Lord of Life!
We hope you’re having a wonderful start to Advent and the holiday season!
This month, much of the council’s conversation has centered around our church’s transition and the plans for our upcoming capital campaign.
First, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has stepped up to volunteer and share their gifts. Your contributions do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated. With so many willing hearts helping, we will not be seeking an interim pastor at this time.
With the support of Pastor Erika and the Synod, as well as the strength of our volunteers, we feel this decision is best for Lord of Life. This approach allows us time to focus on the holiday season, reflect on where we’ve been, and assess where we are today as a church. When the time comes to begin the process of hiring a staff member, we will have a clearer understanding of our needs. While this may differ from past transitions, the council and staff are confident that this path suits the unique circumstances of today. We will continue to collaborate closely to meet the needs of our church membership and ministry.
We’re also excited to share updates on our capital campaign, which is set to launch in 2025. Thanks to a generous gift, we’ve been able to hire a consultant, GSB, who we believe will be an excellent partner in guiding us through this process. This campaign comes at an opportune time, as it will help us pay off the mortgage and address important building updates and repairs. These efforts will set a solid foundation for future staffing and other church needs.
If you feel called to volunteer for the capital campaign, we encourage you to reach out. Your participation will make a significant difference as we work toward achieving these goals.
We’d also like to thank everyone who attended the community meeting on Sunday, November 24th. It was a valuable opportunity to share updates, answer questions, and gather feedback. One key takeaway was the need for more clarity on council roles. To address this, we’ve attached a document outlining these roles and identifying the council members leading each effort.
We recognize that times of transition can bring questions and uncertainties, but they also bring opportunities for growth and renewal. This is an exciting time for Lord of Life! We are a strong church community, and your continued support and feedback are invaluable as we evaluate our beginnings, identify our current needs, and plan for our future.
The council and Pastor Erika remain in close communication, working together to guide and support the church. We are incredibly grateful for your encouragement, your prayers, and the many gifts you bring to Lord of Life.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Andy Isackson
On behalf of the Lord of Life Church Council
