First Lutheran Church is in a time of discernment as we call a new Lead Pastor to serve our congregation. You can follow our progress as we move through the call process in the coming months.

 

Review the Ministry Site Profile that was submitted and the “Seven Reflections” submitted with it as a supplement.

Review the Ministry Site Profile

“Seven Reflections” Supplement

TRANSITION BEGINS

The Council discerns requirements and duties for Transitional Pastor and requests recommendations from the Synod office.

Our Transitional Pastor, Rev. Steve Griffith, is called, installed and began July 8.

Our Assistant to the Bishop, Pastor Megan Morrow, is assigned.

Transition Begins

100%

THE TRANSITION PROJECTS

Our Spiritual Director, Denise Mainquist, is assigned to help us wrap the process in prayer.

Our Spiritual Direction Experience was held Sunday, August 2, 2020, at noon on the church lawn.

Community demographics information has been compiled.

A community needs assessment has been completed.

The Transition Projects

100%

THE MINISTRY SITE PROFILE

A Ministry Site Profile survey was sent to the congregation in mid-June.

The Council reviewed the survey results.

Our Ministry Site Profile was completed and posted for comment by the congregation.

The Church Council reviewed and approved the Ministry Site Profile.

The Ministry Site Profile has been submitted to the Mobility Database System.

The Ministry Site Profile

100%

The Call Committee

Congregation members were invited to apply to serve on the Call Committee in July.

The Council has named the Call Committee.

Install and train the Call Committee.

Steve Eicher has been selected to serve as the Chair of the Call Committee.

The Call Committee is prepared to receive candidates.

The Call Committee has received candidate names.

The Call Committee has interviewed the candidate(s).

The Call Committee

100%

COUNCIL INTERVIEWS CANDIDATE

The Council received a recommendation of a candidate from the Call Committee.

The Council interviewed the candidate.

The Council has recommended a candidate to the congregation.

Council Interviews Candidate

100%

THE CONGREGATION MEETS THE CANDIDATE AND VOTES

The congregation welcomed and met the candidate on June 12 and 13.

A specially-called Congregational Meeting was held at noon on Sunday, June 20, and a vote was held to call Pastor Erin Heidelberger as new Lead Pastor.

A Letter of Call was extended to Pastor Erin Heidelberger.

The Congregation Meets the Candidate and Votes

100%

THANK YOU & FAREWELL FOR THE TRANSITIONAL MINISTER

A Godspeed ceremony for Pastor Stephen Griffith, our transitional Lead Pastor, was held during worship on Sunday, August 1, with a reception from 9:30-10:30 am.

The congregation thanked Pastor Stephen Griffith, Transitional Lead Pastor, with a card shower and monetary gifts towards the purchase of a purse.

Thank You & Farewell for the Transitional Minister

100%

WELCOMING THE NEW PASTOR

The "New Beginnngs" committee is making plans to welcome Pastor Erin whose first day as Lead Pastor is Monday, August 16.
2

Pastor Erin Heidelberger will begin her ministry at First Lutheran Church on Monday, August 16.
3

Pastor Erin will be installed as Lead Pastor during worship on August 21 and 22.

Welcoming the New Pastor

33%

For more information about the call process, feel free to contact our Council President, Denise Mainquist.

For more information about the call process, feel free to contact the Call Committee Chairperson, Steve Eicher.