Letter from David Rice and Session Clerk

January 18, 2026
January 12, 2026

Dear Friends, The beginning of this New Year has brought us into the Season of Epiphany, a sacred time of intuitive perception and unexpected discovery of the essential meaning of things. This past Sunday we reaffirmed our baptismal vows on the liturgical day when we remember Jesus’ baptism. These two sacred markers of the start of a new year offer us the opportunity to reflect on our individual faith and the trajectory of our faith journey together.

In my own reflection, given my age I have decided that it is time for me to retire from my role as Pastor/Head of Staff. In consultation with Session and Presbytery, we are looking at the end of August as a time to complete our work together. This will give me the opportunity to continue to provide support and ministry during the months of transition ahead.

It has been a great joy for me to serve with you these past dozen years, and I will eagerly follow your journey of faithfulness as this decade and beyond unfolds.

Blessings and Peace, David

Dear Church Family,

The Session here at First Presbyterian Church Wooster expresses their gratitude to David for his faithful ministry that has guided us, supported us and sustained us for more than a decade. Our church has changed, celebrated new ministries and members, weathered a pandemic together, and continued to discover new ways to serve others. It is with JOY that we celebrate with David in this new season.

As we transition together to the next chapter of pastoral leadership, there will be many opportunities for the congregation to talk about what is next for our community of faith. We will gather to celebrate and prioritize the needs of our church. Please join one or more than one of these important conversations that will be held here at church on several Sundays, in small groups during the week, in homes, and will also be offered via virtual meetings. Phone calls or in-person discussions with Session members are also welcome. The first of these conversations will be held in Bruch Hall on Sunday, January 18 at 9:15 a.m. A schedule of other gatherings is listed below. It is very important that we are together as we begin the process of envisioning our future.

The Session will continue to communicate with our church family as we begin our journey through the changing landscape of pastoral searches. May we continue to remember each other in prayer and engage in graceful conversations during this time to imagine, grow together and plan for our future as disciples of Christ. This is a season of growth, clarity and renewed mission as we trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding us to fulfill God’s calling for us.

Peace to you all,
Lisa Rumbaugh, Clerk of Session 
Schedule of Congregational Discussions
 
Sunday, January 18, 2026; 9:15 a.m. Bruch Hall

Tuesday, January 20, 2026; 10:30 a.m. Parlor
April Gamble, Host; 330-601-3188

Wednesday, January 21, 2026; 7:00 p.m.
Home of Tom & Lisa Rumbaugh
330-466-5796

Thursday, January 29, 2026; 7:00 p.m.
Home of Becky & Brian Webb
678-849-6229

Sunday, February 1, 2026; 9:15 a.m. Bruch Hall

Monday, February 2, 2026; 1:00 p.m. ZOOM discussion
Tammy Brooks, Host; 330- 621-1180

Sunday, February 8, 2026; 9:15 a.m. Classroom 1

Sunday, February 15, 2026; 9:15 a.m. Bruch Hall

You are welcome to request a phone call or an in-person discussion with
Session members if you are not able to attend any of the scheduled group discussions.

Kindly contact the Church Office (330-264-9420) or the host listed,
if you plan to attend any gathering planned on a weekday (non-Sunday).

We look forward to meaningful conversations together.

Session Members:
Paula Abrecht (330-464-3204), Wes Davis (330-466-8818)
April Gamble (330-601-3188), Mark Gordon (614-595-3302)
Laura Neill (330-465-7249), Jack Rogers (330-805-0637)
Tammy Brooks (330-621-1180), Kris Evans (314-570-1910)
Mark Gooch (330-465-9857), Steve LoGiudice (646-203-5411)
Jeff Perkins (330-262-1910), Becky Webb (678-849-6229)
Lisa Rumbaugh, Clerk of Session (330-466-5796)
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First Presbyterian Church of Wooster

First Presbyterian Church of Wooster
621 College Avenue Wooster, OH 44691
Office Hours: M, T, TH 9:00-4:00

Questions? Want to connect?
(330) 264-9420
office@firstpreswooster.org

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