner, who took office on February 9th as the newly appointed Interim Minister and President, has spent most of his first weeks on the job listening and learning. "I have met with the staff to find out what they do and how they do it; and I see they are a great team."

In his opening letter to the membership, Sterner wrote: "Ash Wednesday I began my ministry with and among you as Interim Conference Minister and President. It is a joy to be with you. In my time with you I will not be able to meet or know you all. However, I do want you to know that I am here as a servant among you. As I visit congregations and attend gatherings I will do my best to get to know you."

"I have pondered the fact that I begin with you on Ash Wednesday, the day that begins a season of reflection, introspection, and prayer. In some ways that describes what our time together will be. But we must not forget that this season is not without Easter, for even in Lent we celebrate Easter every Sunday. As we experience this interim time it is important to do the work that is before us. It will require prayer and reflection. However, we must also keep in mind that there is much Easter joy and hope present in our life together as the Massachusetts Conference."

"I invite you to share with me in prayer each day of this Lenten Season. My prayers will be for our many faith communities and faithful leaders as well as for our unity in Christ and in covenant as the Massachusetts Conference and the United Church of Christ. I encourage your prayers as well."

Sterner has already started talking with many pastors and has preached at various churches throughout the state. "So far," he comments, "I have found that the members are energized about being in the United Church of Christ. It is my job over the next 18 months to nourish that excitement, making sure the momentum is continued and the spirit is sustained."

Note: Sterner's upcoming schedule is posted on the "President's Corner" section of the Conference web site.