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In his letter to the believers in Philippi, Paul reminds us that even in times of uncertainty the peace of God will sustain us. As we say goodbye to Pastor Mark Kvale and move into a time of transition, let us rest in that promise of God’s peace and presence. As we say farewell to Pastor Kvale, we say thank you for his ministry at English Lutheran and pray for God’s blessing as he begins a new call in Boone, Iowa. We will honor Pastor Kvale for his service to our church on Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9. We invite you to be a part of this significant weekend for Pastor Mark and Ann.
Please know the Vision Board has already begun working with the La Crosse Area Synod to begin a discernment period for what’s next for English Lutheran Church. We are grateful for Pastor Becky Goche, our full-time Associate Pastor who has been very helpful in working with the Vision Board and the Synod Office in this time of transition. As of now, it appears we will be utilizing supply pastors and/or lay preachers for Saturday and Sunday worship services. There may be an Interim Pastor or Assistant Interim Pastor in the near future, but that will depend on availability of pastors, Synod Office input, and Vision Board consent.
In the coming weeks and months, the Vision Board will be working to assist the congregation in selecting a Call Committee as defined in the English Lutheran Constitution: six English Lutheran members elected by the congregation. We learned from the Synod Office that we will be able to move immediately towards a Call Committee. We will not need a Transition Team, as we have with previous call processes. We are hopeful this call process will be accomplished in a timely manner, led by the Holy Spirit. We appreciate your prayers for the Vision Board, ELC staff, and our congregation during this time of transition. More information will be forthcoming very soon as to how to recommend names of ELC members you believe may be willing to serve on a call committee.
On another note, we would like to call attention to the finances of our church and recent action taken by the Vision Board. Although giving to the General Fund has been comparable to previous years, our ministry and mission model has outpaced giving by $14,000 through the end of September. The Board has secured a line of credit with River Bank in the amount of $10,000 to be used for general operating costs if necessary. We are thankful for your generosity and blessed by your faithful stewardship. Please continue to support the ministry and mission of English Lutheran with your gifts and even prayerfully consider an extra gift before the end of the year. Please click here if you’d like to give online to the General Fund.
In Faithful Service,
Cara Hartfield, Vision Board President
Paul Moe, Vision Board Vice President
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