Dear Members of Westminster,                                                                     February 12, 2008

By this time, I am sure most of you have heard that Paul Ransford had a serious vascular episode (stroke) in December while he was working in his office at the church.  Thanks to the quick thinking of the church staff, paramedics were called and he was taken to UNC Hospital for immediate attention.  We are pleased to say Paul has made tremendous improvement thanks to his medical team, his hard work, and everyone’s prayers.

 Before this incident, Paul was already giving thought on when and how he might retire from his much loved role as Westminster’s Associate Pastor for Youth & Families.  In the best interest of his health, Paul feels he needs to retire now.  His retirement will become effective on April 3, 2008.

 The Sunday worship services on March 30th, 2008 will include a celebration of Paul’s ministry.  A luncheon will be served after the 11:00 a.m. worship service.  Also, in recognition of his work, the Session will establish a Paul Ransford Youth Ministry Fund to which members of Westminster and the community may make a donation in his honor.  Watch for announcements in upcoming newsletters about these retirement events. 

We are very thankful for Paul’s years of service and dedication to the ministry he has so richly developed in his tenure here at Westminster.  Please continue to keep Paul and his family in your prayers.

Fortunately for Westminster and the youth program, we are blessed with a strong Youth Council with many skilled and devoted adult leaders.  They have been meeting regularly and have a program which they feel they are capable of handling for the next two months.  Please keep these folks in your prayers as well.

 The Session has decided not to begin searching for a new Associate Pastor until after our new Senior Pastor has been called.  However, we will hire as soon as possible:    1) an interim full-time Youth Director and 2) a temporary part-time Associate Pastor to assist Jack and Betty with preaching and pastoral care.  The Personnel Committee has been asked by the Session to begin our search from within our own congregation for qualified candidates to fill the Youth Director’s position.  Please contact Don Heagren (489-7855), Bruce Cunningham (403-9698), or Jack Walchenbach (489-4974) if you would like to be considered for this position.  We will also appreciate your prayers of support during this time. 

In Christ,

 Don Heagren, Chairman

Personnel Committee