Dear Congregation,
Some of you were at the ordination for Heidi Youngquist last evening and are aware that Pastor Bill Peterson became suddenly ill and was transported to the hospital. Pastor Billl suffered a stroke, he is able to talk, but has a long road to recovery in front of him. Unfortunately, he will not be able to continue with us as Associate Transitional Minister. Please keep Pastor Bill and Judy in your prayers for healing and recovery.
Right now, I’m not sure how we will handle Pastor Bill’s Farewell and Godspeed, but if you would like to contribute a monetary gift for Pastor Bill, please send it to the church by August 25.
We are fortunate that Reverend Beth Ann Stone, a daughter of the congregation, was at the ordination service last night and offered to preside over our church services this weekend. If you attend services this weekend, please express your gratitude to Pastor Beth Ann for offering her support.
The Council is the process of interviewing a Transitional Associate Pastor that was to start after Pastor Bill’s contract terminates at the end of August, so we do not anticipate an extended disruption of pastoral care for the congregation.
We are working on providing pastoral care to members over the next two weeks until Pastor Erin arrives. If you are in need of pastoral care or have questions, please forward those requests to Cyndi Crouse, cyndi@flclincoln.org. I can also help to answer questions and you may email me at deemain12564@yahoo.com.
Staff and Council, in collaboration with the Synod, are working to ensure ministries and plans are not disrupted. I will share more details of plans in next week’s First Things First e-newsletter.
Please grant grace to all those around you who are anxious, worried and suffering. Please grant grace to pastors and staff as we reorganize and plan for the future. Please be understanding if some things are delayed or there are rough waters ahead. Please also keep Pastor Erin in your prayers as she transitions her home and her family to our community.
Light and love,
Denise Mainquist
Congregational President
