PASTOR  BROWN’S  REPORT

       “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”  (I Corinthians 12:27)

     When St. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us that we are “Members of the Body of Christ”, he is telling us that each member is essential to the functioning of the church, just as each member of our body is essential to the functioning of our body.

     As you, the members of Good Shepherd, look ahead to the leadership of an Interim Pastor, and then the leadership of a new pastor, I am confident that you will continue strong in Mission and Ministry, Worship and Growth in the Word, and Oneness in Love and Fellowship.

     A smooth transition between pastors, and growth into the future, requires that each member assumes responsibility to be an active member, and that the lay leadership work extra hard looking forward and keeping an eye on our mission:

Mission Statement

Know Christ as Savior, Lord and Friend

Grow in Christ through Worship Bible Study, Prayer and Christian Fellowship

Go in Christ’s name to proclaim the Good News of His love,

Care for the needy, and make Disciples of all.

Accomplishments this year

      A Call committee is already working, under the leadership of chair:  Duane Meneely.

     The church council, under the leadership of President, Gary Wolfe, V.P. Dave Kretzmann, and Secretary, Mark Nelson, has been working diligently to be able to “run the church” during the interim and while the new pastor is becoming acquainted with the congregation and getting a feel for things. 

      We have an excellent Church Council.  But they need every member to step up and assume a little more responsibility.  Now is a good time for every member to examine their heart, their calendar, and their budget, and ask, “Lord, how can I help?”

     Diane Hauf came on staff in March as Office Manager.  Office Manager is a key position, especially during a pastoral change.  Letty Sloma left big shoes to fill.  It was an answer to prayer when Diane accepted the position.  Diane brings experience from having worked in a similar position in San Marcos, Ca.  She plunged right into the life of the congregation, and has volunteered to serve in many ways beyond her salaried position.  She enhances her work with skills in music, drama, and art.

     A Video Projection System was added to our Sanctuary in 2008.  It is working well, with a team of volunteers to run it.  We first used it on Christmas Eve.  We are making good use of it showing Videos on Peter and Paul during our midweek Lenten services.  We have used it at Memorial Services, and to give reports on Missions and to promote upcoming events.

Our Great Staff

Cliff Savage, our Custodian, continues to be a key man in our church.  He keeps up on the calendar, helps coordinate special events in the fellowship hall, is always willing to help, and serves on the property committee.

     Under Shirley Myers leadership, our Chancel Choir always lifts us up in worship.  We thank Shirley for giving up her salary, but not giving up her dedication to the ministry of the choir.  And we thank LaLa Lowe for her dedication to accompanying the choir with her superb skill.

Andrea Lemon, our Nursery Attendant, and Alyssa Hurdle, our Children’s Church Leader, are two important part-time staff persons. They bring their skill, compassion and faith to our little ones Sunday after Sunday.

     Jeremy Gomez, our “Youth Commander” has endeared himself to our youth.  He has brought youthful vitality to our youth ministry.  He shares himself and his faith without reserve.

     Pastor Dan Myers will finish five good years of ministry among us in August.  Dan has been faithful to Good Shepherd, to me, and to His Lord, during his time with us.  I have always been confident, when I have been away, that things were in good hands, when he was in the pulpit, leading worship, and being a pastor to those in need.  I join all of you in praying for Dan, as he moves on to God’s next calling for him.     

Loyalty to the ELCA

      I want to share my convictions with you regarding my loyalty to the ELCA, and encourage you, as a congregation to be loyal to the Sierra Pacific Synod, and the national ELCA.

     Just as we, as individuals, are members of our congregation, our congregation is a member of the larger church.  We support the larger church, and the larger church supports us.  We do ministry and mission as a congregation.  We do mission and ministry as a synod and as a national church that we cannot do as a congregation. 

     We are proud and thankful that we were able to begin Hispanic ministry in our church when we were in East Salinas.  We never could have done it alone.  It was a partnership between our congregation and the national church.

    We are proud and thankful that six sons of our congregation have gone into the ministry, counting Brian Foxworth, who will soon graduate from PLTS. But without our ELCA colleges and Seminaries, these men could never have become pastors.  We need the ELCA.

      We especially need our Bishop, and his staff, to secure an Interim Pastor, and to call a new Pastor.

     Finally, I want to thank all of you for the supreme privilege it has been to be your pastor.  Joyce and I will continue to hold you in our hearts, and to pray for you, that your love for Jesus, for each other, and for the world, will never falter, but always grow stronger.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Brown

Pastoral Acts

(continued)

Codes:

B = Baptsim         A = Affirmation     T = Transfer       R = Reinstate