Pastor’s Wednesday Message

Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I am writing on behalf of the Church Council to tell you that our call candidate has decided to withdraw from consideration for call to Shepherd of the Valley. I sincerely regret to share this news with you. I, like many of you, feel that he has the gifts and character needed to lead this congregation as its pastor. But he prayed a lot and worked hard to discern where God is leading him. After much reflection, he came to believe that he should withdraw from consideration for call to SOV. So, now we grieve the loss of the good spirit and good leadership he might have brought to SOV.

It’s hard to predict where a pastor’s spiritual discernment will lead during a call process. Every pastor strives to remain open, listen to God, and respond faithfully to the Holy Spirit’s guiding. I trust that his process and decision reflects his best effort to live in obedience to God. I pray that you will accept his decision in this same spirit.

Where do we go from here? We will move into another round of interviewing candidates, discerning the right one, and inviting that person to serve as Shepherd’s pastor. The second time around will be easier and quicker than the first because the Call Committee has rehearsed its process and honed its skills. Pastor Susan Kintner from the Oregon Synod office will need some time to find new candidates. Early Fall would be a likely time for the Call Committee to get those names. I hope and anticipate that a second cycle of interviews leading to a Congregational Call Meeting could be completed before the end of 2016. Meanwhile, I will continue to serve as Shepherd’s Interim Pastor.

This Sunday, July 24, we will hold a Town Hall Meeting between the two worship services. When a congregation experiences a disappointment like this, it’s helpful to meet together to share thoughts and feelings, grieve our losses, and begin to look to the future. I will facilitate the meeting with those aims in mind. I hope you will attend as the Spirit moves you.

The Gospel lesson for July 24 offers guidance for us today. Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray. After he gives them The Lord’s Prayer, he tells them to be persistent (annoyingly persistent!) in prayer. “So I say to you, Ask and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (Lk. 11:9) So, we follow the Lord’s teaching. We will keep on asking, knocking, and searching — for a new pastor for SOV. We will keep on pestering God in prayer and action. Our part now is to keep the faith and keep on going. At the right time, God will answer our prayers and provide the right pastor for SOV.

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Lessons for July 24th
Genesis 18:20-32
Colossians 2:6-15
Luke 11:1-13

THIS WEEK

Wednesday  10:00 a Bible Study

Thursday     10:00 a LLL
                    7:00 p Council Meeting

Friday          1:00 – 9:00 p Palmeter Piano Studio

Saturday      9:30 – 11:30 a  SOV Choir rehearsal

Sunday        8:30 & 10:30 a worship service

Community volunteers needed
Loving arms are needed to cuddle babies and toddlers of teen parents
Beaverton School District
Continuing Education for Young Parents Program
Merlo Station High School
1841 SW Merlo Drive
(not far from SOV)
Caregivers are needed one morning or afternoon a week, or as substitutes. Call or email Kate Richman (contact secretary Tammy for the phone/email address).