Otis A. Fortenberry shared this announcement with the congregations of Highway Tabernacle and Resurrection Life Church today.

    Today, I bring you an assurance from the Harrises that they are committed to our core value of living in the neighborhood where one ministers, and that, as they have told me on many occasions, they hold a special place in their heart for the city of Philadelphia. However, their family situation is such that they may not be able to move to Philadelphia until after what would be the first two years of their ministry here, were they to come.
    After listening to the concerns of some members, and following much discussion and prayer, the deacons agreed that it would not be possible for a pastor to minister effectively at our churches and in our neighborhoods while living, even temporarily, outside of the city.

    When I contacted Pastor Harris, he informed me that he and his family were pursuing a solution which would allow them to move into Philadelphia immediately. They should have an answer tomorrow or Tuesday. At this point, it is possible that they will not be able to work things out. In that case, the deacons would ask them to withdraw their candidacy.

    We, your deacons, have tremendous respect for the Harrises’ ministry and believe that they have much to offer us as pastors. However, if they are unable to find a solution for moving to the city, we can conclude that it is not the direction in which the Lord is leading them or us at this time. Please pray that God will speak to us very clearly.

    As of now, the Harrises are still candidates, and the schedule for next weekend stands. Please check the churches’ web sites for any update.

Announcement Regarding the Pulpit at Highway Tabernacle/Resurrection Life Church

Otis A. Fortenberry, secretary of the Board of Deacons, read the following announcement at this morning's service.

    The deacons have invited Pastor Timothy Harris and his wife, Kim, to come as candidates for the pastorate of Highway Tabernacle and Resurrection Life Church. They will join us for a combined service on January 16th, to be followed by a business meeting at which the members will vote whether or not to install them as the next pastors. The deacons ask you all to join us in asking God whether or not the Harrises are his choice to pastor our churches going forward.

    As you recall, at the outset of this process, I told you that the church would not be without a pastor in the pulpit during the transition and that the Wegners had agreed to stay during the interim. Because their schedule, including time for much-needed rest, does not permit Pastor Wegner to join us in January, we have asked Chris Rainey, who has preached at Highway and Resurrection Life on more than one occasion, to fill the pulpit through the end of the month. Do not be surprised to see Pastor Wegner back in his familiar spot in February, though, should the Holy Spirit direct the membership away from electing the Harrises as our next pastors.

    Here's what we need you to do.
    1. Keep an eye on the bulletin, the web site, and the e-bulletin for details and any updated information.
    2. As you have been praying about the transition in general, begin praying specifically for the Lord's leading with respect to the Harrises.
    3. Members, make every effort to be with us on January 16th. We are counting on you to vote in accordance with the leading of the Spirit.

    Please direct any questions that you may have to me.

    Otis A. Fortenberry,
    Secretary, Board of Deacons