April:   Update on Calling a New Pastor to Grace Lutheran

Members of the South Dakota Synod Support to Ministries Committee conducted the Parish Study with nearly 100 members of Grace Lutheran Congregation meeting in the Fellowship on March 13, 2007.

Rev. David Larson, Assistant to the Bishop, along with Rev. Terrill Sorenson of Britton, Dean of the Prairie Coteau Conference, and Mr. Darrel Sorenson of Aberdeen, Lay Representative of Northern Plains Conference, were there to lead the meeting.

Three concurrent meetings began at 6:00pm. Rev. Terrill Sorenson and Mr. Darrell Sorenson met in separate groups with task forces and other congregational groups. Rev. David Larson met with members of the Call Committee and members of the Church Council.

At 7:OOpm the Support to Ministries Parish Study team met with members of Grace Lutheran Congregation. Rev. David Larson greeted the gathering by congratulating the members of Grace Congregation gathered in the Fellowship Hall as the largest Parish Study group he had conducted in his 11 years of service to the Synod.

A wide range of topics and concerns were discussed. Rev. Larson set forth the procedures and time line concerning the Call Process. Rev. Larson emphasized that a church does not hire a pastor to work, but prayerfully considers the Call of a new pastor. The new pastor candidate must also prayerfully consider the Call to a new congregation. Rev. Larson asked Grace Lutheran Congregation to pray for the members of Support to Ministries as they meet to consider a candidate for Grace Lutheran and to also to pray for those pastors who may consider the Call.

Synod Support to Ministries Committee met on March 23`^d and 24^t'. Following that meeting it usually takes a week or two to contact a candidate, hear back from them and then present the name to the congregation.

The Call Committee of Grace Lutheran asks that we continue to offer our prayers of support for the Calling of a new pastor.