Dear Saints of Grace,
Let’s talk about Scott. As you are aware, last year we hired Scott Dillon to be an Assistant Pastor for worship and youth. We were thrilled to hire him and extend a call to him to come and be a part of our pastoral team. However, we did not anticipate that there would be a problem with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) giving permanent visas to their two adopted Peruvian children. Letters were written to Senators and Representatives. A lawyer was hired by Scott and Meghan to assist with the case. Back in February the lawyer informed them that their case is complicated, and this is contributing to the delay in getting the visas. Meanwhile, the pastoral staff and Session were wondering what we should do as we wait for the visas to come through. So, the pastoral staff devised a plan with several options, considering what is best for the long-term health and growth of the mission and vision of Grace Church. Together we agreed that having the Dillon family serving here at Grace is right in line with our vision and mission. We continue to desire them to come, and they also want to be here with us. But what will we do while we wait?
After much prayer and discussion, the Session and pastoral staff concluded that a long-term solution best addresses the waiting. The rationale behind a long-term plan is that I will retire in about 7 years and having another person with Joshua and Scott, rooted, and grounded in the ministry of Grace, will enable the ministry to continue without missing a beat, and without having to start another search process. The plan includes changing Scott’s job description and adding to him the ministry to families, an area in which we are growing, and overseeing the youth, working with John Haller. This means we hire a full-time Worship Director to do the administration of music, choir, worship teams, orchestra, musicians, and working out the vision of the pastors for creating worship services. We have talked with Scott about this plan, and he agrees with this course of action. Also, we have begun the search for a Worship Director. We are seeking to “fish” from several pools including our presbytery, seminaries, denominational college, and networks.
Let’s face it, waiting is not fun. The pandemic is still making things difficult, but I thank the Lord for all of you whom he has made faithful to him and each other! But the scripture tells us two things about waiting. Isaiah 40:31 says, “but they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Waiting on the Lord is renewal, enabling one to soar longer, run and walk without tiring. The second thing about waiting is also from Isaiah, “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exults himself to show mercy to you. for the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” (Isa. 30:18) God waits! Why? He waits to be gracious to us and to show us mercy. How fantastic is that! We dare not, out of impatience and running ahead of the Lord, miss the graciousness and mercy of our Lord. There is blessing in waiting. However, waiting is not idleness. We pursue planning and preparation for what the Lord will do as he gives us grace in replenishing us.
All of this says we are not like the song from the movie Encanto, where the family is afraid to “talk about Bruno, no, no, no.” No, we want to talk about Scott and keep talking about Scott. We welcome your feedback and questions, so ask and call, but more importantly keep praying for the Dillons and Grace.
In His Grace,
Kenny Foster