Monday, August 31, 2009

A Transition Announcement (Ta-Da!)

I would have written about this earlier today but I laid down for a wee little nap and ended up taking a nap of marathonical proportions. Hmmmm . . . . maybe I ditched the pajamas prematurely in my attempts to relocate my misplaced vim and vigor!

Well, enough about that. This afternoon I have some good news to pass along.

I mentioned a few days ago that there were two churches interested in us--one toward the central part of North Carolina and one in Manteo, on the coast.

Before leaving for Wisconsin, Steve and I spent three hours with the Board and Pastoral Search Committee in Manteo; when we left that evening they said, "You'll be hearing from us."

Well, hear from them we did! The eight-member team met again after that session with us and voted unanimously to invite us to come back to Manteo the last Sunday in September! (Hooray!)
We'll spend the whole weekend there, meet the congregation in several different settings, preach, sing, and (drum roll, please) be voted on!

The members of the search committee told us how excited they are and how excited the congregation is. We would have all loved to have had the Voting Sunday earlier in September but this Sunday is a holiday and the following two Sundays, the leader of the search committee will be out of the country. And so the last Sunday of September it is.

Steve called the other church that is interested to let them know that we have received the official invitation to candidate in Manteo. The leader of that search committee told Steve how impressed they had been with Steve's preaching CD's and was disappointed that we were moving in another direction. I must say, it's nice to be wanted.

I'll be writing more about this as the days go by, but since so many of you have prayed with us and waited with us, I wanted to let you know the news as soon as possible.

Now we really and truly need to get this house sold. Quickly! And for a great price! I know God is in charge of that whole process, too, and He's not at all worried over it. So I guess if HE'S not worried, I should just take it off MY worry list, as well. (Easier said than done.)

Thanks for your prayers and support during these long nine months. Our family appreciates each one of you so much and we're excited about the future God has for us!

I'd celebrate with some chocolate but I'm trying to cut back. Maybe a few pieces of canteloupe would suffice.

Yeah, right.

33 Had Something To Say (Just click here!):

Lizz said...

WOO HOO!!! I'm so happy for y'all! It has been a long nine months for ya hasn't it? God is good and He knows what's up! I'm so glad that you finally found a church! And 2 at that! Again I must say WOO HOO!!! :-)
Love & Hugs,
Lizz

Shannon said...

So does the voted on part mean you aren't in yet??

brooke said...

whoo hooo! and Manteo - so beautiful! i'm thrilled for y'all that you are likely moving there. treat yourself to the chocolate. you've been through a lot. when you finally settle in to your new home then you can eat canteloupe instead of chocolate. that's my opinion.

MaryH said...

HOORAY!!! I was secretly hoping for the coast for all of you! The town seemed like such a great fit for you and to think of seeing the sea and the beach every day! Now, that door from the hallway seems to be a little more open, with some seaside breezes blowing through. Becky, this is wonderful news - celebrate (with or without cantalope!) Take some breaths, make some plans and smile! As I have said before, your dad is a busy, busy guy up there in Heaven. Don't be suprised what else will fall into place.

Beverly said...

Yeah! I'm so thrilled for you guys!

Anonymous said...

I am so, so, so happy for all of you! What a relief it will be for you to finally be able to put down some roots again. I'm sure you will love the coast since you all like to vacation there. And I'm sure you'll get a unanimous "yes" from the committee! Will Sarah go to school right after you move or will you just keep her out for the entire year? Congratulations!!!

Gayle in AL

Anonymous said...

I'm thrilled for you! And it's clear that you are all very happy too. I don't understand the process you are going through though: Is the congregation voting for you simply a formality, or is their still a chance this will not work out?
I live by the sea too, Becky, and in my opinion, there is nothing so soothing to the spirit as a walk along the ocean in the off season when all the tourists have left and the beach seems to go back to its natural state. That experience is a gift beyond measure.
GS in Canada

Anonymous said...

Manteo!! I am so excited for you guys. I will go ahead and ask the question everyone else is dying to ask, but didn't. Does Andy Griffith go to the church where Steve will be the pastor? Since he does live there, in Manteo. We joke that maybe we should move to the coast or somewhere like Florida and maybe our family and friends would visit more often.
Praying for more good things for all of you.

Hope
Raleigh, NC

Anonymous said...

How exciting! I am so happy for you all and can't wait to read more tales about your transition as it unfolds. Jill

Anonymous said...

no worry... I'm heading to my kitchen right now, and I'll have the celebration chocolate for you!

I am so happy to hear your good news!!!!

mrs pam

René S said...

Congratulations! Coastal living is such a blessing, and if you have to move to a temporary place, at least you know you can do it! If you've lived in that tiny camper with 2 children, you can do anything short term! Can't wait to hear about how things are going.

Anonymous said...

Terrific news! Lots of gratitude going heavenwards today, no doubt.
Jan
P.S. Have the chocolate. Cantaloupe does not suffice such monumental news!

Anonymous said...

What amazingly fantastic news!Congratulations!! You all will be such a blessing to your new church and new community. From the pictures of Manteo, it looks like a picture postcard hamlet that will provide peaceful serenity.
Thank you for sharing. Look forward to hearing all the details.

Lyndsay said...

That's GREAT! Your pictures of Manteo were beautiful, I'm happy that we might be seeing many, many more!!

Dip the canteloupe in melted chocolate - that will help!

Karo said...

Wahoo! Praise the Lord! I hope you all will love being by the sea--I know I would! :)
Love,
Karo

Sue G said...

By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea....

Come on, everybody sing!

Anonymous said...

Hi Becky, I'm so very happy for you, that you finally got some good news! Now here's a little tip you might want to try...back, oh, 20 or so years ago I lived in MA and was a realtor there. My husband was a building contractor and it seemed like we (the country) were headed for a recession (1987-1989). My husband had built a beautiful glass-front contemporary house, and it had been on the market for almost two years. I had heard that if I wanted that house to sell I'd have to plant a small statue of St. Joseph, upside down and facing the road in front of the house. We had sold the house we lived in and moved into that one and really needed it to sell! We were having an open house on the weekend, so I bought a small statue of St. Joseph and buried him in the front lawn. That was on Friday, our open house was Sat. & we had one couple come to the open house...one! And...they bought it! We couldn't believe it, either! One thing to remember, though...you have to dig up St. Joseph and give him a place of honor in your new home, which we did. I've never been superstitious, but I guess I am now...a little! :-) Good Luck to you Becky. I can't wait to see the SOLD sign go up!
((((((hugs)))))) & Love,
Judy

Anonymous said...

I so happy for ya'll! You go enjoy your chocolate! OR you could have a chocolate covered strawberry...that way you're still getting in your fruits! HAHA!

Traci
Hunker, PA

Traci said...

WOO HOO! I am the 100th blog follower!!!

Anonymous said...

Good luck!

Just a tid bit, even in today's market homes are selling. If your house is not getting looked at at least twice a week it is over priced. Your price should be lowered if it is not getting hit's within the first 2 weeks of being on the market.

After it is on the market the 3 month's with the agent you have now. Try someone new! They are not doing their job.

Open houses are fantastic!

LizW said...

Becky, I am so pleased for you all! The Smith family has been dealing with way too much stress these past months. Manteo sounds beautiful, even if it isn't the Upper Midwest! Your photos of the church and cemetery from your father's funeral were so lovely. Hard to beat that kind of serenity. I teared up more than once reading about your wonderful family.

Catherine said...

I am so excited for you and your family, Becky. I am eager to read about your journey to Manteo. Just looked at your house listing--just want to say that I think the pictures could be better. I think your house is so warm, loving, and lovely and the tour does not do it justice. I am comparing with those pics you have put up in your blogs.

Ann Martin said...

Becky, Manteo is great! I really like that area even though we haven't been there for several years. We enjoy going and just watching the ocean and looking at the lighthouses. I did enjoy going to The Christmas Shoppe beside the Lost Colony set but I think it closed. What a shame. There are great shops just to look in there and across the bridge. Love those sand dunes at Nags Head and the Wright Memorial. I just enjoy the beach area. Maybe we'll be seeing you in Manteo even though our time share is in Atlantic Beach. Never can tell. Have a great night's sleep and praying for the house to sell for the right price. Is there a parsonage or will you have to find your own home? Fantastic!!!! You'll be "beach bums."

Karen C said...

YEA!!This is such good news!! I'm trusting that the voting part is just a congregational formality? It sounds like the wait was worthwhile ... a church along the coast ... what a beautiful setting. I've always wanted a home at the beach ... does the church need a secretary? :-) Also, I've heard of special companies or real estate companies that will buy a house (I'm sure very reduced) and turn around and re-sell it. Maybe that is an option? Praying the house situation also works out soon for you.

whiterecluse said...

Congratulations! Though I do have the same questions as a couple of your other readers-- is the voting a mere formality, or is it not 100% certain you're in yet? At any rate, I'm sure it will all be a resounding "YES!" I've loved the Outer Banks the few times I've been there, and I know you will love them too. I hope the house situation works out quickly!

leeanne said...

Oh, I am SOOO excited for you all! YAY!!!

Anonymous said...

Just a thought on the home selling front. Do you get HGTV? They have a number of great shows with lots of suggestions for selling a home in this difficult market.

MaryH said...

Okay, I will join Sue G....I love the last lines of
"By the Sea, By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea....
I love to be beside your side, Beside the sea,
Beside the seaside By The Beautiful Sea."

Being the Catholic that I am, I know of the St. Joseph "upside down" buried statue idea for selling houses.....can't explain it, it has worked for people that I know - anything is worth a shot - just don't leave him there when you move - take him along!!! Maybe because St. Joseph is the patron saint of carpenters that he has something to do with housing.....well, you could try it....just to get to the sea, to the sea, to the beautiful sea!!!

I know there is still some "voting" to be had before you get the official "yes" but who could resist the Smiths!!! Seriously, they will be overjoyed to bring you into their flock.

Sarah said...

Awesome! I am so happy for you! What great news to hear after all the waiting!!

Marysienka said...

Yay!!! Amazing :)

Chill said...

Happy is not adequate to describe how I feel now. You guys dserve the best God has for you. I know He will hold you in His hand and keep you in His will, for you desire to be there. Be Blessed!

Anonymous said...

Yay! Congratulations! I'm really, really happy for you!

Anonymous said...

This is so very cool! This location just feels right...cannot explain it! I vote for the chocolate dipped cantalope as well...then marshmallows, cherries, etc :o)

Lynie