Epiphany 4
January 28^th and 29^th, 2012
Theme:  “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?”
Mark 1:  21-28
Pattie MacDonald from World Vision will be with us on this weekend to share about how villages are changed by the building of a well.  Learn about the difference that events such as “Running for Water” make for the lives of people who are water insecure.

As I am sure that many of you with aging parents know, there may come a time when it is necessary to move closer to your parents to support them in their later years of life.  Pastors James and Debbie have been wrestling with this issue in their own lives and they believe that now is the time to move closer to Pastor Debbie’s family.

After the 10:30 service this past Sunday (1/22), I called a special meeting of Our Saviour’s Congregation Council to accept the resignation of Pastor’s Debbie and James from their calls as co-pastors at OSLC.  The attached letter (click here to read) from the Pastors further explains their decision.  A similar letter was mailed on Sunday to members of the congregation.

Pastor Debbie shared with me that their decision to leave was focused on being closer to their families.  It isn’t about leaving OSLC.  If family were not an issue, Debbie and James would continue to serve with us.

I would like to take a moment to pass along information on the process that has begun as we look to call new pastoral leadership for Our Saviour Lutheran Church.

I spoke with Bishop Mauney on Friday.  He will come to the February council meeting to help us celebrate the ministry of James and Debbie at Our Saviour and to provide us immediate pastoral care and begin the call process.  He will name a Vice Pastor for OSLC to provide pastoral care of our congregation after February 29^th.  The Vice Pastor is a Pastor from another congregation in the area who will be available for emergency support.  We will also discern whether we would like to call an interim Pastor.  An interim Pastor would have office hours at the church and leads us in worship.  It’s a general consensus that we will be calling an Interim Pastor.  A full report on the council meeting will be provided at the annual congregational meeting to be held on February 12^th after the 10:30 service.

Further down the road, we will begin the call process in earnest.  Part of the process is to determine where we are as a congregation and where we are being led by the Spirit.  It has been four years since our last congregational visioning dinners; we’re at a good point to re-evaluate the ministry at OSLC.  The call process isn’t about speed, it’s about finding the right Pastor(s).  When we called James and Debbie after John Lillie left, the call took about 10 months, a very quick turnaround as far as the call process usually goes.

While we are in the call process we will probably host a Healthy Congregations Workshop to help us through the transition from James and Debbie to our next Pastor(s).  We hosted a workshop after John left and it was a valuable experience.

Our Saviour Lutheran Church is a vibrant community of faith; gathered around the cross of Christ.  We have much to celebrate as we look back over the last eight years.  And we have much work to do as we move forward, being the hands that show God’s love. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me or any of the other members of the Church Council.

In peace,
Tom Bartkiewicz
President of OSLC 

What happens when a pastor resigns?
In most ways, the congregation continues to function in its normal way. Worship services will usually continue on the same schedule as in the past. Provision will be made for pastoral care to visit the sick or shut-ins and perform funerals, weddings, and other normal pastoral services.

What should a congregation's leaders do when a pastor resigns?
The congregation should immediately contact the synod office to determine what to do. There is a need to provide for coverage of pastoral needs during the interim period, including the selection of an Interim Pastor.

Who will preach and lead worship during the interim period?
Worship services will normally continue on the same schedule as in the past, using a “supply preacher” if necessary.

What does an Interim Pastor do?
The Interim Pastor does everything a regularly-called pastor would do. The ELCA Model Congregational Constitution specifies in *C9.07: “During the period of service, an interim pastor shall have the rights and duties in the congregation of a regularly called pastor and may delegate the same in part to a supply pastor with the consent of the bishop of the synod and this congregation or Congregation Council. The interim pastor and any ordained pastor providing assistance shall refrain from exerting influence in the selection of a pastor.”

Typical duties of an interim pastor include visiting the sick and homebound, performing weddings and funerals, supervising the church office as needed, keeping official records of baptisms, weddings and funerals, and attending church council meetings. Some of the duties, such as the number of hours, the compensation, or the teaching of confirmation classes, must be negotiated between the congregation and the interim pastor.

Each synod may have its own policies and procedures for the selection of an Interim Pastor. Some synods may use retired pastors or pastors serving as chaplains or in other types of positions. Other synods may use a pastor from a nearby parish, assisted by supply preachers. Another option may be the appointment of an Intentional Interim Pastor.

What is an Intentional Interim Pastor?
An Intentional Interim Pastor is an interim pastor with specialized training in helping a congregation during the interim period--in effect a "professional interim pastor."

What happens after an Interim Pastor arrives?
After an Interim Pastor is present, the congregation enters a period of congregational discernment. The congregation must prepare itself to search for its next pastor. This involves a process of self-study and preparation.

Why can't the congregation simply appoint a call committee and start interviewing pastoral candidates?
In most cases, a congregation is not ready to begin a search for a pastoral candidate. Research has shown that a congregation needs to first discern the direction in which God is calling it to move and the characteristics of the type of pastor it needs. Only after it has completed this preliminary work should it attempt to search for its next pastor.

So what should a congregation do?
An ELCA congregation should begin its search for its next pastor by completing a congregational self-study. This means that the congregation should take time to look at itself without the departed pastor, examine its ministry situation and the demographics of the area it serves, set up its goals and priorities, and determine what God is calling it to do. Then it should determine the characteristics of the type of pastor it needs to accomplish its goals and priorities. Only after doing this congregational self-study should the congregation normally proceed to the next step, which includes establishing a Call Committee and beginning the process of assessing pastoral candidates..

What is the end product?
The result of the congregational self-study is a 14-page computerized form called the Ministry Site Profile (MSP). (A copy may be found at www.elca.org/call and then selecting "Call Process Forms"). This is what the congregation submits to the synod. It is sometimes referred to as the "Congregational Profile." In addition, other materials may be required by particular synods.

Does the Ministry Site Profile take work to complete?
Yes, preparing the profile is complicated and time-consuming. However, it is also very important. The profile functions as the congregation's "resume" in the call process. It is the information that may be made available by the synod to qualified pastoral candidates in order to determine if they are willing to consider the particular congregation. The time invested in the Profile will make entire search process work better for the Call Committee, the synod, and the pastoral candidates.

So, how do  we get a new pastor?
After the congregation has completed its self-study, the congregation appoints a Call Committee and begins the search process. Each synod may have its own procedures. Generally, the Call Committee interviews a pastoral candidate or candidates in a highly confidential process and eventually recommends a candidate. Any potential pastoral candidate will need to be approved by a congregational meeting before receiving a regular call to be pastor of that congregation.

When should we consider an Intentional Interim Pastor?
Within the ELCA, there are many "Intentional Interim Pastors" – pastors who have received specialized training in interim ministry. These Intentional Interim Pastors are normally full-time pastors who specialize in doing interim ministry. They might be called “professional interim pastors.” When available, they are often used by synods or congregations in particularly difficult circumstances, such as the loss of a pastor due to misconduct, death, or the transition after a long-term pastorate. A few synods attempt to use Intentional Interim Pastors in most transitional situations. Congregations that are interested in this possibility should contact their synod to see if this is a possible option.

As these steps toward calling a pastor are progressing, an intentional interim pastor can help a congregation to address five Developmental Tasks. Working on these Developmental Tasks can strengthen the congregation and set up a foundation for the best possible beginning with their next pastor. Each congregation is different. There is no precise formula for the amount of time to spend on each task, nor for the order in which to work on the tasks. The intentional interim pastor works in partnership with lay leadership of the congregation to address these Developmental Tasks.

What are the Five Developmental Tasks for any congregation during the Interim Period?
     1. Coming to Terms with its History
     2. Enabling Leadership Changes
     3. Developing a Vision for the Future
     4. Renewing Synod Linkages
     5. Commitment to New Directions in Ministry

Isn't that rather complicated?
Not really. It's mostly common sense. Congregational leaders should keep in mind that there are unusual emotional dynamics at work during the interim period. The departure of a pastor creates a difficult situation for almost any congregation. There is a sense of loss that may result in a grief process similar in many respect to what happens to an individual who has suffered a loss. The congregation needs time to adjust to the loss of its pastor and to establish its own identity, separate and apart from the departed pastor. This is part of a process referred to as "Coming to Terms with its History" (Developmental Task #1) The departure of a pastor may result in other staff changes or leadership changes within the Council or Committees. This is normal, although it may seem a bit unsettling (Task #2). Then the congregation must discern the direction in which God is calling it to move. God has a plan for every congregation. The congregation needs to give attention to God's will and develop a Vision for the future (Task #3). There is an obvious need to work closely with the synod, both in the selection of an interim pastor and in the search for a new pastor (Task #4). And, finally, there is the need to establish a Call Committee and go through the search process, which may vary by synod (Task #5). So, these Five Developmental Tasks are a matter of common sense.

Thanks to all those who are serving as council members this year. We appreciate your willingness to share of your time, talents, and treasure to build up God's kingdom in and through Our Saviour Lutheran Church. Please see below all Council contacts and positions of leadership.  Especially in this year of transition please feel free to ask questions or express your opinions to any council member.

The Family Library now has a permanent home; you can find it in the room marked Library at the back of Fellowship Hall. There are books for kids from preschool through middle school. Many can be used for points in the Enterprise AR reading system used in public schools. This is a great opportunity to bring positive values and Bible-based reading into your home. The system is self serve; just check out a book on the appropriate clipboard and return it within two weeks. Questions or suggestions?  Talk to Amy Brown, Jennifer Hebert, Carla Jones, or Karen Voth.  

We decided that having a payment due in December just wasn’t any fun but we now need your next installment of $225.00 due this month on the 20th made out to OSLC.  Please place it in mailbox in the office marked Brad Stewart Youth Convention or bring it by any Saturday Night during service. In the memo field write the name of the participant. DO NOT place it in the offering plate or we won’t record your payment correctly. We will let you know when our first group meeting will be shortly.

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to stranger, for by doing this some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13: 1-2) This verse reflects the heart of our greeters ministry: to be intentional about promoting the mutual love of our fellowship and to welcome the stranger in Christ's name. If you would like to be a part of building up this great vision of mutual love and hospitality in our congregation, we need you. At this time, we are looking for a person to schedule our greeters for Sunday morning services, make reminder calls or send reminder emails to those serving, and work with the worship team in a yearly training session for our greeters. This person will get the joy of working with many willing church members who are very gifted at the ministry of greeting. And what's more, this person will get to see God's vision for our welcoming, hospitable congregation realized. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please speak to one of our Worship Team Leaders, Brad Stewart or Susan Bingler, or speak to one of the pastors.

 Scouting around OSLC Troop 180 and Winter Activities  

With our first winter snow, of a few weeks ago folks around Our Saviour would think that Scouting has moved indoors for the winter. Not so, The Boy Scout Troop 180 has full schedule of winter outdoor activities planned. In January the Troop will attend the District Chill-out. This is an outdoor camping event held each year by the Piedmont District. In past Chill-outs we have camping in temperatures in the 60’s with plenty of sun to below zero and snow.  The Scouts will come prepared for any thing that is served up. A good deal of training is done to make this a successful and a comfortable trip for the boys and the adult leaders. At troop meetings the training points include how and where to pitch your tent, the proper gear to stay warm in the many weather conditions that Virginia offers in January, and winter first aid. Even with the winter weather the Scout will rise to the challenge of camping in what ever the weather brings.  

One activity that I know will take place at these winter camp-outs is a camp fire. Boys really enjoy sitting around a blazing fire, talking about the day’s events, telling tall tales, or just staring into the fire and relaxing. I have seen the most hyper active youth calm down around a simple campfire.  

If any one from the church has any questions or knows of young men interested Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts. Or young men and women interested in Venturing Please contact me at rd_baker@comcast.net or by phone at 347-9135  

Interested in joining Our Saviour community of faith? Please join Pastor Debbie in an information session about belonging to Christian community and to Our Saviour’s community of faith.

The class is being scheduled now. We will have time to build relationships, learn more about Christian community, the Lutheran church, and how to find your place at Our Saviour.

Please let Pastor Debbie know if you plan to attend or if you would like to join our community of faith on this weekend.

Our Saviour prayer chain is a group of people who intentionally pray for specific needs of our congregation, family, friends, and the world. Give one of our prayer chain leaders a call to have your request prayed for. They will then pass along your request to rest of the prayer chain members. All prayer chain requests are kept confidential. Our new prayer chain leaders and contacts are Kathryn Brettle (540) 428-2782 and Ginger O’Reilly (571) 261-3321. 

If you would like to join our congregation’s prayer chain and pray for others specific requests, please be in touch with Kathryn or Ginger. Our thanks go out to Jane Osburn, who was instrumental in starting the prayer chain and the leader for several years. She offered us great leadership in this ministry. We will miss Jane as she leaves our church and the Warrenton community and moves to her new home in Northern Virginia.  

The new Care-notes in the vestibule area are given in loving memory by the family of David Blank and in thanksgiving for the support and love shown during his illness and after his death.  These Care-notes are a resource of care and support for the journeys of life.

OSLC Car Magnets

While you are at the Donut Table on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, please look at the NEW OSLC Car Magnets which the Youth are also selling to raise funds for the two upcoming Youth trips. For $3 you can show your pride in OSLC and at the same time help defray some of their travel costs!!

Social Ministry Activities September - November/December 2011

Items collected: 131 food items collected (Nov), plus 120 items for community Thanksgiving dinner, plus donation from Boy Scout food drive (uncounted)

Thanksgiving Turkeys—Collected $110

Food baskets filled: (Nov)  5

Food Distribution: 162 families/514 people (Nov)

People Helping People: 40 volunteer hrs, $2,930 aid to 21 families (Nov)

Free Clinic: Provided 20 meals for volunteers on Dec 8.

December Activities: Angel Tree gifts for 13 children, 2 gifts each; Senior Angel gifts for 8 recipients, gift and gift card; Advent Food Tree in narthex

Quilt Ministry—“Thank you” brunch scheduled for January 14^th, to honor all who helped make LWR quilts

Fair Trade Items (coffee, etc): 2 units

January Activity: Collecting coats, hats, gloves, and blankets in new or gently-used condition

Financial Report - November 2011