Big Announcement!
After months of searching and lots of faithful and prayerful work by the Pastor Nominating Committee, Deanna Gemmer has been hired as the new pastor of Hagar's Community Church!
Pastor Deanna's first day is on May 15, and I (Pastor Haley) will stay on board to overlap with her until the end of the month. We are both looking forward to this transition, and I plan to stay involved with Hagar's as a volunteer, continuing to serve as needed inside WCCW and also on the Guide Team. Here is a greeting from Pastor Deanna: I am thrilled and humbled to be joining the Olympia Presbytery as pastor of Hagar's Community Church. I'm grateful to the leaders and volunteers in Olympia Presbytery who visioned, launched, and championed Hagar's, and I'm especially grateful for those who never gave up hope of returning during the hard months of Covid shut-down. I bring to this call my ministry experience with marginalized populations, a special interest in the practices of spiritual formation, and a passion for how the church might meet the particular faith needs of women. Over the past few years of ministry I have been guided Jesus words in John 10:10 - "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." I am curious to learn through study, prayer, conversations, and worship how Jesus keeps this promise of abundant life to our siblings at WCCW. I can't wait to get to know these dear siblings, and all of you as well. Should the way be clear, Deanna will be ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, June 24 at 11am at Summit Avenue Presbyterian Church (403 S. Summit Ave, Bremerton, WA). All are welcome to celebrate this occasion, and we will also share the link to view the livestream at a later date for those who are unable to attend in person. Special thanks to those who served with me on the Pastor Nominating Committee: Cindy Caldwell, Bev Cascio, Ron Marshall, Alvin Shim, and Sheri Martin (COM Representative), with support from our Executive Presbyter, Shari Jackson Monson. It was a blessing to serve with you all! Please keep the community of Hagar's in your prayers, including the incarcerated individuals, WCCW staff, Hagar's Guide Team, and both (incoming and outgoing) pastors.