On Sunday, December 11, at 3:00 pm, the Lutheran Youth Fellowship will be hosting Christmas Caroling. It will be an afternoon of fellowship, singing, and wishing others Merry Christmas. There will be hot chocolate and cookies for everyone to share. Come and join us in warming the hearts of others this season!
Church Services: When we’re having extreme weather, watch the KOAM-TV scroll cancellation notices on the bottom of your television screen for possible church service cancellations.
PARKING: If you need assistance parking when the lot is snowy, pull your car under the breezeway and ask for assistance from an usher.
Most people don’t like uncertainty much. We make plans––no matter how specific and achievable––no matter how vague and improbable––in an attempt to minimize the dangers of the unknown. Our unease tells us that the sooner we can achieve a higher level of certainty, the better.
The transition between pastors is a time of uncertainty. Many members think they would feel better if the next settled pastor would come sooner rather than later. They could stop wondering when he will come. They could stop wondering who it will be––what his family will be like––whether he will be stiff and formal or informal and welcoming. They could start learning how to get along with him and learn from him.
But nothing is really certain. We do not know what is going to happen next from moment to moment. We often make good guesses and effective plans. But sometimes they become worthless in a moment. Intentional interim ministry helps reduce uncertainty about who will meet pastoral needs. But other unknowns remain.
Events in life are uncertain. But for those who trust God, its ultimate outcome is certain. As the apostle wrote, “all things work for the good for those called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). Whether the first pastor Good Shepherd calls accepts, or the seventh, you can be certain that God wants you to cling to him. All good comes from him. Meanwhile, his Spirit enables us to endure fear of the unknown while we walk together following the steps which will help us identify the servant God wants at Good Shepherd.
Pastor Roger L Mackie
The call process is moving ahead in full at this point. Over the last several weeks we’ve been able to meet with President Hagan concerning the process and Rev. Brassie regarding the survey. The month of April will include a survey as noted on the front page of the newsletter. Please read this information as we’d like to get participation from as many members as possible.
The results from the survey will provide insight into how we believe the Lord is guiding our church and the direction we should go in the future. Rev. Brassie will assess the information and explain it to the Call Committee so that we may draft a “ministry description” which will guide us throughout the remainder of the call process. A list of pastors from the District that “best fit” our ministry description will then be provided and the Call Committee will start their review of the pastors’ profiles. Once the review is complete, the list can be narrowed and interviews (this is a standard part of the process now) and potential visits by the pastors can occur.
As the Call Committee looked at the process it became evident that our first Call may not occur until mid to late summer. President Hagan made it clear that our expectations should remain appropriate in that it is common for the call process to take 12-18 months before our next full-time Pastor is revealed to us (and sometimes even longer).
We are approximately three months into the process at this point. The Call Committee will remain diligent and keep the process moving appropriately.
At the last Voters meeting we announced that if you know a pastor that you believe should be considered during the call process, please submit a written request to do so. The request should include the pastor’s name and current position, your name (in case we need to follow up with you) and how you know the pastor you’re submitting. These requests should be submitted to either Dave W. or Rob S. by May 5th. These pastors will be included in the initial list from the District and compared to our ministry description.
Please continue to include in your prayers our church, the Call Committee, Rev. Mackie and our next pastor being prepared by our Lord and Savior.