article #5

article #4

article #3

Dear members of the Emmanuel and Laurel Hall Community, This is the second in a continuing series of articles regarding the progress of our Call Committee. In a series of meetings which we called “Cottage Meetings” about a year ago, the congregation informed us about their requests for a new pastor. Here is a consolidated list in no particular order: • Administration: Supervise senior and church staff promoting morale and development. • Building a Sense of Community: Help Emmanuel and Laurel Hall grow closer together. • Pastoral Care and Visitation: Get to know members of the congregation including the homebound • Youth and Family Ministry: Develop a relationship with the Laurel Hall School children and families. • Worship: Provide inspirational preaching (Sunday services, school chapels and additional life activities) and worship planning (with the Minister of Music). • Arts: Support drama, music and the arts in our unique entertainment based community • Development: Lead our community in developing a strategic mission plan and assist in its implementation. In addition… • Help people develop their spiritual life • Build a sense of community among the people with whom he/she works • Be an effective communicator • Bring joy and good humor to relationships • Be creative and innovative about his or her tasks In my next article I will share with you more information from the MSP (Ministry Site Profile). Please keep us in your prayers as we begin our interview process. Back articles are on the web site https://www.elcnoho.org/call-committee383c96a4 You can reach us via email at: callcommittee@elcnoho.org Marshall Bowen, Call Committee Chair

Dear members of the Emmanuel and Laurel Hall Community, I am sure all of you want to hear about the progress our Call Committee is making toward the calling of the new pastor for Emmanuel. As the elected chair of the Call Committee, I pledge to keep you up-to-date on all information which I can share. No doubt you can appreciate the reality that some of what we are doing and discussing must be kept confidential, as in any job-related hiring situation. The Call Committee is the group which will study the information about candidates, listen to sermon tapes, and schedule and conduct interviews. We will determine compensation, benefits, and related details to be recommended as part of the nomination of the final candidate. When a final decision is made, the Call Committee will provide you with descriptive information regarding the recommended candidate. Emmanuel congregation members will then have the option to choose or decline this candidate. At least two-thirds of the members present and voting at a meeting properly called for that purpose must vote for the candidate before the call can be issued. But, along the way I will keep you informed on our progress and share with you as much information as possible. We have guidelines and definite steps to be followed under the direction of the Bishop and her staff. The Transition Committee has completed what is called the “Ministry Site Profile.” It was based on the information which was shared at our Cottage Meetings which took place earlier this year. It has now been approved by both the Call Committee and the Congregation Council. This will be used by the Committee, our Bishop and staff, and prospective candidates (pastors available for a call who are to be suggested to us by the Bishop). We have our first meeting with the Synod staff person assigned to our church coming up soon. In my next article I will share with you information from the MSP (Ministry Site Profile). You can reach us via email at: callcommittee@elcnoho.org Marshall Bowen, Call Committee Chair