You are receiving this message because you have supported the James Robert Welch Vote of No-Confidence Petition. Our church is congregationally driven. We members and regular attenders have the responsibility to protect His church from forces that may compromise His mission. Your incredibly dedicated and encouraging support is a call for action, reunite and stand up for the welfare of our beloved church community. While sheltering in place the pending Petition has been in a holding pattern until such time as we can once again gather in person as a congregation. We understand that communication is critical during this time. Without communication, skepticism may grow; therefore, until the postponement has been lifted, this message is intended to provide an update regarding steps being taken to further the process. On Monday, April 27, 2020, the Petition was delivered to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Deacon Body.
The Chairman of the Deacon Body has made a kind acknowledgement verifying receipt of the Petition and included the following note:
“I have the ability to call a special meeting. As was indicated to the Deacon body last week, I will be sending out a note to the congregation this week indicating that we will be hosting a meeting as soon as feasible for the full congregation to share thoughts and dialog. We understand there is a need to meet and allow the congregation to be heard. As well as to determine a clear direction on how to proceed.”
“While many of us eager to gather together as a large organization we also must be mindful of the local and state regulations in place regarding gatherings. The meeting when allowed will be held in compliance with our Bylaws.”
No matter how difficult, the hope is that the No-Confidence vote will begin to undo catastrophic decisions made in the twelve months prior to March 2020.
We believe that God is in control and that He loves the church.
REST IN THE STILLNESS of My Presence while I prepare you for this day. Let the radiance of My Glory shine upon you as you wait on Me in confident trust. Be still, and know that I am God. There is both a passive and an active side to trusting Me. As you rest in My Presence, focusing on Me, I quietly build bonds of trust between us. When you respond to the circumstances of your life with affirmations of trust, you actively participate in this process. I am always with you, so you have no reason to be afraid. Your mind is so accustomed to this pattern of thinking that you are only now becoming aware of how pervasive it is and how much it hinders your intimacy with Me. Repent of this tendency and resist it whenever you realize you are wandering down this well-worn path. Return to My Presence, which always awaits you in the present moment. I accept you back with no condemnation.
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
—Psalm 46:10
Above all, this is a time to stay faithful with a continuance of prayer during this unique situation in the history of our church. We are all members of the same body of believers, we are all faithful and we all want unity. Although there may be disagreement among the faithful, we must remain respectful and courteous toward those who may have differing opinion.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
—Romans 8:1-2 46:10
The process of determining the confidence in our leadership and the path forward is a heart wrenching and unexpected process. Many steps following biblical teachings and adherence to our church bylaws have been considered to avoid hasty decisions. When there is dissatisfaction and concern regarding the leadership of our church, the Petition is intended to provide a voice for Church members and regular attenders like you to find a way to realign, correct a disappointing situation and command the respect and trust of those in a leadership position. The Petition is a tool to identify travesty, misrepresentation, and flagrant violation of the church bylaws by Pastor James R. Welch. Pastor James R. Welch and the leadership of our church have heard you! Through your concern for our church community, Pastor James’ devotion to self-promotion is proving to be a difficult agenda. By recognizing the consequence, the Petition is proving to be an effective means to create a zone of influence, keep supporters mobilized and the church leadership team engaged. Just as we have seen in recent weeks, our first responders rush toward support of those in danger. Likewise, this is not a time to run away from our church. This is a time to seek God’s guidance and run toward and support our church.
As provided in SECTION 4.1(h) of the church bylaws, special meetings may be called by written request of seventy-five church members. Since suspending the Petition at the end of day on April 14, an advisory group has vetted the signatures. The number of valid signatures has well surpassed the threshold required to call a Special Meeting of the congregation. In respect for proper protocol provided in the church bylaws, a Special Meeting will be scheduled. SECTION 4.1(h) of the church bylaws also require, “A quorum at any church business meeting shall be at least one hundred members.” Please be assured that it is our commitment to protect the signatory names. The signatory names absolutely will not be divulged and/or shared. However, upon lifting of the shelter in place order and at the time a Special Meeting is scheduled, it is imperative that you please be prepared to attend and share your concerns in an orderly and respectful manner. Again, prayer and humility are vital to how we reveal our hearts and concerns.