Dear Brothers, Sisters and friends of Immanuel,
WHEW! A huge thank you to everyone who helped in any way with putting the annual report together, participating in the annual meeting and organizing and cleaning up the pot luck lunch. We had a couple of minor glitches, but nothing serious.
Also a huge thank you all who attended the annual meeting and voted on the various issues presented. Aside from the usual orders of business such as selecting those who will attend the synod assembly, two significant issues were voted on. First, amendments to the constitution were approved. The first were amendments approved by churchwide at the 2016 assembly. Second, was giving the youth representative for Immanuel’s’ council both voice and vote. This is significant, as it states clearly that our youth are important and that their participation in the leadership of this congregation is necessary and appreciated. (While approved, they will be ratified at the next called congregational meeting).
And last, but certainly not least, was the vote to allow the calling of a pastor that might be in a same gender, long term, committed and publicly accountable relationship, as well as allowing the pastor to perform same gender weddings, blessings or unions. This vote does several things. First it allows the synod to offer names for consideration from the entire roster of the ELCA. Second, it provides the call committee with the entire roster of available pastors looking for a new call. Being able to select from the complete roster ensures that a pastor with the best ‘fit’ will be able to be called as your next pastor.
And, just as importantly, it says to the community that Immanuel is truly welcoming to all who desire to attend worship and participate in the life of this church. This affirms the mission statement that was just approved (We gather as people of Christ to serve with love hope and faith) and it also affirms the core values that we have started to work on – one of which was openness and hospitality.
This is truly a watershed moment, as it signals a new focus and a step forward in the ministry and mission of this congregation. As children of God, one body of Christ, we are called to love one another as God has first loved us. We are all called to serve with an open heart – despite whatever differences we may have. We are united in our common baptism.
As we move ahead in the next few months, we will continue to work on the visioning process, we will gather during Lent for reflection and continue the ministry here at Immanuel. Well done good and faithful servants….
Yours in Christ.
Pr. Vicki