Our Future Together
Dear First Pres SLO Family,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus, the one who redeems us, renews us, restores us, and sends us out into service.
It was a blessing to me to be able to celebrate my installation as your pastor on Sunday. Now some of you may be saying: “What? He’s been around forever—how can he just now be installed as the pastor?”
There’s an answer to that.
I came in 2020 as a temporary replacement for the previous pastor, who was on a four-month sabbatical. My plan was to use those months to conduct a search for my next call, which is exactly what I did. I met with PNCs in Southern California, in suburban Philadelphia, and a handful of other places. While I was doing that, the session of First Pres SLO hired me to serve as an interim pastor, which I did for three years. When that seemed to go well I was called to stay on as the designated pastor for another two years. This past spring the congregation called me to stay as the installed permanent pastor, and that’s what led to the installation on Sunday.
Father Ian from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church asked after the service how it felt. Without thinking about it I gave him my instant answer—the first thing that came into my mind.
It feels complete.
I have felt like your pastor for years now, but the service of installation was the first time our relationship has been described like that since I got here. I said on Sunday that it’s a little like having your wedding ceremony six years into your marriage. I didn’t realize how much I wanted or needed the ritual of installation until after it happened.
And so here we are. Our relationship as pastor and congregation is official, and we get to look forward to the next season of growth and service together. There is so much to do!
We’re just beginning our Stewardship Season, as I announced on Sunday—it’s a month or so of conversation and reflection about the ministry we’ll accomplish together in 2026. We’ll look at the ministries we have, and those we want to add or develop—this is a wonderful time of year!
As we celebrate our 150th year of faith and service here, we are looking ahead to what we do and how we love next. The Church of Jesus Christ is always on the move, and we don’t have any intention of sitting around and looking backwards.
We will continue with our stated goal of becoming more confident and effective in the ways we engage the culture around us in faith. Take advantage of the learning opportunities we’re offering to accomplish that good work.
One last thing. The wonderful service Sunday afternoon was followed by an amazing reception and time of fellowship. I want to thank Carolyn Ochletree and the Congregational Life committee, along with the other helpers that made the gathering so special. Thank you all so much!
Blessings to you and yours as you grow in faith and love!
Pastor John