Jana Vander Laan, Pastoral Resident Report - Nov 2007
I have been at COS for three months now, and I have enjoyed serving here. I have come to think of my work during these months like planting a garden. There is a time when a gardener gathers seeds and then plots where to plant them. Thereafter the gardener waits for the garden to bloom and then tends to the garden to keep it blooming. I am at the gathering and plotting stage. Here are a few of my seeds…
Janice McWhertor has taken me under her wing and is guiding me in the area of congregational life. She has explained to me the vision of both the parishes and the households, and I plan to work with her in sustaining these ministries. I have met with all the elders in the parishes to which I have been assigned. I am eager to learn how to support these elders in their service, especially in light of the uniqueness of each of these parishes. I will join the soon-to-form household nurturing committee. Finally, I have made a goal to make two pastoral visits per week. This goal has been wonderful in helping me get to know COS folks on a deeper level.
Brion, Jessica, and I are getting to know each other and are learning to work together. I value their support, enjoy tossing around ideas with them and also digging deep into projects such as planning worship series for Sunday evening services. Presently we are working on a prayer series for through the end of the year.
I have been attending Refugee Task Force meetings. I feel overwhelmed after the meetings, but I’m confident that in time I will get to know the ins-and-outs of this ministry and how best I can walk with the committee members and the refugees. We residents are also assisting Naji Umran with processing benevolence requests. This too is an overwhelming task, but Naji is patiently teaching us.
I have taken advantage of continuing education funds to attend the CRC 150th anniversary conference in September and the fall preaching conference at Calvin Seminary in October. The preaching conference was especially helpful since it was on the posture of the preacher rather than the content of the sermon. I look forward to playing with these postures as I deliver sermons.
On Wednesday nights, I attend Girls’ Club and play the piano for their singing. These evenings are a great delight. I enjoy having a place to use my musical gifts, being a prayer partner for one of the small groups, and serving as a model of women in leadership.
In conclusion, I am delighted to announce that I sustained my classical exam in September. My prayer going into this exam was that my faith would show forth in my answers. I did not want to regurgitate textbook answers. I am at peace with my answers and with my call into the ministry. My ordination service will be on Sunday, November 11 at 6 pm at COS. Thank you for affirming my call to be a pastor. All are welcome to join me in giving thanks to God for his call on my life.
In Christ,
Jana Vander Laan
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