~ by the Pastor and guest writers ~
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We have an Interim! (July 11, 2005) By Wileen King, Clerk of Session Sunday the Session met in a called meeting after church to hear the recommendation of the Interim Search Committee. After lengthy discussion, a unanimous vote hired O’Quin Kelly who will begin work in our church on July 25, 2005. Currently Reverend Kelly is the Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Port Lavaca and Stated Supply for the Tivoli Presbyterian Church. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management (Fisheries) from Texas A & M, a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary. O’Quin began his professional career as a fisheries biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1964. His ministry began in 1975 where he served as a pastor in Florida. Other pastorates followed in Tennessee and Ohio before arriving in Texas. In addition to his pastoral duties he has served on a Consultation Committee, as Synod Commissioner, on Committee on Ministry, as an Appalachian Area Mission Coordinator, on Funding and Stewardship, and again on the Committee on Ministry. While serving on the COM in Texas, Reverend Kelly chaired the committee. Personal interests include being active in the Victoria County Master Gardeners Association and keeping snakes, aquarium fish, and orchids. O’Quin has assured us that the snakes he keeps will not be making the move to McAllen! In his first communication with us, O’Quin advised us that he has post-polio-syndrome. To assist his mobility and conserve strength, he uses an electric chair. For that reason, a visit to our church was made by O’Quin and Elaine early in the interim search process for them to ascertain if working in our church was physically possible. When it was determined that he could use his chair, the process continued. Walter, Michael and I found O’Quin to be a spiritual man who is warm, easy to talk to, with a positive approach to life, and clear ideas. In describing his leadership style, O’Quin wrote that he “seeks to surface all the issues, explore the options and involve everyone in the solution using consensus rather than vote.” During his 14 years in Port Lavaca, the number of children attending Sunday school and morning worship has gone from 3-5 to 18-25. The community youth group has 20-30 youth active in study and service to the community. His work with the youth was mentioned by several of the references we contacted. We also heard that he is will listen to everyone, is highly organized, willing to try new things, and diplomatic. During the course of our search, the committee felt led by God to O’Quin, and several comments he made to us led us to believe he felt the same hand guiding him. We look forward to welcoming Reverend Kelly into our church family.
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