Call Committee Recommends Associate Pastor
Over the past few months, members of the congregation have approached Pastor Jeff about the possibility of calling Vicar Bree Lloyd to serve as a pastor at LCH. After several conversations with Bishop Andy Taylor and other synod staff, it was determined that Vicar Bree was eligible to be a pastoral candidate at LCH. Pastor Jeff and Vicar Bree had several conversations exploring her sense of call, the mission of the congregation, possible roles, and the challenges and opportunities such a call might present; and Vicar Bree expressed interest in working with the congregation toward a part-time call. Pastor Jeff forwarded the request from members to the Congregational Council Executive Committee, and they agreed to bring it to the attention of the full council.
At their July meeting, the Congregational Council appointed an exploration team consisting of members of the congregation to explore the possibility of calling an associate pastor. Josie Bidgood, Keene Ishii, April Olsen, Steve Miller, Mary Fastenau, and Peter Flachsbart served on the committee. They have worked enthusiastically to developed a mission profile and considered how God might be moving LCH into the future and what role an associate pastor might play. At the September meeting, the council received the report of the exploration team and voted to move forward with consideration of calling Vicar Bree as a part-time, term-call pastor.
In the next couple of weeks, you will receive a report from the call committee and council outlining the missional opportunities they believe the congregation might undertake and how Vicar Bree, as a pastoral candidate, might help the congregation to move forward. Of particular interest is working toward a deeper ministry in creation care and community involvement. You will be invited to take part in one of two Zoom “town hall” meetings where you will have a chance to be heard, make suggestions, and ask questions. If the results of the town hall meetings are positive, the council will schedule a special congregational meeting in the next few weeks and ask the congregation to authorize a call. Calling a pastor is a congregational decision that is not to be made lightly. Please be assured that, throughout this process, congregational leadership has been serious in their discernment and focused on the mission of the congregation. We ask for your prayers as we look boldly into the future!
Digital Organ Discussion
Thursday, October 14, at 7:00 pm • Via Zoom Meeting
Many of you have noticed the new organ console in the Nave. This instrument is on loan from BYUH with the possibility of remaining at LCH as a supplementary instrument. There will be a Q&A and discussion hour regarding the organ on Thursday, October 14, at 7:00 pm. All are invited to attend. Please email Scott Fikse at scott@LCHwelcome.org to receive the Zoom invitation. Bring your questions, praise, and concerns. This will also be an opportunity to learn about the instrument and the pros and cons of owning a digital organ.
Any list of the greatest composers of art song would be sorely incomplete without the names Brahms, Mozart, and Schubert.
Blessing of Petsat 10:00 am
Vespers for the Feast of St. Francis at 7:30 pm
All are invited to join us for our first Bach and Prayer service on September 22 at 7:00 pm. A quiet time of prayer and reflection, Bach and Prayer offers a space for silent prayer and meditation interspersed with contemplative organ works by J. S. Bach and his family.
Please join us Saturday, September 25, at 9:00 am for God’s Work Our Hands Volunteer Day at Sand Island Beach Park. Though not the same day as God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, this will be LCH’s opportunity to participate in the ELCA’s national day of service. God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday celebrates who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America—one church freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
The beginning of the new school year marks the return of Godly Play, LCH’s Sunday School program for children from kindergarten though 5th grade.
September also brings the return of Compline, or Prayer at the Close of the Day.
Incredible as it may seem, Vicar Bree’s time with us as an intern is almost over. She has been a wonderful addition to this ministry, and we want to say thank you in grand (pandemic-appropriate) style. We hope that you will be able to join us to thank this exceptional vicar who has brought vitality and optimism to our congregation during this very challenging year.
Enjoy a night of vocal jazz in the swinging styles of legendary groups like Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices, and Singers Unlimited. Wearing a hat from a previous life with Celebration Vocal Jazz and Celebrity Cruises, our music director Scott Fikse will be joined by five fabulous vocalists and the LCH Jazz Combo for an evening of unforgettable music from the pop, musical theater, jazz, and rock genres.
Author Jacqueline Carey illuminates an interesting metaphor when she says “There are patterns which emerge in one’s life, circling and returning anew, an endless variation on a theme. So…the greatest sonatas are composed.”