Worship

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 5^th. 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.

An important step in the call process relates to the church-wide member survey. The ministry description will be developed based on this information to aid us throughout the remaining call process. The survey should be completed by all current church members age 13 (confirmed) and older, and can be taken online or by paper. Please choose one method to complete as completing both is not necessary. The survey typically takes 8-10 minutes online or 15-20 minutes utilizing the paper format. A sample is available at the church if you’d like to see the types of questions included in the survey prior to the actual survey dates.

The online survey will be available April 10 – 20 at the following site: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C3WTY66

Utilize the following password when prompted: (Contact church office for password)

If you’d like to complete the online survey but have limited or no access to the internet from home, we will have devices available in the church conference room before and after the services on the 10^th and 17^th so members can    complete the survey at those times. Paper surveys may be picked up at the church starting April 10. These surveys should be returned to the church office by April 20. Paper surveys will not be accepted after April 20 similar to the online survey. The paper surveys will be immediately shipped to the District office and entered into their system by  District office staff.

Survey instructions: Please pay careful attention to the questions. Certain questions on the survey will ask for 3, 4 or possibly 5 answers. Be sure to provide the right number of answers or your answers may be voided entirely by the District’s electronic system. Even if you are having trouble identifying the fifth item in a 5 part answer, pick one! If you have any questions, please contact a Call Committee member, and thank you for participating in this important part of the process!

Call Committee members: Greg G., Teri K., John N., Rob S., Jennifer S., Dave W

There is no better way to start out 2016 than by attending the New Year’s Eve Service with Holy Communion at 7:00 pm.  It is a good time to reflect on the past and welcome the new year in the name of the Lord.

During this service on the last day of the year, we also remember thankfully those in our congregation who have been called by our Lord to their eternal home.  We remember in the joy that comes in knowing that the victory is theirs in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.