We had an excellent dialog with Bishop Ann after worship on 8/18. Attendance was good, and the conversation was heartfelt and energetic. Bishop Ann was an excellent listener–and even took notes! It was obvious that she had read our Ministry Site Profile and that our dialog was consistent with the profile. She also complimented us on our great singing during worship!

On 8/12 we sent a letter to the congregation listing the nominees for the Call Committee: Brian Breed, Laura Bretheim, Johan Christopherson, Stephanie Korchik, Mark Lofthus, Kristin Young, Amy Snetting, and Sara Funk (alternate). Additional nominations may be offered by anyone in the congregation, but need to be sent to me by 9/1. A congregational meeting to approve the Call Committee will be held after worship on 9/15. Additional nominations may also be made during the meeting, but only if 2/3 of the attendees approve a motion to open the meeting to more nominations.

The Call Committee is scheduled to meet with our synod liaison, Pastor Craig Pederson, on 9/16. The committee will probably receive candidate resumes within two to four weeks after this meeting. The list of candidates provided by the synod will come from three sources: suggestions from us, suggestions from the synod, and people who see our Ministry Site Profile on the synod website and express an interest. If you know a good pastor with at least 4 years of experience who would be a good fit for our congregation, please email their name to me. But do not take any other action because we do not want to start rumors that someone “is looking.” I will share their names with the Call Committee after they are officially approved, and they will send the names to the synod for further consideration.

My sincere thanks to the Transition Team and the Church Council for their diligent work in preparing the Ministry Site Profile and nominating an excellent slate of candidates. Many thanks as well to all those who attended the dialog with Bishop Ann, and to Pastor Marla for her fine work as our interim pastor.

Our congregation is faithful, our faith is strong, and God is good!

Gregg Kelley
NHLC Council President