Exciting PNC News Update!

Notice of Called Congregational Meeting to Vote on New Pastor

The Session has called a congregational meeting for January 4, 2026 to hear the recommendation of the PNC and to vote on our new pastor.

It is the PNC's great joy to introduce to you the Reverend Carrie Burslem as our candidate for the Head of Staff of Bayside Presbyterian Church. A graduate of James Madison University, Pastor Burslem earned a double major in speech pathology and audiology with a minor in sign language. She received her Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and has served churches in Warrenton and Front Royal, Virginia, and Charlotte and Southport, North Carolina.

The past two years have been transformational in the life of Bayside. When Aram joined us as Interim Pastor, we entered a church-wide time of discernment. These past two years of prayer and discernment have led us to trust that God is calling Rev. Carrie Burslem to Bayside.

Fortunately, the PNC didn't have to struggle to define what Bayside desires in a new Pastor. Our Mission Study plainly tells us that Bayside desires above all:

• a preacher who will challenge our spiritual and intellectual curiosity,

• a shepherd with a welcoming spirit who will develop deep relationships, and

• a leader who will engage with the diversity of Bayside.

In spending time with Pastor Carrie, the PNC could clearly see how she met these criteria. Carrie is a dynamic preacher whose sermons are theologically grounded and compelling. Carries writes, "I thrive on the study of the Word and making it applicable and relatable to the community of faith. I'm inspired by opportunities to do creative worship. It is in preaching that I feel God moves and breathes, if we simply allow ourselves to get out of the way. In teaching, we have the opportunity to sit, listen, ask, seek, learn, and if we allow the Spirit to do so, often change us."

As a shepherd, Carrie makes pastoral care central to her role. Her warm and joyful spirit will thrive at Bayside. In reading Carrie's profile, we could see evidence of the hospitable spirit that we desire. Carrie writes, "The theology of hospitality is at the center of the Israelite faith. It is the challenge to welcome all people — regardless of anything that might divide us. Life teaches us way to early that some people are 'in' and others are 'out.' The Church is the one place where we should all feel not only welcomed, but HOME. In that theological truth, welcoming visitors and new members becomes more than just adding to the membership numbers; it leads to relationship building and mentoring to allow for an active and vibrant faith community."

Carrie is a leader who will actively engage with the diversity of Bayside. "The passion that drives me is to connect across cultures, communities, demographics, and all things that divide us-to lead us to find at our core a faith that builds up in times of joy as well as sorrow," writes Carrie. "Setting aside our differences, learning to truly listen and finding common ground in Christ is who and what we are called to be."

She is mission-focused and cares deeply about serving the world beyond the walls of the church. Carrie writes, "Since being ordained 25 years ago, growth in my call has been seen through engagement with the greater community both locally and abroad, working with at-risk youth, vulnerable populations, and communities in crisis. This has led to a greater understanding of self, God, and community, allowing for better relational development, communication, and awareness in all aspects of life-especially in the Church." The strong mission focus of Bayside, both locally and globally, resonated with Carrie, drawing her to Bayside.

While the seven of us serving on the PNC hold our own individual views, we determined at the outset that we would work by consensus only and not by majority vote. Only when in total agreement did we move forward. We are excited to share that we arrived at a unified and enthusiastic agreement to extend a pastoral call to Rev. Carrie Burslem, and our discernment process was bless by agreement at each step. We hope that the harmony experienced within our group during the search process will encourage the congregation.

Next Steps

A congregational meeting has been called for Sunday, January 4, immediately following the combined 11:00 worship service, for the purpose of hearing the report of the Pastor Nominating Committee. All are encouraged to attend the meeting, where you will have an opportunity to ask questions and officially vote for our new pastor. Only active members can vote to elect the new pastor, and you must be present to vote.

Pastor Nominating Committee,

Peggy Hayes, Co-Chair

George Wong, Co-Chair

Janet Baker

Marshall Miller

Lynne Owen

Powell Peters

Tom Winter