A Message from the Council President
After the Church Council met on Sunday, August 8 to discuss the worship situation, Pastor Ferra informed me of his intent to resign effective September 5, 2021. Pastor Ferra asked the Synod for an interim pastor situation which "...would use more of my meaningful abilities. Such an opportunity has arisen." (quote from his letter). Naturally, this comes at a most challenging time, and I ask for guidance as we move forward and look for our next pastor.
My plans are to meet with the Vision Committee and the Church Council to determine our steps moving forward. We have supply pastors in place until October 3. Watch the bulletin and your emails for updates. We will also make announcements as needed after worship services and call any special meetings of the congregation as needed. The decision to continue worship considering the increase in COVID-19 numbers was a difficult one, but with the Pastor's decision, the Council thought that closing worship at this time would be very challenging for us. We are back to
conducting the proper protocols by wearing masks in church & distancing. We will likely hold a congregational
conversation soon where we can discuss this in person as a group and move forward as a congregation. God has a
plan for us, we just need to determine what that plan is, and we can do that together.
In Peace,
Dave
After the Church Council met on Sunday, August 8 to discuss the worship situation, Pastor Ferra informed me of his intent to resign effective September 5, 2021. Pastor Ferra asked the Synod for an interim pastor situation which "...would use more of my meaningful abilities. Such an opportunity has arisen." (quote from his letter). Naturally, this comes at a most challenging time, and I ask for guidance as we move forward and look for our next pastor.
My plans are to meet with the Vision Committee and the Church Council to determine our steps moving forward. We have supply pastors in place until October 3. Watch the bulletin and your emails for updates. We will also make announcements as needed after worship services and call any special meetings of the congregation as needed. The decision to continue worship considering the increase in COVID-19 numbers was a difficult one, but with the Pastor's decision, the Council thought that closing worship at this time would be very challenging for us. We are back to
conducting the proper protocols by wearing masks in church & distancing. We will likely hold a congregational
conversation soon where we can discuss this in person as a group and move forward as a congregation. God has a
plan for us, we just need to determine what that plan is, and we can do that together.
In Peace,
Dave
CHURCH EVENTS
September 26 - 9:30 a.m. Worship Service in person & on
Facebook - Rev. Teresa Foster
September 28 - 10:30 a.m. Office Staff Meeting
3:30 p.m. Hymn Planning
October 3 - 9:30 a.m. Worship Service in person & on
Facebook - Rev. Teresa Foster
October 5 - 10:30 a.m. Office Staff Meeting
1:00 p.m. Knitting Group
2:00 p.m. Worship & Music Committee Meeting
October 10 - 9:30 a.m. Worship Service in person & on
10:30 a.m. Council Meeting
October 11 - 2:00 p.m. Bible Study
October 12 - 10:30 a.m. Office Staff Meeting
MISSION STATEMENT
To inspire members to grow in loving devotion to Jesus Christ, caring concern for one another, welcoming outreach, and loving service to our neighbors.
VISION STATEMENT
Immanuel Lutheran Church will be known for welcoming hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity.
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Worship Schedule: 9:30 a.m. |
Immanuel Lutheran Church
726 Fuller Avenue Big Rapids, MI 49307 Phone: 231-796-8273 Fax: 231-796-9599 Email: immanuelbigrapids726@gmail.com |