How often parents have heard these words as everyone is anxious to get to their destination?
How are we doing as a congregation experiencing our journey during a time of transition? We will move through the next months with productive ministries. We will continue to be guided by Holy Spirit and the council and synod guidelines.
At the end of July we expressed our gratitude and thanks to Pastor Steve Svoboda. We will miss him and wish him God’s blessings as he moves to serve another congregation in Bloomington. As the Svoboda family continues to reside in Buffalo, we’ll enjoy seeing them about town.
The church council and Personnel Committee will be in the process of calling an interim pastor as Pastor Hahn will be leaving at the end of September.
The transition committee has completed their task and their documentation is being sent on to the synod. This information describing “who we are” as a congregation will be shared with pastors interested in our call for a senior pastor. Calling a senior pastor is truly our highest priority.
I trust many of you have presented names of persons interested in serving on this call committee. Seven members will be selected-person’s very dedicated to the task, devoting time and energy to recommend a pastor for Zion. The call committee members will represent all members of Zion and recognize our needs and be devoted to the mission statement of Zion. After a senior pastor is called, we will proceed with other staff needs of our congregation.
The synod has requested that a listening team visit Zion and interview several Zion members to assist in reconciling differences and prepare our congregation for the “next stage.”
As Council President, I am very impressed with the time commitment of members of the many committees of Zion. This should give us all encouragement that the work of the church continues during this time of change.
Two new endeavors are in the planning process: The constitution review committee will update our constitution as it has not been done since 2002. The Adult Education committee is planning a forum this fall to address topics studied at the latest Synod Conference.
The property committee will proceed with the roof project after the positive vote (102 yes, 1 no) at the July 13 congregation meeting. The Sunday school and confirmation programs are getting well organized for the fall season. Our programs will continue with our staff and volunteers.
God has blessed Zion with an abundance of gifted an talented people. Every member can find ways to contribute.
Are we there yet? As we continue on our journey during this transition time we can conjure up a picture of disorganization or create a picture of excitement and opportunity. May it lead us to pray more, sing louder and shout for joy!
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Psalm 96
Idella Ziegler
Church Council Chairperson
