March 2021 - UPDATE
To all Members of the Westdale Congregation:
Our search for a new spiritual leader for Westdale continues, and just like the coming of Spring, slow but steady.
In preparation for our expected interview work ahead of us, your Search Team has formed two sub-groups - one to participate in the actual interview and a second to review any on-line services and reflections a potential candidate may have undertaken in the past. Our objective is to combine these efforts and observations into a cohesive conclusion in order that we have selected the “best fit” to lead Westdale into a positive and rewarding spiritual future.
To date, there are candidates who have expressed initial interest in our search and preparations are underway to virtually meet with them.
As we anticipate the coming of better weather and the feelings of winter are shrugged off, along with the uncertainty of the pandemic now turning to more positive outcomes, other candidates may feel the call to Westdale.
The Team will keep all members of our congregation up-to-date with regular reports on our web page as this search process unfolds.
February 2021 - UPDATE
Hello Westdale Community of Faith Members!
The new minister Search Team would like to give you an update as to our Team’s activities and how our journey is progressing.
Currently, our Team is receiving and reviewing applications from potential ministers, with the ultimate goal of welcoming a new spiritual leader to Westdale.
There are two ways that we may receive an application from prospective ministers. An application may be received directly from a minister who wishes to apply to our vacancy. Alternatively, our Search Team regularly reviews information about ministers who are looking for a new spiritual home, on the United Church ChurchHub. This is an electronic site whereby resumes for all available ministers, are accessible to search teams for review.
When a minister’s resume on the ChurchHub appears to provide information that matches Westdale’s needs, contact is made with that minister to inquire as to their interest in considering our church as a possible new spiritual home.
To date, although we have received some interest, there are no pending interviews. But we are not deterred! We know that the Lord is with us in our search and that in the near future we will have opportunity to engage potential applicants in conversation.
Thanks to the survey input provided by our congregational members, our Profile describing Westdale is great “advertising”. The needs and expectations of our faith community as stated in our Profile, are very comprehensive. Information is available on the ChurchHub, our website and in the United Church of Canada’s Broadview magazine.
We feel that the unusual circumstances of the pandemic are having the impact of slowing the search process. However, we remain vigilant in our endeavours and preparation to interview applicants soon.
We invite and encourage all Westdale members to hold in your prayers, that our next spiritual leader will be guided to find Westdale, as their new home where they can bring their gifts to lead, enhance, and inspire growth.
