Hi First Presbyterian Church,
It’s time for our Mid-Week Meet-Up! We’re on Day 357 of our one-year Bible-reading journey, and worship for the next few Sundays will be focused on our readings of the Book of Revelation. It’s hard to believe that our year ends in less than two weeks! I’ve certainly learned and grown with you through this process, and I pray you all have, too.
I want to take a moment in today’s message to update you on some important staffing developments here at the church. This likely won’t come as a surprise—many of you have heard pieces of this unfolding story over the past year—but I’d like to offer a concise summary of where things stand.
Craig Kunkle has had a remarkable year. After faithfully serving as our Director of Christian Education, Craig transitioned into the role of Director of Youth and Family Ministries, where he has taken on leadership of our youth ministry with care and dedication. At the same time, he has been progressing through the rigorous ordination process of our denomination.
This past year, Craig successfully passed all five major ordination exams: Bible Content, Bible Exegesis, Theological Competence, Worship and Sacraments, and Polity. He has also been actively involved in ministry at Batavia Presbyterian Church, which has served as his official “support church” during this process. Recently, the Presbytery officially examined and approved him as a candidate for ministry, and the Committee on Preparation for Ministry has now authorized him to begin seeking a pastoral call. If you haven’t already, take a moment to congratulate Craig—his journey through this process is no small feat, and he’s walked it with persistence.
Naturally, this means that at some point in the future, Craig will be leaving FPC Pittsford to step into his calling as a Pastor. However, that time has not yet come. The search for a pastoral position can take time, and Craig remains fully with us for the foreseeable future. We will have plenty of time to celebrate his 14 years of faithful service, to say our goodbyes, and to send him off with gratitude, love, and prayer.
In preparation for this eventual transition, the Session is beginning to form a search committee to find Craig’s successor. While there is no immediate urgency, we want to be proactive and ensure a smooth, thoughtful handoff for our children and youth ministries, which remain a vital part of our church’s mission.
What’s most important for you to know now is this: our children and youth ministry is in good hands. Craig continues to faithfully lead, and the Session is committed to ensuring a seamless and strong future for this ministry. Please continue to show your gratitude and support to Craig. His contributions have shaped the lives of so many in our congregation, and we are blessed to walk alongside him as he follows God’s call into the next chapter of his ministry.
Peace,
Pastor Aaron