Announcement of Congregational Meeting

The Session of Highland Park Presbyterian Church hereby calls for a meeting of the congregation to be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the conclusion of the 11 am worship service in the Sanctuary. Please note that the meeting will not be streamed online. You may also participate via live simulcast in Elliott Hall.

Seventeen months ago, you entrusted the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) with the sacred task of discerning who God is calling to serve as the next Senior Pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

After more than a year of listening to our congregation, praying, studying Scripture, learning from other leaders, working alongside ECO leadership, and meeting with a broad and diverse group of candidates, the PNC, through dependence on the Holy Spirit, has identified a candidate they believe God is calling. Now, with great joy and gratitude, the PNC is ready to present their recommendation to the congregation.

What to Expect

• This will be our first opportunity as a congregation, elders, and staff to hear the story of how the Holy Spirit has been at work—both in leading our PNC and in guiding our candidate—as well as our first opportunity to learn the nominee’s name and more about who they are.
• The Congregational Meeting will be held in the Sanctuary after the 11 am service, with a simulcast in Elliott Hall. The meeting portion will not be streamed live.
• The meeting will be conducted by Robert’s Rules of Order, and one needs to come to the Sanctuary or Elliott Hall to participate.
• According to the bylaws of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, the presence of at least five percent of the covenant partners is sufficient to constitute a quorum.
• A Covenant Partner (member) may vote only in person. At the conclusion of the meeting, all Covenant Partners (members) of HP Pres will be invited to vote on the candidate recommended by the PNC.
• Extended Sunday Classes will be available for children, ages Birth-4th Grade.
• Although the candidate will not be physically present at this meeting, there will be opportunities to meet this person in the days ahead.

How to Be Involved

As we prepare to gather as a congregation and receive the PNC’s recommendation, the most important way each of us can participate is through prayer.

The best way to set up our new Senior Pastor—and our church—for a fruitful season of living into God’s mission for us is by intentionally orienting our hearts toward God. As Oswald Chambers once said, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” In the coming months, we invite you to join us in the following practices:

1. Pray Daily: Take three minutes each day to pray for HP Pres in this new season. You can do this alone, during your commute, with your family, or even while brushing your teeth. Below, you will find a few suggested things to pray for in the next two weeks.

2. Fast on Wednesdays: Everyone who is able is encouraged to fast each Wednesday, from waking until the evening meal. Fasting isn’t primarily about going without food; it’s about growing our hunger and dependence on God’s presence.

3. Worship & Prayer Gatherings: Join us every Wednesday, starting August 27, anytime between 11:45 am and 1:15 pm, in Wynne Chapel for a time of worship and intercession. Come for as long as you’re able, even if it’s just a few minutes.

4. Pray in Community: In every gathering you have with other HP Pres members—whether it’s a community group, Anchor or Ascent table, Sunday School class, or family meal—please take a few minutes to pray in community.

How to Pray Before the Congregational Meeting

Please pray:

1. For our PNC, as they finalize preparations and present their recommendation to our congregation on Sunday, September 7.
2. That we would receive the candidate with joy, grace, and prayerful anticipation.
3. That the Holy Spirit would prepare our hearts, minds, and souls so that God might lead HP Pres into a new season of fruitfulness — Come, Holy Spirit!