1992–1997
Rev. Janice WestAt a congregational meeting in July, 1992, it was voted to call the Rev. Janice West to fill the position of Associate Pastor, to begin on September 1, 1992. In her first annual report, at the January, 1993 meeting, Janice stated that she continued to gather history and tradition as she looked forward to the future which we, as God's people, can have together. When she wrote the report, she stated that she had been with us only 142 days!
In 1993 the Deacons initiated the Stephen Ministry. Four members of the congregation received the two-week training, and nine members were commissioned in March, 1994. The Stephen Ministry was to be an extension of pastoral care.
In September of 1993, the Sunday schedule was expanded to include 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. worship services. Education hour, for all ages was then scheduled for 9:45 a.m.
A new mission endeavor in 1992-1993 was the hosting of guests from the Lansing Area Rotation Sanctuary (LARS). Clothing drives, for winter and summer items, Personal Needs Closet for Advent House, and food collections on the 3rd Sunday of every month continue as ongoing mission projects. Many members of the congregation have participated in Crop Walk throughout the years. Contributions to walkers, and feeding them at the end of the walk, have been activities that involved many church members.
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Rev. Dr. Robert CarlsonOn June 12, 1994, a congregational meeting was called. The purpose of the meeting was to act on the request of the Rev. Mark Ramsey that his pastoral relationship with the congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Okemos be dissolved so that he could accept a call to a church in Denver, CO.. The Rev. Janice West would serve as Moderator of the Session until a new head of staff could be found. In August, a Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) was elected. Rev. Fred Graham was hired to serve as Transitional Pastor. Rev. Graham left as interim in January -- his last sermon was on December 31, 1995.
The Pastoral Nominating Committee continue to meet, asking for the congregation's prayers and continuing support. In June of 1996 Rev. Ronald Allin came to serve as Interim Pastor, giving leadership during the summer. On July 19, 1996 church members received a letter, good news from the PNC; the Rev. Dr. Robert T. Carlson, Jr. had been called to serve as head of staff for the Presbyterian Church of Okemos.
A reception to meet the Carlson family was held on August 3, and Rev. Carlson preached on August 4. Rev. Carlson began his ministry with us on September 15, 1996.