July 8, 2024 Pastoral Update

Greetings! We are moving forward with the work of calling our next Senior Pastor! A Transition Committee consisting of Andrea Brandt, Walt Polley, Ian Johnson, Amanda Sykora, Janet Dietrich, Renee May, Julie Omland, and Dave Quello will lead us through the first phase of this process. This self-reflection phase, which we anticipate will continue into early 2025, needs the input of all of us! It is a time for us to listen to the Holy Spirit, each other, and our community as we discern who we are and the vision for Good Shepherd – and as we develop our Ministry Site Profile that we will use in calling our Senior Pastor. Watch for information on listening sessions and other ways to share your views on the vision for Good Shepherd! You can also share your thoughts with any of the members of the Transition Committee. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this process! We anticipate that the Transition Committee’s work will continue into early 2025. 

After the work of the Transition Committee concludes, per our constitution, the Nominating Committee will nominate the Call Committee for approval by the congregation to carry out the second phase of this process. The Call Committee will assess candidates for Senior Pastor using the Ministry Site Profile and other work of the Transition Committee, eventually nominating a Senior Pastor candidate for call by the congregation. We have been advised that the entire process - Transition Committee and Call Committee work - generally takes 12-18 months. 

The incredible response to our recent challenge to pay off our mortgage shows that this congregation is ready for new and wonderful possibilities, guided by the Holy Spirit! Thank you to the individuals who have agreed to serve on the Transition Committee and to everyone for your patience, participation, support, and prayers during this transition.

Together we call,
Susan Kratz